Today’s topic: Quilt Challenges. I’m currently working on a Quilt Challenge project. It’s had me stumped this time around. I thought I had a great idea that would perfectly fit the theme of the challenge (Heritage on a Small Scale). I had so many sketched-out ideas and thoughts about how to bring my idea to life. Nope – didn’t like any of them. None of them felt right.
That frustration got me thinking about Quilt Challenges in general and why would I subject myself to this process. Here’s the thing – I love a good challenge, and a quilt challenge is right up my alley. It could be the same for you.
What is a Quilt Challenge?
A Quilt Challenge is an organized event to create a quilted project that expresses each quilter’s interpretation of a common theme. It can be absolutely fascinating to see how a single, common theme can be expressed so differently by each participant in the challenge.
Choosing the Right Challenge
When deciding to participate in a Quilt Challenge – it’s important to select a challenge that fits with your skill level (and that you want to challenge yourself), aligns with your interests, and that the challenge theme inspires you. There are so many options to choose from – some challenges are about color or a certain group of fabrics. Other challenges may focus on a particular technique. Some challenges may be for a single block while others may be for an entire quilt.
Quilt Challenges can be found in many places including local quilt guilds, fabric manufacturers, quilt shops and pattern designers, large quilt shows, quilting associations such as AQS, and some quilt museums. A quick internet search will provide lots of options. Here are a few I found:
- Windham Artisan Cotton 2024 Fabric Challenge – https://quiltcon.com/windham-challenge/
- National Quilt Museum – 2024 Theme: New Quilts from an Old Favorite – https://quiltmuseum.org/nqof/
- The Cherrywood Challenge – https://cherrywoodfabrics.com/pages/the-cherrywood-challenge
- Riley Blake Designs Block Challenge – https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/2023-rbd-block-challenge
- Metropolitan Patchwork Society – Heritage on a Small Scale ( Members Only) – https://www.metropatch.com/2023-quilt-challenge/
- Portland Modern Quilt Guild – The Rainbow Fabric Challenge (Members Only) – https://portlandmodernquiltguild.com/rainbow-challenge
Understand the Rules and Guidelines
Every challenge has a few rules. Although the rules for every challenge will vary, these rules normally include something about the size and fabrics used. The rules will also include due dates and documentation of the project (designer, quilter, etc.). Before diving into the challenge – be sure that you understand the rules for your specific challenge.
Gathering Inspiration
Now that you’ve chosen a quilt challenge – it’s time to gather your ideas into one place so that you can play with them. Sometimes the theme itself will give you a clear idea about what you want to do. Other times, it helps to do a little research around your concept. Some people create a “mood board” – a little like designing a room. I tend to sketch out my ideas (initially) with a blank sheet of paper and a mechanical pencil (so old school).
As I was working on my current challenge – the theme was immediately inspiring to me. I’ve been doing a deep dive into my family ancestry for the past 3 – 4 years. This should be easy (I thought at the time). I had a bunch of ideas about how to tie my ancestry research into this project.
Planning and Designing
Once you’ve nailed down your inspiration – it’s time to start planning your design. This is the time to think about colors, materials, proportions, and arrangement of the elements of the project.
This is where my ideas for my current challenge project fell apart. Back to gathering inspiration. I went online and started researching all the ways in which heritage can be shared. So. Many. Ways. One of those ways struck a chord with me and sent me off in a completely new direction. My new idea is so much better than my initial idea! Notice how I’m not telling you what my new idea is ; ) I’m going to keep it a secret until the project is done, and then I’ll share the finished project with you.
Exploring Techniques
You might want to try a new technique – a quilt challenge can be the perfect time to experiment. It’s a good idea to practice the technique a bit before committing to it for your challenge project.
Time Management
Be realistic with how much time you think the project will take – and the time you have available before it needs to be submitted. It will take more time than you think it will. Without a doubt. The challenge I’m working on got started at the beginning of this year. It’s due in November. Not a problem (right?). Well – I’ve been working on it all this time, but not being happy with my initial idea set me back. I’m well underway with my new idea – but there’s a lot to do, and not much time left to do it.
Overcoming Challenges
Stuff happens. You may (like I did) run into a roadblock, you may need to scrap or modify your initial idea. Your chosen technique may not work out like you had envisioned or you may be stumped with how to quilt and finish the project. All of this is part of the learning process. There is always a way to overcome a roadblock. I’ve found that sometimes it helps to have someone else (a trusted quilting friend) take a look and offer a suggestion or two.
Finishing and Presentation
Your challenge quilt has come together. Now’s the time to create a coordinating label for the back of your quilt. Be sure to include the title of your project, the name of the quilt challenge, the date, and your name as well as the name of the quilter if someone quilted it for you. If there’s a story behind your design – including it on the label is a nice touch.
Turn your finished project in by the deadline for the challenge. If you have the opportunity – enter your challenge quilt in local / guild quilt shows. It can be so rewarding to see your work hanging in a show, particularly if your project is grouped with others participating in the same challenge.
5 Reasons to Participate in a Quilt Challenge
Participating in an organized quilt challenge can be an exciting opportunity for both novice and experienced quilters alike. Here are five compelling reasons why you might eagerly jump at the chance to join such a challenge:
- 1. Unleash Your Creativity: Think about your quilt as a canvas waiting to be painted with your imagination. A quilt challenge provides a specific theme or set of constraints that can spark your creativity in unexpected ways. It’s a chance to break free from your usual patterns and try new techniques, colors, and designs that you might never have considered before.
- 2. Connect with a Vibrant Community: Quilting can sometimes be a solitary pursuit, but participating in a challenge brings you into a lively and supportive community of fellow quilters. You’ll have the chance to engage with like-minded individuals who share your passion, exchange ideas, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. The sense of camaraderie can be incredibly motivating and inspiring.
- 3. Sharpen Your Skills: Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, challenges present the perfect platform to hone your skills. They often push you to experiment with diverse techniques and styles, allowing you to develop new abilities and refine your existing ones. With every challenge, you’ll undoubtedly learn something new that you can carry forward into your future quilting projects.
- 4. Showcase Your Talent: Your quilt has a story to tell, and a challenge provides a spotlight for it to shine. Participating means your creation will be seen by a wider audience, whether through online galleries, social media, or even in-person exhibitions. It’s a golden opportunity to proudly display your craftsmanship and receive recognition for your hard work.
- 5. Inject a Fresh Sense of Achievement: Completing a quilt challenge brings a unique sense of accomplishment. You’ll have taken an idea from inception to a finished project, and that journey alone is incredibly rewarding. Plus, challenges often come with the chance to win prizes or gain exposure, adding an extra layer of gratification to your creative endeavor.
In essence, participating in a quilt challenge isn’t just about the fabric and stitches; it’s about breathing life into a textile creation, embracing new experiences, and sharing your passion with a community that understands and appreciates your artistic journey. So, why not explore this adventure and see where its newfound inspiration takes you?