I am wondering if we are allowed to use free or purchased Applique patterns or does everything have to be original?

It can be anything - original designs are not necessary. If you use someone's pattern please be sure to properly credit them.

Is there a size requirement for the Project QUILTING Challenges?

No ... unless it specifies it in the challenge which has only happened one time in the past 6 years or so. Make it whatever size you have time for or are inspired to do! If there is a size requirement it will be specifically stated in the particular challenge.

How do I sign up to participate in the challenge?

There is no sign up necessary! Just check out the challenge when it's posted, make your project per the challenge and link up before the deadline! See a summary of all the Project QUILTING Challenges by clicking HERE.

Project Quilting

Season 17

We'll be handling Project QUILTING the same as last year - just challenges, inspiration, and a supportive community - no prizes. The challenges will be posted at NOON CST right here on my blog.

Season 17 Schedule:

Sunday, January 4th at Noon, CST - Challenge 1: A Clean Slate

Sunday, January 11th at Noon, CST - Linked Up Entries

Sunday, January 18th at Noon, CST - Challenge 2: Scads of Plaid

Sunday, January 25th at Noon, CST - Linked up Entries

Sunday, February 1st at Noon, CST - Challenge 3 : Year of the Horse

Sunday, February 8th at Noon, CST - Challenge 3 Entries

Sunday, February 15th at Noon, CST - Challenge 4: Of Another Era

Sunday, February 22nd at Noon, CST - Challenge 4 Entries

Sunday, March 1st at Noon, CST - Challenge 5 : My Complements

Sunday, March 8th at Noon, CST - Challenge 5 Entries

Sunday, March 15th at Noon, CST - Challenge 6: A Happy Handful

Sunday, March 22nd at Noon, CST - Challenge 6 due

How It Works

Challenges are posted on my blog at noon Central time on Sunday by my friend Trisha Frankland, a talented quilter and teacher - this way, I get to participate in the surprise of the challenge too.

You have one week (until noon the next Sunday) to meet the challenge.

Every challenge piece must be a FINISHED project seen through from INCEPTION to COMPLETION during the challenge timeline.
Each piece must stand alone as DONE to count.
Your project does not need to be a traditional quilt, but must meet at least one of these requirements: include patchwork, include appliqué, have 3 layers stitched together by hand or machine.

How to Enter a Challenge

You don't have to send your project anywhere or even change out of your jammies - your completed project is entered by posting it online and then LINKING UP TO THE CHALLENGE POST on my blog:

If you have your own blog, link to your post about your challenge piece.
You can also link up through instagram or facebook. Just make sure you make your photo available for the public to see otherwise some folks won't be able to see your beautiful creations! You may also have to upload the picture manually which is described on the Link UP post.
Or even just email your picture and info to me and I'll post it for you. email: projectquilting@gmail.com

In addition to the photo, please tell us a bit about your project in your post - give it a name, tell us the dimensions, and perhaps explain the thoughts or process behind your meeting the challenge. Also, because we're all over the world on the internet, please tell us your name and where you live.

Timeline: Each "season" of Project QUILTING lasts 12 weeks and includes 6 challenges. You can participate in all the challenges, or just give one a try.

Linking up: if you have a hard time linking up - don't panic! Another option is to simply email me - projectquilting@gmail.com the picture and story and I will do all the linking up for you! I don't want anyone to think they can't join in the fun because they struggle with things online.

How It Got Started

I am a HUGE fan of the TV show Project Runway, and after watching my first few episodes I right away wanted to learn to make clothes.

When I woke up from that delusion, I pondered for a moment what it was about Project Runway that so attracted me. Is it the fashion? Sure. Is it the people? Of course. But I think my real answer is: IT'S THE CHALLENGE.

These people are given a task, a few dollars and little time to complete it yet they make the most amazing things. I want to do that!

I wanted a challenge – with guidelines for time and end result.

Frequenly Asked Questions

Questions?

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My Quilts from Project Quilting

My Gallery

Below are 63 quilts that I have personally made as a result of some of the Project QUILTING Challenges so far. These are just a sampling of some of the pieces the challenge has inspired me to make.

Spring Convergence, was accepted and shown at the Madison Quilt Expo in September of 2011.
Celebrate Annie, took 3rd place at the Sun Prairie Heritage, 2013 Quilt Show.
Local Food Grows Strong Communities was accepted and shown at the Madison Quilt Expo in September of 2013.
The Amazing Technicolor Dream Heart was accepted and shown at the Madison Quilt Expo in September of 2014 and took second in the 'Art Quilt' category at 2014 Rock Valley Quilt Show.

See the gallery below for more of my Project QUILTING quilts.

Project QUILTING Support Sponsor

Our Sposors

Email me at: projectquilting@gmail.com to find out how your company/brand can become a special sponsor of Project QUILTING and have your logo featured here for all of 2026!