The Challenge Factory discussion

There has been a resurgence in the last 10 years or so. Sewists from all over the world are bringing the art of quilting back to life.

One way for quilters to enjoy their hobby is to participate in a 'quilt along'. A typical quilt along involves a host posting on a blog or website a different tutorial each week or month that lets quilters at home complete a project by following along.

The Challenge Factory is hosting its first quilt along, and you're invited to join in. To create a beautiful project by the end of the month, you must read at least one book that is inspired by a classic quilt block.

Duration: April 1 - 30, 2023
No page limit.
You can repeat tasks as many times as you'd like.

April's quilt block - crazy block

The Crazy Quilt is probably the oldest of quilt patterns. Early quilters used any scrap or remnant available, regardless of its color, design, or fabric type. Worn out clothing, women's calico dresses, men's pants and shirts, household linens, and other oddly shaped fabric scraps were fitted and stitched together. The result was a hodgepodge of color, and a quilt with a story behind each scrap.

Making utilitarian quilts fell out of favor in the late 1800's and early 1900's as America became more industrialized and technology brought improvements to the home.

The Crazy quilts or throws of this era featured rich colors and textures and were used to decorate the parlor. Skill in fine embroidery was emphasized. Victorian quilters filled their quilts with bits and pieces of their personal past; a piece of father's vest, a husband's tie, lace from a wedding veil, or ribbons commemorating political events.

Quilting projects (reading levels):
a potholder - 1 book
a table runner - 2 to 3 books
a wall hanging - 4 to 5 books
a baby quilt - 6 -7 books
a throw - 8 -9 books
a twin size quilt - 10+ books

To make one pinwheel quilt block, read a book:
1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - with a wedding in it
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - with an MC who is rich
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - where a person's past is important to the story
10. - with a politician in it

April 2023
A Wall Hanging - 4 to 5 books
4/4-5

✔1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time The Cabin at the End of the World - Paul Tremblay 💧💧💧 4/7/23
2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - with a wedding in it
✔5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE How to Sell a Haunted House - Grady Hendrix 💧💧💧💧 4/6/23
✔6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.) Final Destination #1: Dead Reckoning - Natasha Rhodes 💧💧💧 4/13/23
7. - with an MC who is rich
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
✔9. - where a person's past is important to the story I'm Glad My Mom Died - Jennette McCurdy 💧💧💧💧💧 4/2/23
10. - with a politician in it

Quilt - April 2023

Queen-sized: 10+

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
Kitten Kaboodle 04/02

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor 04/21

2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
Sell Low, Sweet Harriet 04/09

3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
Elusive 04/08

4. - with a wedding in it
One Hex of a Wedding 04/26

5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
Enter a Murderer 04/04

Deadly Proof 04/28

6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
Killers of a Certain Age 04/01

Flame and Fortune 04/24

7. - with an MC who is rich
Leverage in Death 04/18

8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
Morning Glory Circle 04/07

9. - where a person's past is important to the story
Wed or Alive 04/10

10. - with a politician in it
Batter Off Dead 04/05

April - Crazy Block

Baby Quilt
0/7

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - with a wedding in it
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - with an MC who is rich
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - where a person's past is important to the story
10. - with a politician in it

April 2023
A Wall Hanging - 4 to 5 books
0/4-5

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - with a wedding in it
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - with an MC who is rich
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - where a person's past is important to the story
10. - with a politician in it

TCF's Quilt Along - Crazy Block
April 2023

My Crazy Block Challenge (msg 7)

Level ➖ a twin size quilt ➖ 10+ books

Books read ➖ 20

✅1. Read a book that has been on your TBR list a long time
➖Scornfully Hers ➖ 04.02 ★★★
➖Breaking Chains ➖ 04.09 ★★★★


✅2. Read a book that might get you closer to finishing a series
➖Moonlight and Magic ➖ 04.14 ★★★★
➖Jagged ➖ 04.25 ★★★★


✅3. Read a book with a character who loves fashion or clothing
➖Knight ➖ 04.12 ★★★★
➖Mr. Fixer Upper ➖ 04.18 ★★★★


✅4. Read a book with a wedding in it
➖Hot Single Dad ➖ 04.02 ★★★★
➖The Bride Test ➖ 04.05 ★★★★


✅5. Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
➖Dex ➖ 04.08 ★★★★
➖A Deeper Darkness ➖ 04.16 ★★★★


✅6. Read a book using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
➖The Buzz Kill ➖ 04.01 ★★★
➖Twisted Threads ➖ 04.28 ★★★★


✅7. Read a book with an MC who is rich
➖Dirty Rogue ➖ 04.23 ★★★★
➖No Breaking My Heart ➖ 04.07 ★★★★


✅8. Read a book with the word 'parlor' in the text
➖Safe by His Side ➖ 04.22 ★★★★
➖Suddenly Psychic ➖ 04.20 ★★★★


✅9. Read a book where a person's past is important to the story
➖How Much I Feel ➖ 04.15 ★★★★
➖The Family You Make ➖ 04.04 ★★★★


✅10. Read a book with a politician in it
➖Dance with the Devil ➖ 04.279 ★★★★
➖Son of the Morning ➖ 04.12 ★★★★

April's quilt block - crazy block
Quilt 6 books



To make one pinwheel quilt block, read a book:
✅1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
A Slow Burning Fire by Paula Hawkins has been on my TBR list for over 1 year. I finally read the book and finished on 4/12/23.

✅2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi is #2.5 in the series of 6.5 Books. This book was finished in 1 day 4/15/23.

✅3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon finished 4/22/23
Vince was always dressed well got his fashion ideas from GQ magazine. Jackie also made reference to how well dressed he was at work.

4. - with a wedding in it
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
✅6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi finished 4/28/23
This book is Sci Fi read. Ali designed an outfit for Juliette to be able to repel bullets.

✅7. - with an MC who is rich
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas finished 4/24/23
Feyre was very wealthy before her father's bad investment which left them in poverty
Tamlin, and immortal being, resided in a manor with a very luxury style of living and provided that wealth to Feyre family

8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
✅9. - where a person's past is important to the story
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay finished 4/19/23
Several characters were important in the story and the past ** Ella Monroe was a surviving victim in the murder scene in 1999 and now is a therapist helping in
similar crime scene 15 years later **Chris Ford was related to the suspect of the murders in 1999 now a lawyer defending a suspect in crime 15 years later.

10. - with a politician in it

I like this idea, Lanelle!

Quilt Along - Crazy Block
Timeframe: 4/1/23 to 4/30/23
Table runner - 2 to 3 books
5/3

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - Gets you closer to finishing a series - Abducted by a Prince by Olivia Drake - 4/8/23 ♥♥♥♥
#3 in the Cinderella Sisterhood series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - Wedding in it - Harbor Lights by Sherryl Woods - 4/11/23 ♥♥♥♥
Abby’s wedding
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - MC who is rich - Vacancy by Tracy Ewens - 4/6/23 ♥♥♥
Matt owns a company and is “filthy rich.”
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - Person's past is important to the story - Solving for Ex by LeighAnn Kopans - 4/2/23 ♥♥♥♥
Ashley started at this new school because of her past situation at her old high school.
10. - With a politician in it - The Good Luck Cafe by Annie Rains - 4/18/23 ♥♥♥♥
Gil is the mayor of Somerset Lake

TCF's Quilt Along - crazy block
Duration: April 1 - 30, 2023

a throw - 8 -9 books

To make one pinwheel quilt block, read a book:
1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - with a wedding in it
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - with an MC who is rich
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - where a person's past is important to the story
10. - with a politician in it

Elizabeth Sofia
Pinwheel Block Quilt
Duration: 4/1-30/23
Goal: a twin size quilt= 0/10

Read a book:

1. that has been on your TBR list a long time:

2. that might get you closer to finishing a series:

3. with a character who loves fashion or clothing:

4. with a wedding in it:

5. with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE:

6. using technology:

7. with a MC who is rich:

8. with the word 'parlor' in the text:

9. where a person's past is important to the story:

10. with a politician in it:

Saved for me--Sally

Crazy Block

TBR

Finished!

The Challenge Factory
TCF's Quilt Along - crazy block
Duration: April 1 - 30, 2023

Progress: 11 out of 10

There has been a resurgence in the last 10 years or so. Sewists from all over the world are bringing the art of quilting back to life.

One way for quilters to enjoy their hobby is to participate in a 'quilt along'. A typical quilt along involves a host posting on a blog or website a different tutorial each week or month that lets quilters at home complete a project by following along.

The Challenge Factory is hosting its first quilt along, and you're invited to join in. To create a beautiful project by the end of the month, you must read at least one book that is inspired by a classic quilt block.

The Crazy Quilt is probably the oldest of quilt patterns. Early quilters used any scrap or remnant available, regardless of its color, design, or fabric type. Worn out clothing, women's calico dresses, men's pants and shirts, household linens, and other oddly shaped fabric scraps were fitted and stitched together. The result was a hodgepodge of color, and a quilt with a story behind each scrap.

Making utilitarian quilts fell out of favor in the late 1800's and early 1900's as America became more industrialized and technology brought improvements to the home.

The Crazy quilts or throws of this era featured rich colors and textures and were used to decorate the parlor. Skill in fine embroidery was emphasized. Victorian quilters filled their quilts with bits and pieces of their personal past; a piece of father's vest, a husband's tie, lace from a wedding veil, or ribbons commemorating political events.

No page limit.
You can repeat tasks as many times as you'd like.

To make one pinwheel quilt block, read a book:

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour - **** - 4/7/2023 - 352 Pages

2. - that might get you closer to finishing a series

3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing

4. - with a wedding in it

5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe  by Thomas Cahill - ** - 4/3/2023 - 246 Pages

6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells - ***** - 4/4/2023 - 158 Pages
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara - ***** - 4/15/2023 - 352 Pages
Pale Blue Dot by Erin Mallon - *** - 4/16/2023 - 91 Pages

7. - with an MC who is rich
Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley - **** - 4/14/2023 - 336 Pages

8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce - ***** - 4/9/2023 - 352 Pages
Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini - **** - 4/18/2023 - 304 Pages

9. - where a person's past is important to the story:
Under the Boardwalk by Carly Phillips - **** - 4/11/2023 - 271 Pages
Bite the Bullet by L.A. Banks - **** - 4/12/2023 - 349 Pages
No Land's Man by Aasif Mandvi - **** - 4/13/2023 - 192 Pages

10. - with a politician in it

I was able to read more than I had planned.

Quilt Along - Crazy Block
Timeframe: 4/1/23 to 4/30/23
Table runner - 2 to 3 books
5/3

1. - that has been on your TBR list a long time
2. - Gets you closer to finishing a series - Abducted by a Prince by Olivia Drake - 4/8/23 ♥♥♥♥
#3 in the Cinderella Sisterhood series
3. - with a character who loves fashion or clothing
4. - Wedding in it - Harbor Lights by Sherryl Woods - 4/11/23 ♥♥♥♥
Abby’s wedding
5. - with a title that begins with a letter in HODGEPODGE
6. - using technology (a cellphone, ereader, computer, etc.)
7. - MC who is rich - Vacancy by Tracy Ewens - 4/6/23 ♥♥♥
Matt owns a company and is “filthy rich.”
8. - with the word 'parlor' in the text
9. - Person's past is important to the story - Solving for Ex by LeighAnn Kopans - 4/2/23 ♥♥♥♥
Ashley started at this new school because of her past situation at her old high school.
10. - With a politician in it - The Good Luck Cafe by Annie Rains - 4/18/23 ♥♥♥♥
Gil is the mayor of Somerset Lake

Finished! Thanks for the challenge
Updated post: My Crazy Block Challenge (msg 7)

Level ➖ a twin size quilt ➖ 10+ books

Books read ➖ 20