So, these are the three that didn't make it into QuiltCon. Stylistically, I think they differ from the other three, but to tell you the truth the only one I really thought was a long shot was the second one. It's awfully busy and may not be some people's cup of tea. I purposely entered a lot of quilts so I would have a better chance, but I was lucky that I had some that I thought were suitable and available to enter. The only one that was made specifically for QuiltCon was Love in the Digital Age.
About the word rejection: I don't like that word in describing what happened here. I think with over 1300 quilts entered there were some very tough decisions being made. I really like this blog post about the word rejection. I prefer to say that these quilts were regretfully passed up.
I haven't seen this mentioned, but the way quilts were presented in photos could have made a difference. I have been entering juried shows for just a few years, but have taken very seriously the advice I've gotten on photographing quilts. Here's one set of helpful tips. Here's another good one. In general, I would never offer a quilt photo taken with my phone for a call for entry. If that's all you've got, it's time to find a friend with a higher quality camera.
Many folks have been talking about the Modern Quilt Guild definitions of modern. This is the key point that has bugged me since the whole movement started. They were obviously not the first to make "modern" quilts. Minimalism, negative space, alternate grid, high contrast, improvisational piecing have been around for decades and even centuries. I also am bugged when people like Gwen Marston are looked over as having contributed greatly to this movement. However, having said that, I find myself gravitating more and more to the improvisational part of this aesthetic and the folks who work in this realm. QuiltCon 2015 will be my first QuiltCon show and I look forward to seeing the quilts, meeting the people, and feeling the energy.
Re solids: Patty, in the comments on this post, mentioned that mine may have been chosen because they feature solid fabrics. I have no idea about that for sure, but I have been seeing a lot more solids being used in the modern movement than the traditional quilt guild. As you can see here, the three that didn't make it also feature solids. I confess that for a while there, I thought modern meant that you used modern prints. I bought a bunch and made some quilts that are okay, but really not my favorite. In my case, I first fell in love 30 years ago with traditional Amish quilts, which, as I'm sure you know, are mostly made with solids. It seems I am coming back to that and I really want to play with solids for their graphic quality. They also simplify my life as a quilter. I don't have to worry about the personality of prints playing well together when I use solids. My print stash has shrunk quite a bit over the years and the solids are taking over. That suits me, but it doesn't mean it has to suit everyone. I also still love a wild and wacky scrap quilt with a little bit of everything.
So, for those whose quilts were regretfully passed up here's my advice. Keep on making what you love. If you are making what you think others will love, you will not be expressing your true voice. If you make what you love you will be making art and craft that speak to you, is an expression of yourself and your personal aesthetic and you will find that this work shines. Also, keep on entering shows if that's important to you. Find other local, regional and even national shows that you can enter. I want to put in a plug for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. They take all quilts that are entered as long as they meet the requirements for size and finishing. See more about requirements here. The 2015 SOQS is going to be huge! It's their 40th anniversary and I know there will be many wonderful special exhibits. They usually show over 1200 quilts and people come from all over the world to see them. Modern quilts are also well received here.
So, make 2015 a year in which you keep on finding your true voice as a quilter, in which you enter quilts if that's your desire, and keep on keeping on, as they say!