A Member Quilt Challenge

Contact: Sandy Cord, email, phone(?)

What is a member challenge? It’s an exciting part of our quilt show! In this category, our members, both novice and experienced quilters, create a small quilt following to a set of criteria chosen for the upcoming show.

Why participate? It’s an amazing opportunity to expand your skills and creativity. Experiment with new colors and techniques. Think about quilting outside of your comfort zone in a supportive atmosphere. “Your Initial Challenge” is the Member Challenge theme for the 2025 Faithful Circle Quilt Show.”

2025 Member Quilt Challenge:

Your Initial Challenge

Your challenge:

  • Create a quilt incorporating three main elements determined by your initials.

  • Have fun! Challenge yourself to try something new.

  • Using your first, middle and last name initials (in any order) choose:

    • A main color

    • A quilt block or applique pattern

    • A quilting design

For example, Betty Jo Smith could choose:

  • Blue, Jack in the Pulpit, Stippling

  • Jade, Sunbonnet Sue, Beads

  • Sapphire, Baby Blocks, Javelins

  • Use any technique you’d like to create your quilt. Embellishments may be added.

  • Each quilt must have 3 layers – a top, middle batting, and a backing. It must be quilted and the edges finished, by hand or by machine.•

  • Your initial elements must be easily recognizable.

  • Other colors, block/appliques patterns and quilting designs may be added to create your quilt but be sure your initial elements are easy to see.

  • Size – Each side must measure at least 12” but not more than 30”.

    • Optional - If you wish for your quilt to be considered as part of the Faithful Circle Guild entry for the Ultimate Guild Challenge contest at the 2026 American Quilter’s Society Grand Rapids show, your quilt must measure 30” x 30”. See note below.

  • All entries will be judged.

  • Your entry must be created new for this contest.

  • One entry per guild member.

  • Note – The Ultimate Guild Challenge, 2026 AQS Grand Rapids Show: Faithful Circle is planning to enter this contest. The minimum size for this contest is 30”x30” which is the maximum size allowed for the FCQ quilt show Member Challenge. Judges at our show will first judge and award ribbons for all quilts entered in our Member Challenge regardless of size, then list the top 8 quilts measuring 30”x30” to be included in the FCQ contest entry. Quilts must be available for shipping and display July and August, 2026.

Resources

  • Colors - Wikipedia has a list of colors in alphabetical order

  • Block names – alphabetical listings can be found in quilt reference books in the guild or public libraries or online at various sites like quilterscache.com or blockcrazy.com

    Questions???

    Only have 2 initials? Can’t think of a color that starts with K? Contact Sandy Cord, 630-638-4827, pscord@yahoo.com.