Challenges–All

2022-23 Crossword Challenge

Crossword Puzzle Sew Along Challenge, (September 2022 – December 2023)

RULES

  1. You must sign up! I will not be printing out the clues every month.  The cost of printing is too expensive, especially when email or text messaging is free.  If you are new to the guild please provide your email address and your cell phone number.  All correspondences will be through one of these two sources.
  2. After the meeting each month you will receive three clues sent to you by email. When you have answered the clues correctly, you can text or email them to me and I will send you the Sew Along by email.  quilts@hotmail.com.  601-954-1166. At the end of each clue is the name of the source where the block can be found.
    Don’t jump the gun and make blocks without reading the Sew Along.  The Sew Along will tell you the size of the block you are making.
    If you are having difficulties with the clues, I suggest you talk to your sewing buddies. Two heads are always better than one!
    YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE SEW ALONG UNTIL I RECEIVE THE ANSWERS TO THE CLUES.
  3. You must make all the blocks by the size that is required. You will be allowed to substitute a block, if you just hate one of them. However there are some requirements for the substitution.  The size must be the same and the name of the block must fit into the puzzle in the same place as the block that you are replacing without changing the puzzle.
  4. August 2023 will be the last of the clues.  In September I will send you a diagram of the layout that I have drafted.  You are not required to use this diagram.  You may do your own layout. The quilt can be made larger if you prefer.  Either by adding borders or more blocks. Use your own creativity! Embellishments of all types are allowed.
  5. The December 2023 meeting is the completion of the challenge. Your quilt must be quilted, bound, and labeled. The membership will vote for the best quilts. First, second and third place prizes will be given.

This is a great scrap buster and a very good skill builder.  None of the blocks are above your skill level!

2020 Challenge

December 2020:  The 2020 quilt challenge has ended. If you completed the challenge, take a
picture of it and send it to pbqnewsletter@gmail.com. Jo Ellen will create an album on
Facebook and post them in it.
Contact Betty Reid at thequiltedpetal@gmail.com for more information

“A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS”
ABC, it’s easy as 123! (Do Re Mi…)
Completion date: July 8, 2020

This year’s quilt challenge is to make a quilt for YOURSELF that represents a few of your favorite things – things that you love! This can be as easy or as complicated as you choose.

A B C as easy as 123

A is for appliqué so you are to include at least 1 appliqué technique. This may be raw edge, machine straight stitch, fusible, needle turn, absolutely any type of appliqué you choose! THE APPLIQUÉ IS TO REPRESENT something you LOVE! It can represent a hobby, family member, pet, or it can be words.

B is for block so you are to include at least 2 of your favorite blocks. These may be as simple as a nine patch or as elaborate as an English paper pieced block. You may choose block pattern you have made hundreds of times or challenge yourself to a block you’ve always wanted to learn! Again… up to you! B can also stand for beads, so if you love them…. add them! Beads are not a requirement, but they are allowed.

C is for color so you are to include your 3 favorite colors! You may also add black, white or gray. If your favorite color is blue you may use variations of blue (robin egg, royal, navy). Don’t stress or over complicate the color rule… the colors in your quilt need to be colors you would wear or have in your home decor because that means you would love them! C can also stand for couching so if you want to give it a try, go for it! Again, not a requirement but it is allowed.

SIZE: Minimum 40 x 40 wall hanging up to 60 x 72 lap / throw size. Make it to fit your personality and your size!!!

 

2019 Color Wheel Challenge

This year we are going to explore color using the color wheel.  This challenge is not a design challenge.  It is to show how color can change or deceive the mind into seeing a different design.  The challenge is also to help improve color choices and learn to use the color wheel as it was designed to be used.

I have chosen a pattern that must be used for all blocks.  Each month I will give a 10″ square of a different color of Kona cotton and assign a different color scheme on the color wheel to be used. 

Each month we will make an additional block by the selected color scheme for that month.  Example: First month;  I assign complementary and the color green.  You will then make one block using  the green fabric and then you will choose another color on the color wheel to make another block using the complementary scheme.

When the challenge is complete we will have 12 blocks for a small throw or child’s quilt.  Additional blocks  can be made by each color scheme, if you so desire. 

A small fee of $3.00 will be charged to cover the cost of the fabric.

  1. The provided pattern must be used on all 12 blocks.
  2. The pattern can not be changed from its original design.
      Example:  If a piece is a square it must remain a square and the same for half square triangles.
  1. Some of the fabric given out for a color scheme must be used. Example: At least one  half square triangle must have the fabric that was given out for that month.
  1. No additional colors can used in the block except what the color scheme calls for.   Example: Complementary is a two color scheme, a third  color can not be added.  However, neutrals  can be added.  NEUTRALS ARE WHITE, BLACK AND GRAY.
  1. You can not repeat the color layout on all blocks. Example: Color scheme is complementary, you choose a color layout for the block.  You choose a second color, using the complementary color scheme, but a different color layout for that block so they do not look the same.
  1. You do not have to use only solids. Tone on tone or prints can be used as long as they do not add color that is not in that color scheme. Example: Complementary color scheme using green and its complement, red.  You have     fabric  that is green, red and yellow.  You can not use that fabric because it adds another color.
  1. Tints and shades of the colors that apply to a particular color scheme may be used, as long as the original fabric that is assigned to that color scheme is used also. Example, Color is green, you could use a tint as light as a mint green or a shade as dark as dark forest green.

    REMEMBER YOU MUST USE THE ORIGINAL COLOR THAT IS GIVEN OUT ALSO.

  1. You must make all 12 blocks. You can make additional blocks, if you want to. 
  2. Your quilt must be quilted, bound and labeled to participate in the Parade of Color at the December meeting. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

Examples of Triadic and Tetradic blocks

2018 UFO Challenge

2018 UFO CHALLENGE

The purpose of this challenge is to use what we have, finish what we start and not buy needlessly. HAPPY QUILTING.

List 6 UFOs on the UFO Challenge sheet (see instructions under RULES. Assign each a number and save a copy for yourself. Turn in the Challenge sheet along with $1.00 per UFO ($6.00 max) to Lois Womack, who will be keeping up with your progress.  For every completed UFO you will receive a fat quarter.  Everyone who completes their list of 6 will be eligible for a drawing to win $100.00. If no one completes all 6 UFOs, then the prize will be awarded to the one who completed the most (in case of a tie, a drawing will be held for the $100, with the runner-up receiving 20 fat quarters).

 How it works:

List the quilt as #1 that is the most near completion; it will be due in March.  In February a number between 2 and 6 will be drawn: the quilt corresponding to that number will be due in April.  (This is necessary in order to finish by December). In April we will draw a number and the quilt corresponding to the number will be due in June.  In June we will draw and the quilt corresponding to that number will be due in August.  In August we will draw and the quilt corresponding to that number will be due in October.  In October we will draw and the quilt corresponding to that number will be due in December.  When you complete your UFO for that month, you will sign in with LOIS WOMACK and show the quilt at Show and Tell.  All completed UFO’s will entitle the maker’s name to go in for the end-of-year drawing for the $100 prize.  In addition, if turned in on time you will receive a fat quarter. However, if you are late, you can bring it to a later meeting for your name to be in the drawing but will not receive a fat quarter.  You must make the UFO number matching the drawn number.

 RULES;

You must list 6 UFO’s by name and give a description of each, as to the degree of completion at the start date of the challenge.  01/01/2018

  1. A UFO must be completely finished, quilted, bound and labeled.
  2. A UFO must be larger than 18” on any side.
  3. You must finish the UFO that is assigned for that period in order to receive a fat quarter. The number drawn for the period will be posted on the web site (under Guild Activities/2018 UFO Challenge) and in the newsletter.
  4. A UFO that is quilted by you will receive two fat quarters for each one completed.  UFOs quilted by another person will receive one fat quarter.
  5. A UFO that is combined with another UFO on your list will be counted as one UFO and only 1 fat quarter given.
  6. A UFO that is divided into equal parts and each completely finished, will be considered as two UFOs and you will receive two fat quarters.
  7. UFOs can not be switched around or in and out once your list has been submitted.
  8. Charity (children’s) quilts do not count.

2017 Modern Classics Color Challenge

REVEAL AT DECEMBER 2017 MEETING:

Dianne McLendon, our leader, did not allow her quilt to be part of the competition, but it was agreed that her quilt was a winning example of today’s “modern” quilts. Voting was by ballot, and the winners were:

1st–Jo-Ann Evans
2nd–Betty Reid
3rd–Lois Womack

The 2017 Challenge is designed to expand our skills and bring us into the “modern” quilt movement.
“Modern” quilts are characterized by solid colors with an emphasis on negative space.  The objective is to transform classic quilt patterns into your interpretation of a “modern” pattern.

“According The Modern Quilt Guild, an international organization, modern quilting is a reflection of one’s own style and personality. Even as some say it has its roots in rebellion (“break-the-rules” quilting), a set of principles that define and guide the movement, is beginning to shape the concept of the modern quilt. In general, modern quilts would share some of these characteristics, to name just a few:

  • Asymmetry in quilt design
  • Frequent use improvisational piecing
  • Bold colors, on-trend color combinations and graphic prints
  • Increased use of solid colors, including grey and white as neutrals
  • Simple, minimalist design using geometric shapes
  • Less emphasis on block repetition
  • Increased use of negative space
  • Designs exhibit influences of modern art and architecture
  • Reinterpreted traditional blocks
  • Unconventional block structures”

Reference: Marcus Fabrics 

COLOR: Members who want to participate will choose THREE crayons from a paper bag. The colors will be recorded on two index cards, keeping one and turning in the other for attaching to your finished piece in December. There is no fee and no fabric given. You will use your three crayons as your guide for selecting fabrics. You must use all three of your crayon colors in the quilt, but not necessarily in each block. You may add another color plus as many neutrals (white, beige, black, gray) as you wish. Stay very close to the value of the colors you drew from the bag; if you drew Blue, do not go from baby blue/sky blue to navy blue. Use the shade of Blue you drew.

SIZE: Your finished quilt must be at least 54” on any side, may be as large as you want, assembled, quilted and bound by the December meeting. You will be given 27 different block designs (3 each month), and you must use at least 20 of these 27. Each month from January through September, you will be given three block designs, which are not limited to the size given. For instance, a 9” square could be altered to a 9”x12” block, as long as the basic integrity of the original block is obvious. Your blocks do not have to be all the same size.

TECHNIQUE: You may transform the blocks by altering, stretching, skewing, painting, dyeing, embellishing, adding applique or in any other way changing the basic block while still being able to recognize the original block. A nine-patch block cannot be transformed to a disappearing nine patch because it would no longer be recognizable as a nine-patch. But it could be made into a rectangle, uneven sides, circular, etc., and still be recognizable as a nine-patch. You are encouraged to use your imagination and come up with your own interpretation of “Modern.”

Dianne will give handouts at the meetings illustrating the blocks.

January- Square in the Square 4”, 6”

                Shoo Fly 3”, 6”, and 9”

                Road to California 6”, 9”

 February- Oh Susanna 8”

                  Jacobs Ladder 9”

                  Old Maid’s Puzzle 8”

 March – Clay’s Choice 8” 

                Double Pinwheel 3”, 4”, 5”, 6” and 8”

                Dutchman’s Puzzle 6”

 April – Churn Dash 6” and 9”

             Bear’s Paw 7”

             Card Tricks 9”

 May – Puss in the Corner 9”

            Grandmother’s Fan 7”

            Birds in the Air 6” and 9”

 June – Sawtooth Star 6” and 8”

            Drunkard’s Path 3”, 4” and 7”

            Anvil 8”

 July – Ohio Star 9”

            Dresden Plate 9”

            Virginia Reel 7”

 August – Wheel of Fortune 8”

                Friendship Star 3”, 6”and 9”

                Snail’s Trail 6” and 9”

 September – Aunt Dinah 6” and 9”

                      54-40 or Fight 9”

                       Lemoyne Star 3”, 6” and 9”

2016 Travel Poster Challenge

Completed Travel Poster Challenge quilts

Completed Travel Poster Challenge quilts

Here are the exciting results of the 2016 Travel Poster Challenge. Thirteen quilts were turned in, and the winners were: 
1st Tina Dickens (fourth on top row)
2nd Betty Allen (third on top row)
3rd Linda Flanders (fourth on middle row)
3rd Jo-Ann Evans (third on middle row)

Below are the rules we used to make these quilts.

New Challenge: Dianne McLendon introduced our new challenge: “You’ve Got the Whole World In Your Hands,” which could also be called the “Travel Poster Quilt Challenge.” With our quilt show coming up, making a wall quilt rather than a bed-sized quilt seems best! Here are the rules:

Theme: Where would you like to go? Or where have you been that you loved? Depict this place (whether specific or generalized) in the center body of the quilt. Add a 4” border made of blocks which relate to this place. No words, numbers, phrases or text allowed. Size:  Inside body:  minimum 18” on any side, maximum 36” on any side PLUS a 4” pieced border. This pieced border should be blocks which help identify the place you are depicting. Fabrics: You will be given three pieces of fabric which must be incorporated; add any others you wish. Fee is $5.00. Money prizes will be awarded for viewers’ choice voting.
Deadline: The reveal will be at the December meeting.

2015-16 Shapely Challenge

The Reveal of the Shapely Challenge took place at the March 9, 2016, meeting, and what an exciting Reveal it was! There were 20 quilts entered. 1st place, Ellen Cox; 2nd place, Martha Ginn; 3rd place, Sharon Barnes.

SHAPELY CHALLENGE: In March 2015 Dianne McLendon introduced our next challenge–called a “Shapely” Challenge. Here is the plan. Participants will pay $10.00 and receive a packet of five fat quarters made up from designers Robert Kaufman, Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, and Joel Dewberry. Each packet is different. Use these FQs (fat quarters) to build from, adding any other fabrics you desire. Just be sure these fabrics can be recognized in your quilt.

Beginning in March (Step 1), and every other month (May-Step 2, July-Step 3, September-Step 4, and November-Step 5), we will be assigned one or more SHAPES and instructed to make FOUR DIFFERENT 12” blocks (plus seam allowance). After receiving the shape instructions at these five meetings, we will have FOUR months to complete our project for the Reveal in March of 2016.

Step 1: (March 2015) shape is a SQUARE. Draw a grid and decide on how you want to design your block, remembering that you must use only squares. If some of the background turns out to be in a rectangular shape, this rectangle must be pieced in squares from the grid you have selected. You may use different grids for each of the four blocks. 

Step 2: (May, 2015) SQUARE (SQ) + HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE (HST)

For squares, cut your pieces, adding 1/2″ for seam allowances (for a 3″ block, cut 3-1/2″ inches). For HSTs which will fit with 3″ squares, add 7/8″ for seam allowances (for a 3″ block, start with 3-7/8″ squares and cut diagonally). However, you will have more accuracy if you start with more than 7/8″ and then square up your block after making your center seam.

Rules:  Make four 12″ blocks; each one different, using SQs and HSTs in each block. Your squares must be one piece of fabric (in other words, four HSTs do not count as a SQ. All triangles must be combined with a corresponding triangle to create a HST. Examples for 2″ grid, 3″ grid, and 4″ grid are shown below.

Step 3(July, 2015) SQUARE (SQ) + HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE (HST) + RECTANGLE

Must use all three shapes–square, half-square triangle, and rectangle in each block.

Step 4: (September, 2015) Square + Half-Square Triangle + Tri-Rec.
Must use these three shapes in each block.

Step 5: (November, 2015) Square + Concave and Convex shapes (such as in Drunkard’s Path and Orange Peel blocks)

Must use these two shapes in each block. Bring back your completed (quilted, edge finished, and labeled) quilt to the March 2016 meeting.

2014-15 Round Robin Challenge

We started a Mystery Round Robin Challenge in February 2014. What is unique about this Round Robin Challenge is that each participant will complete his or her own project, rather than passing it to another quilter for future rounds. Dianne McLendon planned the challenge and purchased fabric. The participants paid a fee and received fabrics for the first round.

There will be six rounds, with new fabric being given every other month (February, April, June, August, October, December) and a Round Robin Quilt Show at the February 18, 2015 meeting. Monetary prizes will be awarded by Viewers’ Choice.

Round 1: Using the two fabrics given plus any others you choose, make a block 18-1/2″ x 24-1/2″ (including seam allowances).

Round 2: Add Round 2, using this fabric plus any others you choose. Unfinished size now should be 26-1/2″ x 32-1/2″ (including seam allowances).

Round 3: Using this new fabric plus any others you choose, add another border. Instructions:

If you made a 3-1/2″ unfinished Round 2, you will make a 4-1/2″ unfinished Round 3.
If you made a 4-1/2″ unfinished Round 2, you will make a 3-1/2″ unfinished Round 3.

Round 4: Using this new fabric plus any others you choose, add another border.

Round 5: Using this new fabric plus any others you choose, add another border. Unfinished size 6-1/2″.

Round 6: Using these two new fabrics plus any others you choose, add another border. Unfinished size 8-1/2″.