General Challenge Rules:

For a printable PDF of 2010 Rules click here

1. A recognizable amount of the Hoffman Challenge 2010 Fabric Style G9031 61G Turquoise/Gold must be used as an integral part of the entry, and must appear in the body of the quilt, not just the border.
2. No more than two yards of the challenge fabric may be used in the entire entry (excluding back or lining), but any amount of any other fabric may be used. (Curator’s Note: we do mean any other fabric, you’re not restricted to just Hoffman’s, although we can’t imagine why you’d want to use anything else.)
3. Judging emphasizes originality and creativity, creative use of the challenge fabric as it relates to other fabrics, visual impact, and workmanship.
4. To be considered for judging, entries must be able to travel as a part of one of the collections and will be shipped to shows throughout the year. The items in the collections will be packed and unpacked many times during that year. While great care is taken to protect the items in the collection as carefully as possible, breakable embellishments and other breakable props may become damaged. Special packing instructions cannot be followed. When designing your entry (especially dolls) these factors should be taken into consideration so that entries are not fragile. Quilts must be able to be folded. (Curator’s Note: Your entry must be able to withstand multiple exhibits and truck rides. If it is not well made, it may not survive, so plan and create accordingly. Nothing makes us sadder than to have to refuse an awesome entry because it won’t travel well.)
5. Your entry must be received by the curator, Julie Breidt, (see website for shipping address), no later than July 23, 2010. No late entries will be accepted. Please, no large shipping containers or Styrofoam peanuts. Please wrap dolls and accessories with bubble wrap, if necessary, and consider padded envelopes for the quilts.
6. Multiple entries per person will be accepted with separate fees and forms for each (total the fees, and include them on one check). The entry must be in one of the categories listed below.
7. The entry must be accompanied by a $15.00 entry fee ($25 for foreign entries) and a signed copy of the official entry form, or a print out of the electronic form that has been submitted through the website. The entry form and fee must be included in the shipping carton. For delivery confirmation, enclose a SASE, or a SAS postcard. We will send an email confirmation to all who accurately and clearly write their email address on the application. Add us to your safe sender’s list.
8. Entries must be clean when they are received or they may be returned. Do not add potpourri, sachets or any other fragrances to your entry, as many people (including curators or judges) may be allergic. Cigarette odor may result in immediate disqualification.
9. Items selected to travel will not be returned until late October, 2011. Items not accepted for travel will be returned by late September, 2010.

All entrants receive a fat quarter of Hoffman Fabric, a spool of Sulky thread, and a beautiful cloisonné pin designed for the challenge. You will also receive an application and images of the next year’s Challenge fabric and coordinates

Quilt Category Entry Rules:

1. The quilt can be of any shape, but the combined total of all sides of the quilt cannot be less than 72 inches nor more than 160 inches (for example an 18” x 18” quilt equals 72”, a 40” x 40” quilt equals 160”). A round quilt cannot have a diameter greater than 40 inches. (Curator’s Note: any shape is the key phrase here, yes, you can use scalloped edges and non-traditional designs, but they must hang well from a sleeve with no other support or pins.)
2. Each quilt must have a sleeve attached to the top back for hanging. The sleeve opening must be 4 inches wide after it is attached to the quilt, and must be attached in a way that it will not show when the quilt is hanging.
3. A fabric identification label must be securely sewn to a bottom back corner of the quilt (a paper label pinned to the quilt is not acceptable). The label must contain the same full name and address that appears on the official entry form. The label should also contain the title of the entry and your contact information.
4. All quilt layers must be secured with quilting or tying - false backs not secured to the batting or quilt front may not be used.
5. Quilts will be judged in one of the following categories; appliqué, pieced, or mixed technique. Please mark the appropriate category on the form. (Curator’s Note: We reserve the right to change the category if we decide it is appropriate and/or necessary.)

Doll Category Entry Rules:

1. Dolls must be between 12” and 20” in total height including any stand. NOTE: The maximum height has changed from previous years.
2. Doll stands (non breakable) shall not exceed 7” on any side or a 7” diameter for round stands. (Curator’s Note: A ¼” dowel will not support a heavy doll in all of the traveling. Use unbreakable supports, and consider that the dolls are wrapped in a single layer of bubble wrap, then placed in a trunk with the other dolls for travel. If your doll requires special handling, it will not travel.) The stand must be an integral part of the doll in both design and construction, and MUST be securely attached to the doll. No pre-purchased stands, please, unless altered to coordinate with and compliment the doll.
3. Dolls must have cloth bodies with human features and not be representative of animals.
4. Non-breakable props for dolls must be securely attached.
5. An identification label containing the same full name and address that appears on the entry form must be securely fastened to the doll and any stand or prop. The label should be on the underside of the clothing or some other place that is easily accessible, but doesn’t show (a paper label pinned to the doll is not acceptable). The doll should be finished for viewing from all sides, and the label should not to be seen when viewing the doll from the front or back.

Clothing Category Entry Rules:

1. Clothing may be of any size, but not heavy winter type clothing.
2. Accessories are welcome as a part of a garment ensemble, but may not be suitable for travel. If you wish to have the accessory compete in the Accessory Category, you must submit an additional entry fee.
3. A FABRIC identification label containing the same full name and address that appears on the entry form must be securely fastened to each clothing piece of the ensemble on the inside of garment or at the hem (a paper label pinned to an item is not acceptable). We must be able to easily find the label.

Accessory Category Entry Rules:

1. This category can include hats, boxes, purses, etc. Boxes, purses, etc. cannot be larger than 12”x12”(base)x12”(height) (excluding purse handles).
2. The rules above apply, including attaching a cloth label. Creative use of fabric, durability, workmanship, etc. will be considered.

Group Quilts:

The group category has been discontinued.

Thread Award Rules:

To qualify for any of the “Best Use of Sulky” awards, you must check the box certifying that you’ve used Sulky thread, and document the thread type used. The thread must be used in an obvious way, as in thread embellishment, quilting, embroidery, etc.

Prize Packages are given by
Hoffman California Fabrics and Sulky

For 2010 there will be seven categories:

Pieced Quilts: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention, Curator’s Choice, Best Hand Workmanship, Best Machine Workmanship, and Best 1st Time Entry

Appliquéd Quilts: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention, Curator’s Choice, Best Hand Workmanship, Best Machine Workmanship, and Best 1st Time Entry

Mixed Technique (Pieced and Appliquéd Quilts): 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention, Curator’s Choice, Best Hand Workmanship, Best Machine Workmanship, and Best 1st Time Entry

Dolls: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Honorable Mention, Curator’s Choice, Best First Time Entry, Most Humorous, Best Incorporation of Theme.

Clothing: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention, and Curator’s Choice

Accessories: (Hats, Hand Bags, Boxes, etc): 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place

Cash and fabric awards are all provided by Hoffman Fabrics

The awards for Quilts are:
First Place: $500 plus $250 worth of Sulky products
Second Place: $300 plus $150 worth of Sulky products
Third Place: $150 plus $75 worth of Sulky products
Honorable Mention: Hoffman Fabric Award
Curator’s Choice: Hoffman Fabric Award
Best Hand Workmanship: $300
Best Machine Workmanship: $300
Best First Time Entry

The awards for Dolls are:
First Place: $500 plus $250 worth of Sulky products
Second Place: $300 plus $150 worth of Sulky products
Third Place: $150 plus $75 worth of Sulky products
Honorable Mention: Hoffman Fabric Award
Curator’s Choice: Hoffman Fabric Award
Most Humorous (Doll), and
Best Incorporation of Theme: Hoffman Fabric Award

The awards for Clothing are:
First Place: $500 plus $250 worth of Sulky products
Second Place: $300 plus $150 worth of Sulky products
Third Place: $150 plus $75 worth of Sulky products
Honorable Mention: Hoffman Fabric Award
Curator’s Choice: Hoffman Fabric Award

The award packages for Accessories category:
First Place: $250 plus $125 worth of Sulky products
Second Place: $150 plus $75 worth of Sulky products
Third Place: $75 plus $35 worth of Sulky Products

Sulky Awards

We're thrilled that Sulky will now be co-sponsoring the Hoffman Challenge! Note that Sulky has added to the prize packages, and will also have their own awards.

In the award packages, it is not required that you use Sulky in your entry. You must use Sulky to be eligible for the Sulky awards noted below.

If you use Sulky Thread in your entry (Rule: it must be visibly used, as in thread painting, embellishment, etc., not just in the piecing or in a way that doesn't show), you'll be eligible for the following awards.

The three winners will be chosen for these "Best Use of Sulky" awards from all the categories (example: one might be a doll, one a garment, and one might be a quilt),
Best Use of Sulky Awards:

1st Place in Best Use of Sulky: $1000 in Sulky Products
2nd Place in Best Use of Sulky: $500 in Sulky Products
3rd Place in Best Use of Sulky: $250 in Sulky Products

All Sulky products for prizes are selected and provided by Sulky.

Best Use of Sulky Awards may not be awarded in the event that too few qualifying entries are received.

Be sure to check the "Sulky Thread Used" box on the application.

Visit your local shop or www.sulky.com to learn more about Sulky's wide range of products.