Every year, Cherrywood chooses a theme and color palette and presents a challenge to quilters from all over the world. The challenge is to see what you can create using a very limited number of colors, and show of the beautiful suede look of their hand-dyed fabric.

The 11th annual Cherrywood Challenge is Storytime.

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 past decades had a certain illustrative style, quality, paper, feel and even smell. The Classics bring joy to generation after generation of hungry minds. 

Connection. Imagination. Nostalgia. That's the feeling this Challenge is trying to capture.

Storytime 8 FQ bundle - rust, mango, goldenrod, caramel, sepia, lizard, misty aqua, jade

Sketchbook 4 FQ companion bundle - charcoal, mahogany, taupe, buttercream

 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

What does "storytime" mean to YOU? Please note: Your design need not be taken directly from a specific book.

• Cherrywood is committed to respecting the intellectual property of others.  Please do not use licensed characters in the design; be sure that your submission is your own art and design. Upon submission, you will be required to provide the following statement:

The image of _________ is based on the character(s) originated by __________. All rights remain with the original artist/publisher, etc. Please note that attribution does not affect the rights of the copyright holder and does not allow the use of others’ intellectual property rights.  

One way to be sure that you are not using others’ protected designs is to make sure your inspiration comes from the public domain.  

• There is no financial remuneration for participation in the Cherrywood Challenge.

• 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.

 • 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. Refer to the Cherrywood website for more info.