Our judge for 2012 is Kathy Ward.  She has been quiltmaking since 1985, teaching since 1986, and judging since 1991. She has been sewing since the age of three, and quiltmaking has been a natural transition. She feels that fabric is a wonderful medium, and the creative possibilities are endless! She is a Florida native, and especially enjoys making quilts that emphasize the beauty of this state.

Kathy is active in The National Quilting Association, having served as president as well as several other board positions. She is also a participant in the state organization, Sunshine State Quilting Association, as well as the Palm Beach County Quilters Guild. She has taught, lectured, and judged locally, regionally and nationally. Judging has included shows from 10 items to 400 items, so her experience is extensive and varied. Teaching includes hand and machine classes, though machine applique and quilting are two of her favorites. Creating unusual looks with a variety of traditional materials is the newest of her many interests. Of her many awards, the one that is most special to Kathy is the 1996 Teacher of the Year by the Professional Quilters Magazine. The National Quilting Association certified Kathy as a Beginning Quiltmaking Teacher in 1988 and Judge in 2001.