This post highlights the challenge pieces that were done specifically for our guild's quilt shows held every 3 years. These revolved around specific fabrics and we were required to use at least 25% of the challenge fabric, they were to be no larger than a specific size and the use of any other fabrics was allowed.

The Twisted Stitchers Quilt Guild had its first quilt show in 2009 and offered up a challenge to its members using a beautiful fabric in blues and corals (Califon line designed by Mark Lipinski). The outside border highlights the fabric we were given and I made hexagons in different sizes by fussy-cutting triangles from the designs in the fabric and rearranging them with a matching blue background. Hand beading, crystals and sequins finished it off. I was very happy to receive the “Best Use of Challenge Fabric” award. 

In 2012 the executive chose the most beautiful, colourful butterfly fabric. So many people in the guild loved this fabric that we had 40 people take part in this one...a record!

I decided to trace off the basic butterfly outlines from the focus fabric onto black fabric and thread paint the designs freehand using rayon thread in neon colours. The actual challenge fabric was then cut out along the designs and appliquéd to the background. I got the ultimate compliment when people thought that I had used an embroidery machine to do the butterflies. 

2015's executive went for something really different for this quilt show...no colour at all, just a grey scale. I had a tough time on this one because I usually like LOTS of colour, but I still had fun. It was embellished with clock hands and small “gears” to add more interest. My friend, Gail, swept the awards and won “Most Twisted”, “Best Use of Challenge Fabric” and the “WOW Award”. She made the very traditional Dresden Plate design look fresh and modern with her use of colour (Gail looooves ombré fabric) and shiny crystals. Good job, Gail! 

Gail and I took on the challenge job for our latest quilt show in 2018 and chose a striking, abstract fabric with loads of colour. Once again I utilized fussy-cut segments from the fabric to create hexagons, only this time they floated on the background and then I finished it off with an asymmetrical edge on the bottom, crystals and dangling bead trim.  

Remember, when your guild issues a challenge, don't shy away from taking part. Sometimes we need to get away from our safe, little world and try something completely out of the norm for us. You just might find it gets your creative juices going. I wonder what TSQG will have in store for us in 2022!

Next week...Challenges Part 3: Invitationals/Juried Shows