It's In the Bag Contest - for AQS Quilt Show in Paducah

Each year the American Quilter's Society sponsors a contest and the items are donated to the annual Quilt Auction at the Paducah Quilt Show. Bags of all kinds are so popular and quilters everywhere are making them - large, small, lots of pockets, fancy, messenger, green bags for shopping, and the list goes on and on - that we chose a "Bag" theme for this year's contest.

Here is your chance to win! $1,000 in prize money will be awarded - $200 for the Best Bag and $100 for the best bag in each of the eight categories.

The categories are:
Purse (primary function is as a purse - can be for everyday use or a fancy one for evening)
Tote (for carrying items)
Full of Pockets (how many pockets can you put into one bag and still be able to carry it loaded?)
Functional (can be used for multiple purposes)
Embellished (show your glitz on this one)
Green (made totally of recycled materials - go for it, this should be fun)
Specialty (backpack, fanny pack, computer bag, etc.)
Student-made (middle school, high school or college-aged sewers).

Sewers of all ages can enter; challenge your children and grandchildren to enter this contest. Everyone can have fun sewing. All of the proceeds from auctioning these bags will benefit The National Quilt Museum located in Paducah, Kentucky.

The rules are available on the AQS website; just click here to print a copy.

The completed bag and entry form must be received by AQS by March 1, 2011.

There are many free patterns available on the Internet for making all types of bags. Just Google "free bag patterns" and you will find hundreds from which to choose.

When you are making those bags for holiday gifting, make one or two more to donate to benefit The National Quilt Museum. You can send your completed bag(s) and entry form any time before March 1.

Good Luck...we can't wait to see the great bags you create.