Traditional Made Modern: 2023 Log Cabin Block Challenge

Rules and Information

Announced March 2023

Due date: October meeting (Oct. 14, 2023)

Participants are challenged to make an item of their choosing that uses the traditional log cabin block in a modern way.

Rules

• Participants may make 2D items (i.e., quilts) or 3D items – think outside the box!
• There are no size limitations, and the size of the entry will not be taken into account for the purposes of judging. Winning entries will be those deemed to respond to the challenge most effectively and creatively, fully showcasing the modern aesthetic.
• All entries must be completely finished (for a quilt, that means quilted and bound; for another item, that means ready to be used with nothing more to add) and include quilting in some form.
• Entries must include a short “artist’s statement” in which the participant will explain what makes their interpretation modern (i.e., what elements of modern quilting they incorporated into their project). If their item uses an existing pattern, the designer of the pattern should be acknowledged in the statement as well. (Forms for this statement will be supplied closer to the end of the challenge.)
• Entries will be judged and winners chosen by the full board (or proxies chosen by the board) and Swap and Challenge Committee. Winners will be chosen based on how well they respond to the prompt, regardless of size or type of item.

Prizes

To encourage participation and because we think this challenge really gets to the heart of what our guild is here to do, we will be awarding three generous prizes:

• 1st place = $150
• 2nd place = $125
• 3rd place = $100

Prizes will be in the form of fabric-store gift cards. Again, winners will be chosen based on how well they respond to the prompt, regardless of size or type of item.

More Information

The Swap and Challenge Committee led the programming at the March meeting, providing lots of examples and information on “modern” quilt characteristics and the challenge specifically. You can find a pdf of their presentation here.

According to the MQG, “Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include but are not limited to the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. 'Modern traditionalism' or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.” (The presentation discusses these individually with examples.)

Gayle also provided additional examples of ways in which to use log-cabin blocks outside the standard traditional setting, seen below. Get creative! We can't wait to see what you'll do.

Questions can be directed to the Swap & Challenge Committee: Jessica Schunke, Lilo Whitener-Fey, Gayle Larson, Kristy Daum, and Marie Hill.