Friendship is the theme for the 2026 Quilt Festival

It is wonderful how quilting brings people together and crates lasting friendships.

 

Date: 15th - 17th May 2026

Venue: Stratford War Memorial Hall

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Thank you to our Sponsors

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​​​​​​​We are very excited for the six wonderful Merchants that will  be in attendance for you to enjoy some retail therapy at our Quilt Festival in May.  

 

Amiee's Homestead Quilts, ​Stitchin Stuff/ Bernina, Bowerbird, Mallee Textiles, Sew & Co, Aroha Quilts.  

 

​Other things that will be happening:

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Guest Exhibitor, Quilters Shop,  Quilters in Motion, Judges Floor Talks, Raffles.

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Quilt Categories: 

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 We will start with the categories that haven’t been mentioned previously. 

Art Quilts: 

“An Art Quilt is a quilt style that deviates from the use of traditional, historical 

blocks and patterns. The emphasis is on the design rather than functionality. Art 

quilts are also created in a variety of styles such as Abstract, Improvisational, 

Collage, Landscape or Nature-Inspired as well as Pictorial or Portrait Quilts.” (The 

Quilt Show - Quiltipedia) Smaller than a Wall quilt. 

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Bed Quilts/Wall Quilts 

Include, Traditional, A Traditional Quilt is one that uses regularly repeating shapes based on 

a grid. The blocks used can be simple or complex, or familiar historical blocks where the 

rows and columns are the same block. 

Traditional quilts rely on symmetry with uniform sashing and borders. Colour 

placement is planned and repetitive.” (The Quilt Show - Quiltipedia) 

Also, Contemporary “A contemporary quilt is characterised by its modern design and 

innovative techniques. Key features include Bold Colours and Prints: Use vibrant and 

unconventional colour combinations to create a striking visual impact. 2 Minimalism 

and Negative Space: Emphasises simplicity and the use of negative space to 

enhance the overall design. Improvisational Piecing: Incorporates spontaneous and 

organic piecing methods, allowing for a unique and personal expression. 

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​​                                                          QUILT CHALLENGES

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Of course, as with any Quilt Show, we like to provide our members with the opportunity to show off their skills. For 2026, we are offering THREE challenges.

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1. FRIENDSHIP STAR BLOCK QUILT

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• Must have at least 3 Friendship Star Blocks within the quilt.

• Your choice of size, but it must be made by you and quilted or tied by you.

• Quilts must consist of 3 layers (top, back batting) held together with quilting, stitching or tying.

• Quilts must have a finished edge.

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2. FRIENDSHIP THEMED MINIATURE QUILT

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We want to see how you depict friendship in your quilting. What certain quilt blocks or colours would you give to someone you cherish? Tell us why.​

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• Size must be 10 inch x 10 inch.

• Quilts must consist of 3 layers (top, back batting) held together with quilting, stitching or tying.

• Quilts must have a finished edge.

• Quilt must be fully made by an individual exhibitor.

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3. REPURPOSED BAG

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Make any bag from repurposed items - vintage material, old quilts, sheets, jeans etc.

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• Cannot be made from scraps.

• The only part of the bag that can be new is the batting/wadding. If you wish, you could use towels or blankets.

• You must include a photo of the repurposed items, with the entry form.

• To exhibit, a label needs to be attached on the inner lining of your bag. This needs to feature the title or name of the bag as well as the creator's name and phone number.

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JUNIOR CHALLENGES

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We also have 2 challenges for our Junior quilters to take part in!

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• Juniors need to be 18 years of age or younger.

• No entry fee.

• Juniors do not have to belong to Taranaki Patchworkers & Quilters.

• Entries will be shown together in a junior section.

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1. REPURPOSED BAG

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Make any bag from repurposed items - vintage material, old quilts, sheets, jeans etc.

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• Cannot be made from scraps.

• The only part of the bag that can be new is the batting/wadding. If you wish, you could use towels or blankets.

• You must include a photo of the repurposed items, with the entry form.

• To exhibit, a label needs to be attached on the inner lining of your bag. This needs to feature the title or name of the bag as well as the creator's name and phone number.

• Must be put inside a cloth bag with a duplicate label on the bag.

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2. FRIENDSHIP THEMED BED QUILT OR WALL HANGING

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• Size is to be no bigger than 1m x 1m.

• Must be 3 layers - a top, wadding or batting, and a backing (stitched or tied together).

• Must be made by an individual

• The hook (rough) side of a piece of Velcro must be securely sewn to the top of your quilt 1/4 inch from the top on the back. Press the soft side of the Velcro onto the hooks side. Label with creator's name and title of the quilt.

• A fabric label with the creator's name, address, phone number, size and school are to be sewn to the bottom left-hand corner at the back.

• Must be put inside cloth bag with a duplicate label on the bag.

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Quilt preparation for Hanging 

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•  Velcro needs to be secured to the top of your quilt for hanging, "NO PINS"

• Quilts larger than 120cm wide: Attach soft side of  Velcro to the top of your quilt

• Quilts Smaller than 120cm wide: Attach hook side of Velcro to top of your quilt. Hook side needs to put on top to protect quilt.

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Important Information for entries:

• Entries close on 3rd April 2026

• One Quilt per form.

• Quilt Entry forms need to be filled in online or You can print a copy and email it to Chris Macdonald at tpq.show.entries@gmail.com no later than 3rd April 2026 

• No late entries will be accepted

• Quilts need to be Delivered no later than 11th April 2026 ​

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• All Quilts need to have a Quilt label 

• Name of Quilt

• Quilt Category

• Quilters name, address and contact number

• Size of quilt. 

The label should be on the back bottom left of the quilt when viewed from the back of the quilt. Each Quilt should be in a cloth bag with duplicate label on the bag 

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