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) !
————————-
If interested in sponsoring next year’s challenge, contact activities@northernstarquilters.com
————————–

2023 - CARD TRICKS

You will be picking a card from a traditional deck of playing cards – You MUST contact me with the card you want to make.

First come first served!!  So, contact me early to get the card you want. 

I will remove your pick from the deck and reserve your card choice.  This ensures that the cards created mirror a real deck of cards (ie not all Queens and one 6).  For additional challenge, contact me and I will pull a blind card from the deck for you. Your choice!  As a reminder, a standard deck of cards has 4 of each number card 2 through 10 plus 4 Aces, 4 Jacks, 4 Queens, 4 Kings and 2 Jokers.

Drop the suit of the card and replace it with any sewing notion of your choice!  There MUST be at least ONE notion on your quilt card PLUS the number (2-10) or letter (Ace=A, Jack=J, Queen=Q, King=K) which represents your card.

Additional Information:
 
For example, if your card is the number 5, you could make one large notion or you could make 5 of the notions in the pattern or your choice –  being sure to include the number 5.  You get to be really creative with the design.  A simple 5 card example is shown.
If your card is a King, Queen or Jack, you can make just one large picture or you can split them in half as they appear on the deck of cards.  Your choice!
 
I have found some cool stuff on Pinterest with some really awesome inspiration.  Once you start searching, lots of options and inspiration will start popping into your inbox.  Search for playingarts.com, vintage playing cards, wings of whimsy, the world of playing cards, playing cards stop 1000, 2011 the curator deck …

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Format

  • The quilt size MUST be 30 inches across the top and 42 inches long. These measurements are in keeping with standard playing card proportions.
  • The quilt MUST have slightly rounded corners just like in a deck of cards, make a 7″ circle template to shape the corners,  see April’s instructions HERE.
  • You MUST use the binding fabric the Guild will be supplying for this Challenge.  The binding fabric will be a small scale black and white print to unify the display.  Binding fabric will be distributed at guild meetings once you have committed to participating.
  • The quilt MUST consist of 3 layers (top, batting, back), be quilted by either hand or machine, and created by only one maker.
  • There MUST be a sleeve for hanging and a label with your name (and quilt name if you choose).
  • The choice of fabrics, colors, threads, embellishments, and quilting are all up to you.  The quilt can be constructed in any technique you wish, i.e., paper piecing, traditional piecing, appliqué or collage.  It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new.  Your choice!

Please contact me to reserve your card choice or with any construction questions, kadidty@gmail.com.
Thank you, April Russell
Challenge Coordinator

Timeline

Challenge proposals solicited from members:  Winter
Challenge approved:  Spring
Challenge announced to memberbship:  At the end of the current guild season in June.
Deadline:  Collected at the March guild meeting of the following 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 quilt show in May.
Ribbons:  Ribbons (1st, 2nd & 3rd), will be awarded in categories determined by the Challenge Coordinator:  often Most Creative, Best Design, Best Visual Impact, Best Workmanship.
Return:  Picked up at the end of our Quilt Show, at the next guild meeting or by arrangement with the Challenge Coordinator.

2023’s ‘Card Tricks’ Challenge offers an additional twist.  We are considering entering some of these Challenge quilts in The Ultimate Guild Challenge* in a later AQS Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The AQS rules are strict and only 8 quilts can be sent, so be sure to follow our Challenge Rules exactly (all the ‘MUST’s) or your quilt will not be eligible for consideration. We are a talented bunch and we should flaunt it!

*AQS  – The Ultimate Guild Challenge: This challenge honors the results of a quilt guild’s own challenge to its members.

Past Challenges

2024 –
2023 – Card Tricks – Create a 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