Island Lake Resident Wins Prize at Quilt Expo

A quilt created by Marge Carhart, of Island Lake, has won a top award in the quilt contest at the 2016 Quilt Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

Over 20,000 quilt lovers attended the 12th annual Quilt Expo, which took place Sept. 8-10. Quilt Expo is presented by Wisconsin Public Television with Nancy Zieman, host of public television's "Sewing With Nancy."

Each year, Quilt Expo presents a multi-category contest, as well as a unique juried challenge that changes annually. In the 2016 Black & White Plus One Challenge, all quilts were made from fabrics in black and white, plus a single additional color of the maker's choice.

In addition to Best of Show, awards were given for first-, second- and third-place quilts in each category, as well as honorable mention. One quilt was also named Viewers' Choice by attendees.

Carhart's quilt "Star of Bethlehem" won second place, with a cash prize of $300, in Category 1 (Hand Quilted Bed Size - Pieced).

All quilts accepted in either the contest or the challenge made it through a rigorous selection process before going on display in the exhibit. The 432 quilts were judged on visual impact and stitching technique.

In 2016, accepted entries in the quilt contest came from 31 different states and two foreign countries, including one from a military family stationed in Bahrain. Following the event, selected quilts will travel throughout the United States, representing the spirit of Quilt Expo.

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