Hoffman Challenge Results

Well, the results are in, and no I didn't win any prizes :-(  I am very disappointed in the judges choices this year.  A few were good, but some of the winners looked very basic and boring.  Just my opinion of course, and it always depends on who the judges are.  Each and every one of them are looking for something different, something that appeals to them. 

I have considered not entering this particular contest because of the lack of interest in machine embroidery on the quilts.  I thought for sure now that Sulky had entered the contest that they would be a little more open to the beautiful things that can be done with our embroidery machines.   I believe they are and that 'times are changing' in the world of accepted quilts.  I am not sure that I want to wait :-)   I personally think I will be looking for some different contests this year to enter.

The details as explained on the Hoffman web site states that they had 598 entries this year.  They also said that they had to send 250 entries home that would not be in their traveling showcase.  This is where I am a little sad, because mine is traveling, which means that I will not see it again until late next year.  I didn't get any real good pictures of it, but I will share a few with you that I did get.  Here is the front.

Here is the back.

I want to thank Mia for all of her hard work drawing and digitizing the designs for me.  Without her I would never be able to create most of these masterpieces of art!

On the Edge King Pillow, Clamshells, etc.

Just want to say right up front that just because I haven't posted anything in a month, does not mean that I haven't been busy busy.  First I finished my Hoffman Challenge entry and it was mailed and received on time.  Have not heard any results yet, but the website says that by August 1 2013 all of the winners will be posted on their website.  I also read that if you do win a prize that you will be notified my e-mail.  I check my inbox about every five minutes, but nothing yet.

I have also been doing a little work with Chantell.  I can post a couple of those items. One that is finished is the King Pillow cover created from one of her new embroidery "in the hoop" collections called "On the Edge".

This was made from one of my favorite fabrics; "Oh Deer!" from Moda by MoMo.   I have been hording it for awhile.  I made another pillow cushion from the same fabric, but I can't show you that one yet.

I also have another project that I have been working on that is not quite finished.  It really only needs to have the binding attached.  This was also created using one of Chantell's new 'On the Edge" sets.  Sort of looks like clamshells :-)

Both of these projects were done "In the Hoop".  Chantell really takes the extra time to make sure that her blocks stitch out pretty much perfect.  It is because of her attention to little details that make these blocks all stitch out so great.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Hoffman will be e-mailing me any day to let me know that I have won a prize!  After the judging is finished, and the winners announced, I will post a picture of the completed quilt.  I think it is one of the best pieces that I have ever created, and I can't wait to show it off!

Hoffman Challenge Update

I spent most of the month of June trying to figure out some of the technical problems associated with the design I wanted to achieve with the Hoffman quilt.  I had a very clear picture of what I wanted to do, but some of the ideas needed to be tweaked in order for the idea to be executed.  I even gave up on the whole idea for several weeks.  Then I figured out a work around in my sleep one night (which is where a lot of my design issues are worked out).  But I didn't wake up and write it down, so the solution was lost.  Last weekend I was having breakfast with a friend and I was trying to explain to her why I had given up on completing the quilt challenge.   While I was explaining to her what I was having difficulty accomplishing, the solution came back to me. 

Now that I have figured out that it can be accomplished, I am stitching like a mad woman trying to get all the embroidery done.  I am running out of time since the quilt has to be in Hoffman's hands by the 19th of July.  I have four panels stitched and a lot more to go (not sure exactly how many yet).  I think I can share one small panel here without spoiling the surprise of the quilt.  Mostly to prove that I have been stitching!