Calling All Quilters: Your Quilt Could Be a Winner...

A message from public television's Nancy Zieman

This fall, Sept. 11 through 13, WPT and Nancy Zieman Productions will present the fourth-annual Quilt Expo in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.

I encourage all quilters to take part in one of the most exciting elements of this premier quilting forum -- the 10-category juried and judged quilt contest.

Last year's contest was the highlight of the event with more than 260 spectacular quilts competing, and on exhibit for attendees to peruse and admire. Many non-quilters also visited to marvel and take in the varied beauty of these splendid works of personal expression. It was truly magnificent and inspiring.

All of the 2007 award-winning contest quilts may be viewed on the Web at wiquiltexpo.com.

The contest awards first-, second- and third-place cash prizes in each of the 10 categories. The first-place winner in each category receives $500, second-place $300 and third-place $200, plus one Best of Show winner is awarded $1,500. Each winner also receives a ribbon. In addition, quilt contest exhibit viewers may vote for their favorite quilt in the exhibit to win a special $500 Viewers' Choice award.

Quilt Expo also offers the chance for kids up to 15 years of age to win prizes for their quilts in the youth contest. Nancy's Notions sponsors the Kids' Quilt Challenge and awards $200, $100 and $50 gift certificates for the three top quilts.

Visit the Web site to download entry forms for both contests.

Other Quilt Expo highlights include educational lectures by quilting experts, Sit & Sew, and hands-on workshops where attendees can learn and practice a new skill, stage presentations with innovative tips and techniques, and a vendor mall, brimming all that's new in the quilting industry.

Please join me to learn, laugh and draw inspiration.

-Nancy Zieman