2026 – Seasons of Colours – Summer

12 x 12 inch Open Challenge

The 2026 colour challenge will be Colours of Summer.  As usual this will be a 12 inch by 12 inch quilt.  This challenge will be open to both members and non-members, and all quilts submitted will become part of a traveling exhibition.

Conditions of Entry

All conditions outlined in the Conditions of Entry and the Entry Form must be met to make entries eligible for selection and awards.

Overview

Aotearoa Quilters invites Members and Non Member’s to enter the Challenge “Colours of Summer”
Interpretation of the theme and techniques used are the quilters own choice, however the quilt needs to be securely constructed to withstand travelling to several venues. All entries must be for sale. The quilts will be exhibited at various venues and events over the next year and may be booked via the AQ website. Quilts will be returned to you at the end of the touring year or will be sent on to the purchaser of your quilt using the courier bag you supplied. Should the purchaser be from overseas, they will be asked to cover the extra cost of postage. You will be notified if your quilt sells and payment will be made to you.

Entry Details

• Entrants may be Members or Non Member’s of Aotearoa Quilters.
• Only one entry per member is permitted.
• Aotearoa Quilters reserves the right not to accept any quilt that does not meet the conditions of entry or that the Committee deems as not being a suitable entry.
• Insurance is the responsibility of the entrant. Whilst all care will be taken, Aotearoa Quilters will not accept liability for any loss or damage to the quilt.
• Online entries close on 15th June 2026
• All entries are for sale at $150. The entrant will receive $120 and Aotearoa Quilters will retain $30 if the quilt is sold.
• The online entry requires one high-quality full photo for administrative and publicity purposes.
• Label your photo file with your surname and quilt title. For example: Jones-Swansong. Your image sizes should be between 2 and 8 Mb. Take the photo in good light, square on, including all edges of the quilt, faithful colour and no other distractions in the photo.
• Ensure photo files are .jpeg or .jpg.
• The entry fee of $15 is to be paid by Internet Banking. Once your entry form is submitted you will receive an acknowledgement email containing the Internet banking details.

Quilt Details

• Quilts are due to the convenor by 30th June 2026
• The finished quilt must measure 12”x 12”.
• A hanging sleeve 3 inches wide, finishing ½ inch from either side and no more than ½ inch from the top edge of the quilt, is to be securely stitched to the top of the quilt.
• The hook side of Velcro is to be stitched to the top edge of the hanging sleeve. Velcro should be ½ inch from the sides and top of the quilt. No stick on Velcro is to be used.
• The quilt may be mounted on a canvas art board but the same rules apply. It must have a hanging sleeve, the Velcro securely attached to the top, soft Velcro attached and a fabric label.
• Soft sided Velcro is to be named with the quilt title only and attached to the hook side of the Velcro. This is for the protection of the quilts when packaged for travel.
• A fabric label with the quilt title, makers name, and contact details is to be securely attached to the quilt on the back, bottom, left hand corner when viewed from the back.
• Each entry must include a return addressed NZ Post courier bag and return postage label plus a rural delivery sticker if you have a RD address. If you are sending your quilt to us with another person’s quilt, then each quilt must have its own return bag with return postage included.
• You will be notified when your quilt has arrived. They will be laid flat on arrival.
• If your quilt replicates images that are subject to copyright, you must obtain permission from the owner or copyright holder before entering your quilt and this may include the need to obtain permission to sell your work. Note that replicating only part of someone else’s work may still be subject to copyright requirements. These requirements differ around the world, but in New Zealand copyright generally expires 50 years after the death of the person who created the image.
• No cloth bag is required, so please don’t include one with your entry.

Judging Details

• Winners will be announced at a Prizegiving either at a venue or online meeting.
• The judge’s decision is final and no discussion will be entered into.

Publicity Details

• Quilts must not have been exhibited in any other situation before entering this challenge.
• Partial photographs of up to 20% of the quilt may be shared on social media or any other public forum before the opening of the exhibition. The intention is to create interest without revealing the main features of the quilt.
• Aotearoa Quilters may use photographic images for promotional purposes. Quilt makers will be acknowledged.

Courier/Postage Details

Send quilts to:
Suzanne Sage
c/- Paper Plus Carterton
80 High Street
Carterton

Enter your quilt

*https://www.resizepixel.com/ is an excellent website to resize your photo if the original file is larger than the maximum 8 Mb allowed for the upload on the AQ website. Instructions for renaming and resizing photos are also on our website under Activities.