From the inception of our planning for Quilt Fayre, hosting an annual competition has been a key element of our ambition. Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, we are thrilled to announce the details for the Quilt Fayre 2024 Annual Quilt Competition.

The first competition exceeded our expectations, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within our community. It was a celebration of craftsmanship, passion, and the artistry that goes into every quilt and panel. Now, as we embark on our second year, we are eager to create an even more vibrant and inspiring event.

We cordially invite you to be part of this exciting journey by entering the competition and contributing to the exhibition of quilts that will be hosted by Quilt Fayre in August 2024. Your unique perspective and artistic flair would undoubtedly enhance the richness of our showcase.

All winners will receive a winners rosette.

First prize:  A Brother Sewing Machine, sponsored by Sew ‘n Knit,Belfast.

Second Prize: A Treasure Chest of fabric and other bits and bobs, sponsored by Quilt Fayre

Third Prize:  Fabric Treasures, sponsored by Quilt Fayre

There is only one category this year, we need you to tell us a story that captures our theme: “Stitches of Life”.

It could be your life, someone elses life you admire, a story book hero’s life, any life, we just need to see it represented in stitch using materials, threads, textures and colours to express what the theme means to you.

All techniques are acceptable, provided that the basic structural characteristics of patchwork and quilting (3 layers, stitched together) are respected.

Maximum size is 60” x 60” 0r 152cm x 152 cm.

Minimum size is 36” x 36” 0r 91cm x 91 cm.

As we receive the completed entry form, we will email back a numbered receipt, you need to print off two copies of this receipt –

One copy to be stitched or pinned onto the back lower right hand corner of your quilt, and

One copy to be retained as your receipt, which will need to be presented if you collect your quilt at the end of Quilt Fayre 2024.

Your entry will be allocated a reference number, and this number will be used as the reference for judging your entry.  The judging will be done “blind” and the only reference will be the number that we allocate, with no other reference for the judge to see.  If you stitch your details onto the quilt, we will cover the information with masking tape.

Quilt Fayre, c/o Margaret Lee, 26 Bayswater, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6JL, Nth. Ireland.

Where possible we will re-use your packaging to return your quilt.

UK/Irish entries – due to the uncertainty of postage/courier costs for 2024, by entering you agree to pay standard postage or courier costs for the return of your quilt/s, which will be invoiced to you when we post your quilt back to you.

You can collect your quilt at the close of Quilt Fayre next August, on production of your receipt.

Return of overseas entries:

As above, this will be charged in GB Sterling at cost plus small handling fee.

October 2023, competition opens

Completed entry forms and fees paid by 31 July 2024

Completed quilt/s must be received at the above address before the 10th August 2024 (please allow at least 7 days for delivery UK and Ireland, 14 days, Rest of the world)  

All entries will be on display during Quilt fayre 2024, Stormont Hotel, 22,23,24 August 2024.

The structure of the quilt must have three layers, and the layers must be pieced and joined together by stitch, hand or machine stitching are both acceptable.

Only two quilts per person can be entered.

All quilts must conform to quilt size constraints – if the size exceeds the above measurements, it will not be judged.

A hanging sleeve at least 5” deep must be attached to the back of the quilt – if a hanging sleeve is not attached the quilt will not be judged.

The quilt should not have been exhibited before and must be the work of the person or person submitting the entry.

Quilts made from purchased kits, or taught in a class are NOT eligible for entry.

Quilts involving more than one person must have all the names of those involved included in the application form.

If the quilt has been commercially long arm quilted, the person responsible for the quilting also needs to be named on the entry.

We reserve the right not to hang work that we consider unsuitable in any way for display.

Entries will not be accepted after the 31 July 2024.

By entering your quilt in the competition, you agree to have it photographed for publicity purposes by Quilt Fayre.

The judges decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

The entry fee for every quilt submitted is £15.00.