We at Northern Star are a creative bunch.  Different talents and techniques abound.  Every year that creativity is put to the test with a new Quilt Challenge.
Get in on the fun (members only) !
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If interested in coordinating next year’s challenge, contact activities@northernstarquilters.com
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2025 - Ties and Scarves

The idea of the challenge is to utilize neckwear fabrics retired from the workplace, ties or dress scarves that people used to wear to work before the business casual era.  NOTE: woolen scarves and outerwear are not appropriate for this challenge.  If in need of ties, ask your friends for their old ties and check out your local thrift stores or recycling craft shops like Retake/Remake.

To help you get started, a couple tutorials:
– How to deconstruct a tie
– How to stabilize silk

Questions, contact doaks@mac.com

Voting Criteria – Points to consider when voting are the following:
– Originality of design
– Visual Impact
– Workmanship (this is a design challenge first, but exceptional or inferior construction skill should be considered)

Format

  • Maximum perimeter is 80” (any shape you choose that fits this size is acceptable, i.e., square, rectangle, hexagon, circle, star, etc.)
  • Primary fabric should be neckties or dress scarves (no outerwear).  Fabrics should  be recognizable as such.
  • Neutral background and enhancement fabrics may be used, but the focus should be the fabric of the neckties/scarves.
  • Use any technique: piecing; paper piecing; applique; collage; etc.
  • Embellishments may be used.
  • The quilt must have a label with the maker’s name and, if you wish, a quilt name.
  • The quilt must have a quilt sleeve or other hanging mechanism.
  • Normally, a quilt should have 3 layers – top, batting and back.  To accommodate our fiber arts members, this rule can be adjusted to meet your artistic viewpoint.
  • This challenge is open to NSQG members only.

Timeline

Challenge proposals for next year solicited from members:  Winter
Challenge approved:  Spring
Challenge announced to membership:  June/Summer
Deadline:  Quilts collected at the March guild meeting of the display year or as determined by the Challenge Coordinator.
Voting:  Quilts will be displayed and voting will take place at the April meeting;  the quilts kept for display at our May quilt show.
Ribbons:  Ribbon voting parameters determined by the Challenge Coordinator.
Return:  Picked up at the end of our Quilt Show, at the next guild meeting or by arrangement with the Challenge Coordinator.

Past Challenges

2025 – Ties and Scarves
2024 – Black and White is Always Modern
2023 – Card Tricks – Sewing notion playing card
2021+22 – Put a Heart on It
2020 – 20/20 What’s your Vision?
2019 – 40th Ruby Anniversary using required fabric
2018 – Quilts Inspired by Doors
2017 – Quilts Inspired by Books
2015 – Simply Solids
2014 – Critters: Pests or Pets
2013 – Blacks and Whites plus One Color
2012 – Pushing the Limits in London Olympics- Reaching for the Stars
2011 – Music Makes Me Create – Create a CD cover
2010 – HOPE and WISH for the upcoming year
2009 – Going Green
2008 – Use your first and last name initials as the theme & title of your quilt
2007 – Tradition-Renewed, Reinterpreted, Transcended
2006 – Shakespeare in Stitches
2005 – Portraits
2004 – Reflections
2003 – Border Crossings
2002 – Art and Technology using Century of Progress fabric
2001 – Interpret a book or poem using required fabric
2000 – A Challenge for the Millennium using required fabric
1998 – The Four Elements-Earth, Air, Fire, Water using the specified blocks
1997 – For the Birds
1996 – A Major Duet – Theme inspired by a Musical using two required fabrics and a Musical title
1995 – Choose your Challenge from our ‘fast food’ quilting menu columns, using required fabric
1994 – Something Old,New,Borrowed,Blue using required fabric
1993 – Memories thru Attic Windows using Attic Windows block
1992 – A two block design using Variable Star and Shoofly (one can be replaced with a related block)
1991 – Hearts and Flowers including black, purple, red, and a star
1990 – Quilter’s Choice, any size quilt using Gloria Hartley patterns handed out during the year