Ideas and techniques for this year’s challenges will be shared on one of our two Facebook pages: “Pieced Together Quilters” and our new page “Pieced Together Quilters Creative Ideas”. You are encouraged to join in the fun and post ideas and videos that may help others with our challenges. There will also be support via focus talks, programs, and workshops to assist you in your growth.
As with all PTQ challenges feel free to apply the intent of the challenge to other projects such as quilted coats, totes, handbags, pillows, pouches, etc. The purpose of the challenges is for you to look at your work through different eyes, to stretch your creativity, to help you continue to learn and grow becoming the best YOU can become in the craft of your choice.
Trash to Treasure: Challenge start date: June 10, 2026; Challenge Presentations: September 9, 2026
All About the Borders – Year-long Challenge: September 9, 2026- Challenge Presentations: Completion on May 26, 2027.
Using a small focus block (12-20 inches), create a larger quilt or add interesting borders to an existing project to elevate its appeal. Experiment with something new, whatever your experience or skill level. Try mitered, pieced, compound, embroidered, or patterned. If you’re not inspired to make another quilt, use this concept and apply it differently to surprise us with your creativity. We’ll have focus talks throughout the year to help you come up with new and exciting borders.
See the example below for inspiration:
In the example above, The Promise of America by Susan McDermott, all four borders are different. The Left border is interrupted by two rows of pieced block section of the bottom border. The right border goes up and around the top of the quilt. All borders finish at different widths. If you look closely, Susan went a step further adding light words on a white background showing how the words of our forefathers are fading. Perhaps you could use this concept on the border of your quilt.
Two-tone Mini Challenge: November 11, 2026-Challenge Presentations: February 10, 2027
Using only two fabrics in contrasting colors, make a quilt, bag, tote, or other item whose design speaks for itself. For an extra challenge, use solid color fabrics. You may use this mini-challenge and add onto it to complete the year-long innovative border challenge.
Photo Landscape Collage-Mini-Challenge: February 10, 2027-Challenge Presentations: April 14, 2027
Use a photo as inspiration for your collage design and show it at the reveal. Experiment with fabric collage to create your scene. There will be programs/focus talks to support this technique.
Take Flight (theme)- Mini Challenge: April 14, 2027- Challenge Presentations: June 9, 2027
Interpret the words “Take Flight” to create an inspired work of butterflies, birds, movement, migration, kites, planes, wind, clouds, or whatever the words “Take Flight” inspire in your creative space.