The Storytime Cherrywood Challenge

A juried art quilt contest sponsored by

Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics

Hopefully, we all have memories of snuggling in at night for storytime, anticipating a story that captured our imagination. Remember that one book you just HAD to read over and over? The illustrations were just so beautiful and the story was just right.

Books published in the 50s through 80s had a certain illustrative style, quality, paper, feel and even smell. The Classics bring joy to generation after generation of hungry minds. 

That's the feeling we are trying to capture with this Challenge.

 

 THE RULES:

• Finished quilt must be 20-inch square

The beauty of the Exhibit is the cohesive color, size and fabric.

• Use only the fabric provided in the bundle.

The entire quilt top and binding must be made from
Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric.
Using ALL the colors from the 8-step Storytime bundle is encouraged.

(The backing and/or facing does NOT have to be Cherrywood.)

• Take inspiration from the theme: 

Storytime - Celebrating the Classics

Here are just a few examples of CLASSIC Children's Books to give you a spark:
Frog & Toad's Adventures
Winnie the Pooh
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Where the Wild Things Are
Curious George
Alice in Wonderland
Pinnochio
The Giving Tree
The Mitten

Note:
Attribution to the original artist must be included in the artist's statement. No quilts using copyrighted or licensed images may be sold. There is no financial remuneration for participation in the Cherrywood Challenge. 

Please use similar wording in your artist statement when you submit the quilt:

”The image of _________ is based on the character(s) originated by __________. This is a work of fan art. All rights remain with the original artist/publisher, etc."

• Use a limited color palette.

Only the 8 colors of the Storytime Bundle and 4 colors of the Sketchbook Add-on Bundle are allowed.

No other colors of fabric may be used.

You may add embellishment/technique (thread, paint, ink, beads, etc.) in other colors, but the challenge is to stay within the limited palette.

As an option, we offer an exclusive collection of Aurifil cotton floss to enhance the nostalgia with embroidery.


 • Use any technique

Piecing, appliqué, fusing, embroidery, handwork, machine work, thread painting, fabric manipulation, small amounts of paint, ink, or pencils, etc.

Since this is a contest sponsored by a fabric company; we are looking for work that shows off our fabric. (This is not a painting or beading contest)

The art piece must have a top, middle and back held together by quilting stitches. 

 • Use any embellishment

The art pieces travel around the country for over a year and must be able to withstand the journey.

Refrain from the use of items that will detach or damage other pieces (such as glitter, wires or strings that can tangle).


 • Get creative and try something new!

There are a limited number of spots in The Traveling Exhibit. By entering your quilt into this challenge you must understand that your piece may not be selected to travel. The jury process is subjective and should not be taken personally.

Make a quilt that YOU love and that makes YOU happy! 

 

DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2026

1:00 pm Central Time

Upload four images and pay $30  Entry Fee


Buy the Bundle

Fat Quarter Bundle $56.00

OR

Half Yard Bundle $112.00

 

Sketchbook Bundle (optional) $28.00

Aurifil Floss Collection

10 Spools

100% cotton floss

$63.00

Storytime Totebag

Cotton Canvas

Mistyfuse

Light-weight fusing products

Soft & Stable

22" x 22" pre-cut of batting alternative

Stitch-a-Story Kit

Everything you need and a stylish tote bag to keep it in