Texas Department of Agriculture

Consumer Tips and Resources
2008 Quilt Block Competition

2008 Quilt Block Competition

READY, SET, QUILT!

CALL FOR QUILTERS TO SPOTLIGHT TEXAS WINES

We are proud to announce the 2008 quilt block competition theme, "Toast a Rising Star," highlighting Texas' thriving and popular wine industry. As the nation's fifth-largest wine producing state with more than 220 family-owned vineyards covering 3,700 acres, the Texas wine industry contributes more than $1 billion annually to the state's economy.

This year, TDA is honored and delighted to have Janet Staples, wife of Commissioner Todd Staples, assisting the agency with the competition.

"This competition provides a great opportunity to work with fabulous, quality Texas materials while incorporating our great Texas creativity and spirit," said Mrs. Staples, an experienced quilter. "I'm very proud to be part of the process and am looking forward to the competition."

As in previous years, each contest participant will use Texas natural fibers - cotton, wool and leather - to create a quilt block design for submission to TDA. A panel of judges will select the winning entries, which will be pieced together into a quilt and unveiled at a ceremony honoring the winners at the 2008 State Fair of Texas in September. The quilt will become part of TDA's quilt collection and traveling natural fiber exhibition.

To help defray the cost of the material packets, postage and the statewide travel and display of the quilt, a $12 donation for each participant packet is requested. The packets contain the natural fiber fabrics to be used in the design along with tips and techniques for developing the block and more information about the contest theme. To participate in the 2008 quilt block competition, send your completed Participant Agreement and $12 check or money order to the address provided on the form. Material packets will be mailed to participants upon receipt of their agreement. If you have any questions about the contest, call (877) 99GO-TEX or e-mail gotexanquilts@tda.state.tx.us. The deadline for submissions is June 5, 2008.

2008 Competition Rules

2008 Competition Agreement

2008 Sponsors

Hobbs Bonded Fibers, Johanna Iaia, Joy’s Fabrics & Quilts , Tandy Leather Factory, P&B Textiles, TerriI Vogds, Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association

2006 The Legendary Ranches of Texas Quilt

Pieced by Terri E. Vogds of Denton
Quilted by Johanna Iaia of Denton

2006 Texas Department of Agriculture Quilt Block Competition Winners

The 2006 Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Quilt Block Competition has officially come to an end. The theme for the 2006 competition, "The Legendary Ranches of Texas," drew participation from across the state from novice and experienced quilters alike. With such a distinctly Texan theme, quilters found a unique and very personal way to represent their idea of "The Legendary Ranches of Texas" and what it meant to them.

Even though the competition was fierce, the entries were narrowed down to 20 blocks for inclusion in the final quilt. The quilt was unveiled at a special ceremony in TDA's Food and Fiber Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on Sept. 29, 2006. The quilt remained on display until the end of the Fair on Oct. 22. The "Legendary Ranches of Texas" quilt is now available upon request for display at events such as quilt shows and community festivals. Go to the "Displaying the Quilt Block Competition Collection" tab on the right to learn how you can request any of the quilts from the Texas Department of Agriculture Quilt Collection.

We would like to proudly acknowledge the following quilters whose blocks were selected for the final quilt.

Alvena Armstrong

Bowie, Texas

"The typical cattle ranch in Texas spread over many acres of grazing land and took numerous cowhands working long hours to operate a successful ranch. Herding cattle, branding, and mending fences were a part of their everyday life. We are proud to be a recipient of this wonderful Texas heritage."

Alvin Noel

Plainview, Texas

"As an 82-year-old pioneer of West Texas farming and ranching, the windmill and barbwire fencing is a symbol of my Texas heritage and reminders of watering and controlling boundaries."

Betty Atkins

Wills Point, Texas

A brand is a cowman's ironclad signature identifying an animal's owner in Texas cattle ranching. The histories behind the branding irons are as varied and colorful as the history of Texas ranching."

Carla Hamm

Argyle, Texas

"In 1779, the Texas Legislature appropriated $3,000,000 to build a new capitol building. With no monies available and a fire in 1881, Texas turned to the one asset that couldn't be ignored - land. In exchange for the three million-acre ranch, Charles and John Farwell of Chicago agreed to build a $3.8 million new rose granite capitol building in Austin.The XIT Ranch sprawled across 10 counties in the Texas Panhandle."

Carmen Zuniga

Sugarland, Texas

"Forgotten and lost are the cattle drives and the wild horse drives that were made in the 1800s. My block represents what once existed here in Texas, but only a picture can show us the beauty of it."

Cecile Harton

Richardson, Texas

"Texas, cattle, ranching and cowboys with the ever-present horse have gone together since before Texas was a state. The horse made the ranches and the legends possible. This is what my block depicts."

Mrs. Dale Walker

Crystal City, Texas

"The brands on the map of Texas are from my grandparents' ranch at Loma Vista (1890), my husband's grandparents' ranch on the Nueces River (1910) and others in the San Marcos area."

Delores Holloway

Wylie, Texas

"My quilt block portrays the wide open spaces in Texas, and the wild grasses, rolling hills and the determination of the ranchers to tame parts of the land."

Faith Younse

Allen, Texas

"Circle L Ranch was established in 1995 by Bob and Jeanette Langford. This 525-acre is located in Bosque County. In addition to raising a variety of cattle, Bob and his sons are involved in breeding White Tail deer and Black Buck Antelope. After 11 years of hard work, the Langford family has produced a treasure that will be enjoyed and passed on for generations."

Frances Brackeen

Holliday, Texas

"The idea for this block was taken from a pattern in a series by Sharon Wilhelm, but was was changed significantly. It depicts the Texas Longhorn in pasture showing hills in background and barbed wire in the foreground."

Iva Dell Miller

Mineola, Texas

"My husband and I have been involved in ranching, in a very small way, for most of our married life. We love to be around horses and cows, and have kept few cows on our place for several years. I decided that a home and a big barn were essential in starting a ranch."

Judy Vanwinkle

Sulphur Springs, Texas

"From the first cowboy - before there was even a legendary ranch in Texas -

to today's cowboy who works on a Texas ranch or just dreams of owning a ranch, not much has changed. They still wear boots, belts and jeans, and would rather spend 12, 16 or more hours working outdoors than being indoors. And when the days' work is done, they enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature. I believe this block depicts that cowboy on any Texas ranch after a day of branding, sorting and doctoring cattle."

Mary Dennis

Olton, Texas

"This block is of a ranch in Hamilton, Texas. It is from a photo of the Applewhite Ranch and the ranch's bull. The windmill was working and it was such a pretty day. The title is ‘Just had a drink and going back to the rest of the herd.'"

Melba Goode

Damon, Texas

"The quilt block is a depiction of the Davis Mansion, which is located on the George Ranch in Richmond, Texas. George Ranch has a legendary history which began in 1824, when Texas was still Mexico. The George Ranch Historical Park plays a dual role. It is a working ranch; yet the legends and legacies of a bygone era are presented by the historic homes and authentically costumed presenters that visitors encounter upon touring this historical site."

Molly Fryer

Fairfield, Texas quilt square

My block represents cattle and gas production in East Texas, Freestone County. My family's ranch is C&C Ranch, home of C&C Show Cattle. The land has been in the family since 1867 and the old family home, built in 1870 is kept up and used by the family. Gas production is in full swing in the county with some wells just feet apart. Some small acreage is not able to run cattle anymore as grass is replaced with gravel roads and drilling pads. This production has made rich men in Texas, but as the expense of land and cattle.

Nancy J.W. Gibson (Material Girls Quilt Guild, Mineola League of the Arts)

Lindale, Texas quilt square

A herd begins with one. Ranching is not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (small quilt) but hard work keeping fences up, branding, and hoping there's enough rain for the grass and bluebonnets to grow. In the long run, making do till you can afford more, and using all the cow, down to the hide and bones (for fertilizer).

Ruth Davis

Midlothian, Texas quilt square

I knew when I fingered all that lovely packet of material that there absolutely was a "grand" Texas Longhorn Steer right there before me. No way was he going to be a "real" bull so he just became a "funky guy." Then I had to decide how he was living and what his life meant to the ranch as a whole. No quality heritage ranch could manage without a huge home for all that large family and Mother had to have roses growing all around it. Therein came the road to the home all abloom with seasonal flowers; that large barn so essential to ranching life was just over the hill. Pecan trees for those pies; fencing that always is present; cactus abloom and gateways to the ranch all are indictive of what makes a Texas ranch immediately recognizable and so very proud.

Sherry Shockley

Sulphur Springs, Texas quilt square

The Yellow House Ranch was my choice until I learned more and discovered that it was bought out by the XIT ranch. By 1886 XIT had spread itself across 10 W. TX counties. They had the tallest windmill at 128' and were said to be the world's greatest fenced ranch. This is why my block had a windmill and a fence and even today they still pain the houses yellow.

Sunny Stephens

Poteet, Texas quilt square

"IRISH COWBOYS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY" In 1856, Scots-Irishman, Thomas Calvin Weir, left Tennessee to join his brothers in Texas, where they had lived since 1835. They pursued cattle ranching and cotton farming in South Central Texas. Timber for fencing livestock was scarce. But "barbed wire" was introduced in 1875. It gave the Weirs and inexpensive way to keep their livestock out of farmlands and selectively breed animals by controlling access. Thomas Calvin Weir, an "Irish cowboy," established the town of Weir in Williamson County. His portrait hangs in the courthouse rotunda in Georgetown as one of the pioneers credited with the development of Williamson County.

Wilma Moss

Sulphur Springs, Texas quilt square

Hallie Stillwell-Stillwell Ranch

The legendary people, unique landscape and hardy livestock of the Big Bend area were the inspiration for this lock. I especially want to honor Hallie Stillwell, a remarkable pioneer ranch woman in that area. She took the reins of the Stillwell family ranch after her husband's untimely death and successfully ran it, working as hard as any ranch hand. She was called by many titles and garnered many honors, but preferred the title "ranch woman" above them all. She was famously quoted, "Everything I ever did was for the ranch. I can't imagine life without it."

Displaying the Quilt Block Competition Collection

An important part of a rich and colorful Texas cultural heritage, quilting is perfectly complemented by the use of Texas natural fibers: cotton, wool, mohair and leather, and demonstrates how the world of Texas fiber surrounds us, comforts us and covers us. Texas is the nation's leader in cotton, wool and mohair production, and a major producer of hides for leather goods, including ostrich and alligator. Wherever you are, you'll find Texas fiber.

Over the years, TDA has enjoyed working with quilters from around our state to develop the beautifully crafted quilts that comprise our collection. Passing the time-honored tradition of quilting and the value of Texas natural fibers on to future generations of Texans is something we can all work toward together. You can contribute to that goal by displaying one, or all, of these quilts at an event.

These quilts have been completed to promote Texas natural fibers and the quilting tradition. After viewing the quilts below, you might like to consider the theme of each when deciding which quilt(s) will be most appropriate for your event. After making your decision, we ask that you download and complete the contract linked below to reserve the quilt of your choice for your event. Please realize that while we will do our best to accommodate your event, the quilt you request for your event may not be available during the time indicated on your application.

Please mail your completed contract to:

Texas Department of Agriculture
Mary York
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, Texas 78711

The skilled, Texas-proud artistry of our state's quilters is evident in each carefully crafted block sewn into these quilts. We hope your organization enjoys the same sense of Texas pride when displaying one, or more, of these quilts from this collection.

Quilt Collection Display Contract

Healthy Food for Healthy Kids Quilt

Everyone knows that if we want strong Texans tomorrow, we need to begin with our youngest Texans today. The "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids" quilt focuses on the importance of proper childhood nutrition, and the incredible bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available from our Lone Star State. This particular quilt was part of a dual quilt competition with the "Texas Yes!" quilt, whose theme showcased rural Texas life and communities. The two quilts were unveiled together in a ceremony at the 2004 State Fair of Texas.

Texas Yes! Quilt

The Texas Yes! initiative from the Texas Department of Agriculture creates a single rallying call for rural Texas, educating the public about all that rural Texas has to offer and encouraging rural communities to share and promote their successes. The "Texas Yes!" quilt celebrates the growth and prosperity of rural Texas towns, cities and counties. This particular quilt was part of a dual quilt competition with the "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids" quilt, whose theme focused on the importance of proper childhood nutrition. The two quilts were unveiled together in a ceremony at the 2004 State Fair of Texas.

Texas Blooming Floral Quilt

Spring, summer, fall or winter-whatever the season, lush and verdant Texas blooms and greenery always beautify our lives. The "Texas Blooming Floral" quilt celebrates thenatural beauty and color Texas plants have to offer. Unveiled at the 2002 State Fair of Texas, the "Texas Blooming Floral" quilt from the Texas Department of Agriculture's quilt collection celebrates the skill of our state's quilters with the 24 all-original designed blocks selected from a judged competition. Each quilt block uses Texas natural fibers to showcase Texas Superstars - floral plants identified by Texas A&M University's Agriculture Program as specifically suited to the Texas environment.

The Millennium Quilt - Texas Then and Now

The Texas of today has its roots in the old days of the Native Americans, vaqueros, buffalo soldiers and settlers determined to carve out a living from their homeland. Their proud descendents have inherited their forebears' legacy of hard work and hard-bitten determination to succeed. The Texas Department of Agriculture issued a call to quilters across the Lone Star State to participate in another quilt contest to celebrate the past, present and future of Texas. The result was the Millennium Quilt - Texas Then and Now, which was unveiled at the 2000 State Fair of Texas. From cowboy beginnings to cyberspace future, the skill, dedication and expertise of Texas quilters bring to life the Texas experience using Texas natural fibers with 24 quilt blocks of all-original designs and represents the interconnected legacy of Lone Star pride all Texans share.

The Common Threads of Texas Quilt

common threads quilt

The "Common Threads of Texas" quilt is symbolic of the rich cultural heritage enjoyed by the Lone Star State, while paying homage to agriculture by depicting farm and ranch life in Texas. Made of 24 winning quilt blocks chosen from contest entries, the "Common Threads of Texas" is the first quilt in the TDA collection, and was unveiled at the 1997 State Fair of Texas.