Challenge and Block Lotto

2026 Challenges

The Challenge 2 Kick-off will be at the May 16 meeting, but you can start digging out those orphan blocks now! Challenge creations will be due at the July 18 meeting.

We all have those extra miscellaneous (orphan) blocks hanging around in our sewing space - right?!! Are you ready to let go?

The goal of Challenge 2 is to use orphan blocks you receive as a Trade, and Transform them into a new creation.

Here is the plan:

Step 1

Gather 2 or more orphan blocks (or even a small unfinished quilt top). (*Contemporary fabrics and colors are appreciated)

Step 2

Bag them up - Write your name on the bag and bring to the April meeting. (*Suggest a Paper bag, or obscure the content in a plastic Ziplock - so it’s a Surprise!)

Step 3

Place your bag in the Challenge 2 Orphan Box when you check in for the April meeting.

Step 4

When announced - Line up and grab a bag that is not yours!

GUIDELINES:

•Inspiration Source:

The Orphan Blocks you receive!

•Color and Fabrics:

The Colors are up to you! You may add any fabrics you choose to make your creation.

Method:

The goal is to Transform the blocks. You can cut them up; add fabrics; change the shape, use as an accent, etc.! Just don’t use the Orphan Blocks in their original form!

•Modern Design Element: Incorporate “Negative Space”

•Size: You decide what to create (a block, a mini, a quilt, a tote/bag, a pillow cover, etc.)

•Completion Stage:

Finished is Great, but a Flimsy is Great too!

Optional - take a photo of the Before (orphan blocks) and After (your creation) - send to social@sacmqg.com

•Due: At the July 18, 2026 SacMQG meeting - Share what you made!

Debra Thompsen

Challenge Coordinator

Block Lotto!

This block was revealed at the Feb. 21 meeting. Make as many as you wish and receive one ticket for each block submitted. Drawing for blocks will be at the April 18 meeting. Coordinated by Christine Westbrook and Sue Klabunde.

Scrappy Raindrop block, designed by Carolina Moore and used with her permission

SacMQG version: We are suggesting it be constructed with a solid bright color for the raindrop and a low volume background. Examples below the instructions.

Past Challenges

Color Card Challenge: Due at March 21 meeting

Pick a card - Any card!

It’s the First Challenge of 2026, & it’s a COLOR Challenge!

Participants draw a random card from a Color Cube. (Examples below.) The Card includes a photo and swatches of coordinated colors that will ALL need to be used! The challenge is that you may not have ever picked the colors, or the combination!!

You are encouraged to use your stash, or hunt for the colors on the Free Table.

GUIDELINES :

◦ Inspiration Source: Color Cube Card

◦ Color: Use ALL the Colors from the Color Cube Card and ONE Neutral of your choice

◦ Design: Any version of Modern

◦ Size : Any Size (one block or a whole quilt)

◦ Completion Stage: A Flimsy (An unfinished block or quilt)

◦ Due: March 21, 2026 at the SacMQG Meeting

Have fun!

Debra Thompsen

Challenge Coordinator