September 26, 2010

Texas Agriculture Department Quilt Contest

Every two years, the Texas Department of Agriculture has a quilt contest in the "Go Texan" program. The TDA chooses the theme and provides a packet of all-natural fabrics. The entrant designs his/her own block and must use these fabrics. The entrant can add up to 3 fabrics of their own in their block.
The theme for 2010 was "Texas Wildlife -- Adventure Awaits". There were approximately 100 entries and only 25 blocks were chosen. I was blessed to have my block chosen! On Friday, 9/25, opening day of the State Fair of Texas (Dallas, TX), the quilt was unveiled for the first time and winners were presented with a certificate and a goody bag.

The following is a partial diagram of where each person's block was placed in the quilt. My block was in the center -- I was so excited.


The first order of business was the presentation of awards. Here I am receiving my certificate and a personal letter from Todd Staples, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Next, we moved over to where the quilt was displayed for the unveiling. A representative from Hobbs Batting (one of the sponsors and I'm sorry I don't remember his name), Terri Vogds (she pieced the quilt together), and Maria Davis (the longarm quilter -- who did a fantastic job!) do the honors of unveiling the quilt.

And here is the completed quilt! It is beautiful. Terri did a fantastic job putting it together. All the pieced blocks have an animal name. She incorporated some embroidered blocks as well. Maria did a great job on the quilting.




Here I am -- pointing to my block.







Last, here is my block. I chose to use the outline of the State of Texas and then applique the various animals that inhabit each different region of Texas.


10 comments:

Lori said...

Congratulations Kathy. Your block is beautiful and really compliments the quilt. What an honor!

Linda said...

You did a wonderful job on your block, Kathy! Its beautiful! I wish I could have been there. My block was also chosen. Its the one at the top left corner with the bass jumping out of the water. Didn't they do a great job of quilting it all?!!
I would have loved to have met you.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Wonderful block Kathy - I would never have thought of the animals. Congratulations! blessings, marlene

Karen said...

What a fun day that must have been for you! You are truely gifted and your work is awesome!

Pat said...

Congratulations, Kathy. Your block is wonderful! You can be very proud of this.....it's such an honor!

Rhonda said...

Looking good, girlfriend!!!

Quilter In Paradise said...

a big YE-Haw - Congratulations! We are going on the 8th ( I can get off work! )and I ALWAYS go see the quilts - I'll make a special point to see your block!

Beth in Dallas

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Wow! Congratulations! And how awesome that yours is right smack dab in the middle :o) It looks awesome!

Blessings & Aloha!

Teresa said...

Congratulations and its a great block!

Karen Smith said...

I think that this years quilt is the best one by the TDA yet! I, like so many others, made a block that wasn't picked, but I have to say everyone who won deserved their win and more. You did a great job and I think all the blocks are incredible! Wish I could have seen it in person, but alas, the Army say fit to move me to Germany before the fair. I MISS TEXAS!!!