We Interrupt This Broadcast to Bring You. . .

So, as I was half-heartedly cleaning the kitchen this morning, I came up with this brilliant idea (my brain keeps going, even when I am not in the sewing room). What if we had a contest. . . a quilting contest with prizes and fabric and lots of quilty friends? They have contests for everything else-- why not quilting? And so, without further ado, I am pleased to announce:

A ten month contest, in which 10 contestants compete to become America's Favorite Quilter (or at least blogland's favorite quilter ;0).

Down to the nitty-gritty:

From now until the 22nd of January will be try-outs. On January 22nd, 10 contestants will be announced to compete in the competition. They will be given from January 22nd to February 15th to complete a quilt using the theme of that month. On February 15th the 10 quilts will be displayed annonymously here, on Brown Paper Packages. Everyone will have the opporunity to vote for their favorite. On the 22nd of February (one week later), a winner will be announced for that months challenge and the loser will be eliminated. Then the remaining quilters will be given a new theme and begin sewing again. This will continue until we only have one remaining player, who will be announced America's Favorite Quilter!

Are you excited yet? Okay, let's continue. Who can enter? EVERYONE! To enter, you will need to be able to commit to the possiblity of making a quilt a month for the entire 10 months. The quilts need to be baby sized or larger (approximately 35"x35" or larger). If you can commit to that and wanna play, send me an email at leiselp@gmail.com with your name, your blog address (if you have one), and pictures of your five favorite/best quilts. You will then be judged by a panel of judges (yet to be put together-- hey, I just thought of this today!), who will determine whether you will be part of the ten finalists.

Can't commit to that many quilts? Didn't make the finalists? Not to fret! I want everyone included in this! Each "Reveal Week" I will also have a way for you to link your quilt made to go with the theme and I will pick one winner from the links. You can do one month or all 10 months- whatever suits your fancy! No blog, let me know and we will work something out.

Prizes? Oh, yes. There will be prizes. What, exactly? Not sure yet. . . I have a few ideas, but I am hoping to get a little help in this area. PLEASE help spread the news. . . this will be so much more fun if we have lots of quilty friends. And any one that wants to donate some prizes or help in anyway, just holler!

More details to come soon. . .