Once there was a king who had everything in the world. (Well, almost everything--- he didn't have a quilt!) Those of you who have read the "Quiltmaker's Gift," the best selling book by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken, know the rest of the story. If you haven't read the book, look for a copy--- you're in for a treat!

Now Benartex, Bernina, Quilter's Resource and Scholastic have teamed up to announce an unusual quilt contest, designed to challenge your imagination and encourage a new generation of quiltmakers everywhere.

THE CHALLENGE:
In keeping with the theme of generosity, make a quilt that YOU WILL GIVE to someone else when the challenge is over. It may be a quilt for a family member. Or perhaps it will be a quilt for a special friend or neighbor. It can even be a quilt that will be given to a complete stranger or worthwhile charity. Each quilt must be accompanied by the name of the person or charity for whom it is made, and the reason that person or charity was chosen.

THE CATEGORIES:
You may enter into any one of the following categories:

• "Anything Goes." The quilts in this category may be pieced, appliqud, or a combination of both and may be hand or machine quilted. It must be the work of one person only. Traditional or contemporary-this is your opportunity to show your talents!
• Quilts Started in a Quilt Shop. Perhaps you have always wanted to sign up for a Beginner's class in your local quilt shop. (Or suppose you are an experienced quilter who wants to learn a new skill!) This is your category. The only rule here is that the quilt must be started in a quilt class. Now is your time to visit your local shop and ask them for details on how you can make a quilt using the Quiltmaker's Gift fabric.
• Adaptation of a quilt block design from "The Quiltmaker's Gift" book. Choose any of the wonderful block or quilt designs in the book.

• First Prize: Three complete collection boxes from Benartex ($600 retail value)
• Second Prize: Two complete collection boxes from Benartex ($400 retail value)
• Third Prize: One complete collection box from Benartex ($200 retail value)

• Best of Show: Bernina Artista 180 sewing machine with embroidery module!
• Viewers Choice: Airfare and hotel for two to Quilt Festival, Houston 2002! (Domestic entries only)
• Viewers Choice from Scholastic website: Books and fabrics from Quilters Resource

• Young Quilter Award. For our younger quilter, (AGES 8-16), you are eligible to win a $200 shopping spree from the Benartex website AND $1000 worth of Scholastic books for the library, school or organization of your choice. The books will be donated in your name!
• Group Project or Quilt Guild Project. This is an ideal opportunity for groups and guilds to earn valuable prizes and also be able to donate the project upon completion to a charitable organization of its choice. The gift of generosity keeps on giving!

• First Prize - Three Complete collection boxes from Benartex ($600 retail value)
• Second Prize - Two collection boxes from Benartex ($400 retail value)
• Third Prize - One collection box from Benartex ($200 retail value)

Challenge sponsored by Benartex Fabrics, Bernina, Quilter's Resource and Scholastic Publishing.

To enter the Quiltmaker's Gift challenge, simply create a quilt in one of the categories listed on the reverse side, using the rules and guidelines below. Remember - the theme of the challenge is to make a quilt that you intend to give away! Next, complete the application form and submit 2 slides or photos of the finished quilt-one full size slide or photo, and one close-up showing at least 12" of the quilt. Please check the dates below for deadlines.

Application forms are available at your local quilt shop, or by clicking on the link below. Want an advance 4 x 4 swatch pack to begin planning your quilt? Send $5.00 to Quilt Swatches, c/o Benartex, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1100, New York, N.Y. 10018.

Fabrics: Quilts must contain a minimum of 1/4 yard of 8 different fabrics from The Quiltmaker's Gift collection, and must appear on the quilt top. You may supplement your quilt with other fabrics. (We prefer Benartex, of course!)

Size: Minimum size is 40" x 40"-- maximum size is 80" x 80". Quilts should have a 4" doubled sleeve for hanging.

Method of Construction: Quilts may be quilted by hand, machine or a combination of both. They can be pieced, appliqued, or a combination of both. All quilts must have a label sewn on the back with the name of the quilt, the quilt maker, the person or charity for whom the quilt was made, and your address and telephone number.

Timetable:
Feb/March 2002: The Quiltmaker's Gift fabric arrives at your quilt shop! Choose a category and start planning!

August 15, 2002- Send your application and two slides or photos of your quilt postmarked by this date. Include one slide or photo of your entire quilt and one close-up slide or photo to: The Quiltmaker's Gift, c/o Benartex, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1100, New York, N.Y. 10018. Write your name and telephone number (or email address) on each slide. We regret that slides cannot be returned, so please make copies. International entries must be airmailed no later than August 15th.

September 3, 2002- Finalists will be contacted and asked to send in their quilts for final judging.

September 16, 2002 Prizewinners will be notified by phone or email. All finalists will have their quilts displayed at Houston 2002 Quilt Market in a special exhibit, and agree that their quilt may be used for advertising and/or shows.