Submitted by Dianne McD.
Way back in January of 2020, when the world was still normal, our Chair elect Linda, presented a challenge to all of us during our Guild meeting. Our challenge was to create a quilt that was 20″ x 20″ made from 20 fabrics that were pulled from our stash in 20 minutes. It sounded like great fun! The grand Reveal of the 2020 Challenge Quilts was set for our Guild meeting on November 24th, 2020. Little did we see then what was barreling down the tracks towards our community.
Between January and the end of November, we had experienced a world-wide pandemic, racial unrest throughout the country that brought angry protests and some rioting to our city, devastating wild fires through much of the state, and a very divisive presidential election.
In spite of all that, twenty-five quilters were able to create challenge quilts. Our guild members and visitors met through the Zoom platform for the Challenge Reveal; and before long, it became obvious that this would be a special and unique reveal. Some quilts were whimsical, some were sweet, while others addressed the social issues of the time. All were beautiful! As the quilters explained their inspirations and processes in the making of their quilts, it became clear how much personal growth each quilter had experienced through participating in this challenge. What began as light-hearted fun turned into something much more meaningful. Aren’t we thankful that we, as quilters, have this medium through which we can express ourselves?
You can view these quilts by clicking on the button below. You are invited to leave comments either here, on the page of quilts, or both.
See our 2020 Challenge Quilts
A year ago when the challenge was presented to the guild, the anticipation of a difficult election seemed all we faced. But then so many horrid events happened in so many communities around us and in the world. This little quilt became the voice for many of us – expressing what we were experiencing, how we hoped to survive and how we would look when we become a new normal. Even the colorful, happy little village quilts reflect where we want to be in the future. Thank you all for sharing your creations and insightful meaning as you developed your quilts. The Show was indeed inspiring!
Dianne, What a lovely summary. 💫
Linda and Claudia, You were a marvelous team presenting each quilt, interviewing the quilter and reading the comments. ⭐️
I hope the Guild makes a challenge like this an annual event. It was so inspiring to view the breadth of ideas, the artistry, imagination and skills among our members.
Thanks to all 25 who presented. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Sara
Dianne, your thoughts in the above paragraphs were very beautifully said!