Garden State of Mind, Hoffman Challenge
curated by Jean Impey, Hoffman Fabrics
Hoffman Fabrics has a passion for design and takes pride in producing innovative screenprints and authentic, made in Bali batiks and hand-dyes, since 1924. The annual Hoffman Challenge invites quilters, sewists and crafters from around the world to create something new and unique from a specific grouping of fabrics.
Sauder Village is pleased to display the 32nd Annual Hoffman Challenge Trunk Show featuring “Garden State of Mind” digital print collection. This traveling exhibit includes the work of 75 winners and finalists in the Quilts category. The pieces will include: Applique, Pieced, Mixed Techniques, and Modern sub-categories. Experience first hand this vibrant, world class exhibit.
Fabrics used for the Hoffman Challenge
Hand Quilting Legacy
curated by Linda Rufenacht
Hand quilting, using a needle and thread, is the traditional method of sewing quilt layers (top, batting, back) together by hand with simple straight lines or intricate designs. The hand stitches add to the overall quilt design and appeal of the finished piece. A basic running stitch is used by pushing the needle in and out of all three fabric layers with the most even and consistent series of stitches. The size and length of the stitches vary depending on the quilter’s skill and the desired effect. Many modern quilts employ a big stitch using embroidery thread or perle cotton for a bold end effect on their finished quilt.
At Sauder Village, our volunteer hand quilters must pass a test. The size, length, consistency, and number of stitches per inch are evaluated.
This exhibit focuses on the fine art of hand quilting. Whether the quilting was completed by the owner, guild, or collective of friends, you will be delighted in the intricate details.
Linda Rufenacht served as manager of Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop and Sauder Village Quilt Show Director for more than 20 years. Prior to that she taught Home Economics classes at Archbold Middle School. Currently, she loves spending time with her family, including nine wonderful grandchildren; creating in her sewing studio; and volunteering at Ten Thousand Villages. For the past 6 years she and her husband Jim have volunteered with Mennonite Mission Network for the month of February at various locations in the southwest.