Results of the 2026 WELCA Quilt Challenge

Do you remember Vessel? Made for the Women of the ELCA 2026 Triennial Quilt Contest, the challenge required quilters to interpret the gathering's theme, I Am Worthy, using the pink and yellow colors from the event logo. Selected finalist quilts (including Vessel) were on display during the event, and were auctioned, with 50% of proceeds supporting WELCA and 50% going to Lutheran World Relief. According to the quilt challenge rules, "Final winners [would] be selected for originality, adherence to selected themes, workwomanship, creative use of materials and overall design execution."

Well, I just received a letter from Jennifer Hockenbery, Interim Executive Director of WELCA, that Vessel was awarded third prize at the gathering. Yay!

There was even a judges' statement:

"The idea taken from Japanese culture of mending broken crockery with gold is obvious in this quilt. Borrowing from another culture, this quilt shows the practice of kintsugi which reflects the concept of wabi-sabi, an embracing of the flawed or imperfect and uplifting the broken by mending it with gold. Using only the two colors of the Triennial logo makes for a striking presentation. The quilter is skilled in piecing small slivers of fabric and quilting evenly and intensely."

Photo by Janice Stepp; used by permission

Photo by Janice Stepp; used by permission

Well, that was nice to hear. The letter confirmed that my quilt was purchased by a "very happy quilt lover."

One of my followers, Janice Stepp, just happens to be the secretary of the local chapter of the WELCA organization, and was able to attend the gathering. She sent me photos of my quilt (up above), as well as other entries in the challenge, which I thought you might enjoy seeing. (Thank you Janice!!) From what I heard when the winners were announced, I think the two above were awarded first and second place, respectively. Below are more of the entries.

I'm grateful for the acknowledgement for Vessel, and also the chance to see other entries. I'll miss that little quilt, and know at least two other people in my life who would have gladly taken ownership of her. But I'm also glad to know Vessel found a good home, and contributed to good causes.