Quilt Contest Deadline for Puyallup Fair Set For Aug. 28-30, 2009

‘Quilt Challenge’ Theme This Year: “Through the Garden Gate”

Puyallup, WA – June 26, 2009 – A myriad of colors, from bright to soft shades will play a vital part in the annual Quilt Contest in the Home Arts Department at the Puyallup Fair. Quilting contests are open for amateurs, professionals and master quilters. In addition to the specialty Quilt Challenge, competition is held in four divisions:  Large Quilt, Small Quilt, . Professional/Master Quilters, and Amateur/Professional Collaboration. Entry dates are Friday, August 28 from 9 am – 4 pm, Saturday, August 29 from 9 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, August 30 from noon – 6 pm.

“Through the Garden Gate” Quilt Challenge:
The first place winner of the “Through the Garden Gate” quilt will receive $50, second place $30, and third place $20. Pre-registration for this quilt contest ONLY must be received by August 15. Upon pre-registration, a 12-inch by 12-inch square of fabric, donated by Quilt Barn in Puyallup, will be sent to entrants. Quilt entries will be received Friday, August 28 from 9 am – 4 pm; Saturday, August 29 from 9 am – 4 pm; and Sunday, August 30 from noon – 6 pm.
The following rules apply:
1. Your creation must utilize all of the fabric provided. Additional “Challenge” fabric may not be used.
2. Quilts must not exceed 72 inches length and width combined.
3. Additional fabrics, shape, techniques and embellishments are of your choice.
If interested, pre-registration for the Quilt Challenge must be received by August 15, 2009. The pre-registration form for the Quilt Challenge is available on the Fair website. Visit www.thefair.com and click Puyallup Fair, then Exhibit Entries. Click Home Arts, then go to the Quilt Challenge, page 15.

Large Quilt Contest
The Large Quilt Contest features a grand champion premium of a Baby Lock “Natalie” sewing machine from Best Sewing and Vacuum Center/Tacony Corp. in University Place. First prize is $20, and second prize is $15 in the following categories:  hand quilted, sewing machine quilted (two or more designs must be applied by machine), miscellaneous quilting techniques, and group project. In the large quilt division, the quilts must have at least 140” length and width combined. Some things that the judges consider are: piecing/appliqué; technique, borders and sashing; quilting design and technique; binding or edges; corners; marking or soil. Pre-registration is not required.

Small Quilt Contest
The Small Quilt Contest features a grand champion premium of a $100 gift certificate donated by Calico Cat and Bernina Too, Auburn. First prize is $20, and second prize is $15 in the Wall quilts-hand quilted and Wall quilts-machine quilted categories. The first prize of $10 and second prize of $5 will be awarded in the following categories: Baby quilts-hand quilted, Baby quilts-machine quilted, Group projects (amateurs only), Miscellaneous quilting techniques, Patchwork or quilted misc. items. Small quilts must be less than 140” length and width combined, and machine quilting must have two or more designs applied by machine. Pre-registration is not required.

Professional/Master Quilters and Amateur/Professional Collaboration
Professional/master quilters and amateur/professional collaboration categories are also offered, and no pre-registration is required. Both divisions offer a $100 cash premium to the Grand Champion, and $25 to the Reserve Grand Champion. In the various classes, first place is $20, and second place is $15 in the traditional and contemporary, plus mixed techniques, apparel and misc. items.

The rules for all of the Home Arts quilt contests are available on the Fair website, www.thefair.com. Click Puyallup Fair, then Exhibit Entries (on the left). Click Home Arts, then go to the Quilt Division, pages 11-13. Questions? Call (253) 841-5017 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note:
1. All contestants must be at least 16-years-old.
2. Bring your quilt entry to the Home Arts Dept. on Friday, August 28 from 9 am – 4 pm; Saturday, August 29 from 9 am – 4 pm; and Sunday, August 30 from noon – 6 pm.
3. The Puyallup Fair’s general rules and contest policies will apply.

 The Puyallup Fair first started in 1900. This Pacific Northwest tradition is one of the top ten fairs in the world in attendance, and features big name entertainment, the PRCA Rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers, and animals. For further information about the Sept. 11-27, 2009 Puyallup Fair, visit www.thefair.com or call the 23-hour hotline at (253) 841-5045.

# # #