HQH Quilt Challenge 2008
Heritage Quilters of Huntsville

Quilt the Vote (instead of "rock the vote" -- see, we're punny!)

This challenge is designed to stretch our imagination as well as challenge us to try new techniques all within the supportive walls of our guild. The theme is "Quilt the Vote" Everyone is invited as we honor and represent our feelings of patriotism, nationalism, or political commentary in this Election Year. We can't wait to see some of the interesting quilts that will come out of THIS challenge!

Materials
1. Challenge fabric must be identifiable at a glance on the front of the finished item. The fabric may be dyed, painted, or embellished to achieve the color/look that you want, but it still must be easily identifiable as the Challenge fabric. Challenge packets, which include a square of the challenge fabric, can be purchased at guild meetings starting in January 2008 for $1.00. Additional yardage may be used and can be purchased at Patches and Stitches and Quilter’s Combo. You are advised that this fabric is in limited supply and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. They may run out.
2. You may add an unlimited number of fabrics and/or embellishments.
3. Each entry must have three layers: a top, a "batting," and a back.
4. Each entry must be quilted either by hand, machine, or both; wearables and other/innovative entries must have at least 1/4 of the surface quilted.

Design
1. The theme "Quilt the Vote" must be incorporated into the project -- you can choose to be strictly patriotic, or honor the troops, or make a political commentary about the election, or whatever inspires you. Not from the US? That's fine -- just show your patriotism for your own country!
2. Each entry must have a star AND a stripe somewhere in the design: that can be in the fabrics used, the piecing/appliqué, the quilting pattern, and/or the embellishments.
3. With the exception of the Clothing and Other categories, quilts can measure up to 90"x90".
4. A rod pocket for hanging must be sewn at the top of the quilt back on quilts over 30"x30".

Categories
1. Quilts -
  (a) Appliqué -- majority of the work is appliqué
  (b) Pieced -- majority of the work is pieced
  (c) Mixed -- mixture of appliqué and pieced
2. Clothing
3. Other/Innovative -- This category includes quilted items which do not conveniently fit into other categories, such as slipcovers, Christmas stockings, pillows, etc.
4. Each category above will be split for the following two experience levels:
  (a) Amateur -- applies to someone who has not received pay for quilting activities such as teaching, quilting, or publishing.
  (b) Professional -- applies to someone who has received pay for quilting activities such as teaching, quilting, or publishing.

Awards
Guild members attending the challenge show in September will receive a ballot to vote on the following awards:
1. Best Representation of the Theme
2. Best Use of the Challenge Fabric
3. Best of Show
4. Best Amateur in each category listed above
5. Best Professional in each category listed above
Non-members will only be allowed to vote on Best of Show.

Time Limit
1. The Challenge will be presented at the January 2008 guild meeting.
2. The Challenge pieces will be displayed at the September 2008 guild meeting and judged by the membership.
3. Registration forms must be turned in no later than August 15, 2008 to the Challenge committee.
4. Completed projects may be delivered to any committee member or Patches & Stitches no later than Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Completed projects may also be turned in between noon and 1pm on Thursday, September 18, 2008 to the Faith Presbyterian Parish Hall.

Secrecy
1. Your quilt may not be shown or discussed with anyone else in the guild.
2. Do not quilt your name or other identifying marks on the front of the quilt until after the Challenge.