Sew close? Winning entries for IPM 2020 quilt block challenge

The first competition of the 2020 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) is in the books, courtesy of the quilt block challenge. A panel of judges selected the top three entries and awarded cash prizes this past weekend.

“They were all very good. It was really hard to pick the winners, but the first-place one stood right out,” says Judy Brown, local quilt committee lead, of the entries received.

“It was really well-done. It was hand-done and it looked very uniform – the stitches in it and everything. All three of us [judges] went to that one first.”

The first-place quilt block was created by Irmgard Jacob of Tottenham, Ontario. Second place went to Erin Harkness of Clifford, Ontario. Third place went to Lindsay’s Sue Sharpe. Submitted Quilt Blocks were made using only fabric from prepared kits including a 12-inch square of white and 10-inch squares of blue, teal, green and orange. (Fabric generously donated by Northcott Silk Inc.)

In all, 67 kits were sold. Forty-nine were returned and entered into the competition.

“It was a really broad area that we got them from,” says Judy, noting they came in from throughout Ontario. “I was totally amazed.”

The challenge began in November. Deadline for submissions was Feb. 15. A three-judge panel selected the winners this past weekend.

First-place will receive $100, followed by $75 and $50 for second and third place respectively. All entries into the Quilt Block Challenge are the property of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, parent host of the IPM.

The blocks will be used to create three quilts – one to be given as a gift to the Ontario Queen of the Furrow and two more to be used as prizes. IPM 2020 runs October 14 to 17 of 2020 at the Lindsay Exhibition Grounds and neighbouring farms.

For more information, visit here.

*Pictured: Third place winning quilt by Lindsay’s Sue Sharpe.