Congratulations to all the winners of the Hoffman 2025-26 Challenge!

Every year, the Hoffman Challenge inspires quilters to create something extraordinary—and this year was no exception. We were amazed by the imagination, detail, and artistry sewn into every submission. Join us in celebrating this year’s winners and the beautiful artworks that captured our hearts.

All entries were evaluated using a numerical scoring system across several categories including Visual Impact, Use of Challenge Fabrics, Design, Creativity & Originality, Quilting, Craftsmanship and Workmanship.

Each judge naturally brings their own perspective and experience to the process. Some may respond more strongly to precision piecing and finishing details, others to visual impact, creativity, or quilting execution. Because judging panels change from year to year, the emphasis and outcomes can vary slightly as well, which is part of what keeps the Challenge dynamic and interesting.

And the winners are…

APPLIQUE CATEGORY

“For several years I have been hanging on to a tiny picture of a small metal sculpture (wall art) from a gift catalog. This year’s collection of Hoffman Challenge fabrics was finally the inspiration I needed to enlarge the picture and actualize my version of that artwork.” Joyce L. Cambron

According to the judges, Sakura Sunrise was especially admired for its composition, handwork, and overall execution. The use of Aurifil thread and the quality of the appliqué work helped it stand out in multiple categories.

“The American bison serves as the guardian of the prairies both ecologically and culturally. I wanted to portray the majesty of the species in this quilt. I was inspired by the painting Inner Light by Megan Wimberley who graciously gave me permission to utilize her work. I constructed the eye first and felt like he watched me for the hundreds of hours I worked on him, so I gave him the name Amus – full of love. While sometimes I felt like he was judging me as I worked, I also felt like he welcomed my admiration and dedication!” Liz Wagstrom

“I was inspired to create this design after seeing a wall hanging in a pizza restaurant. I couldn’t tell what it was made of because it was too high up on the wall. It could be painted wood, canvas, or cloth, but was large. I was given permission to take a picture, and when I saw the Hoffman Challenge colors, I thought it was a good opportunity to create my version of the wall hanging.” Linda Bealmer

PIECED CATEGORY

“Lollipops is a playful, sugary-sweet quilt. Picture it centered on a round table, surrounded by stacks of birthday presents, pink and purple balloons, and a chocolate cake topped with pink and purple sprinkles – pretty please! This whimsical design originally began as peppermints, until my husband remarked that the swirling shapes resembled the all-day suckers he remembers from his childhood. Since “All-Day Sucker” is a terrible name for a quilt, the idea evolved into “Lollipops” and was a perfect fit for this year’s Hoffman Challenge fabrics.” Kadee Porter

“I drafted this quilt myself after not finding a suitable pattern. I also pieced it and quilted it on my Elna sewing machine. I like to see depth and motion in my work, and I believe that I accomplished it in this quilt.” Elaine F. Class

“This pieced quilt features freehand quilting with a double-top thread. The “gems” are salvaged from sweaters. I wanted to represent joy in the fabrics with this design.” Barbara Stover

GARMENT CATEGORY

“My chosen Project was quite the challenge for me. I decided to make a bustier, based on the corset construction but with a modern twist. I draped the style, made the pattern. Then proceeded to make my own fabric. By cutting 2 ½” strips and sewing them together creating “Curved Strips” (a new method for me) Then using the random sewn strips, cut the bodice. The skirt I wanted something short & “Flirty”. Using my own pattern with an elastic waist. Finding the notions was as challenging. The zipper, downtown Los Angeles, the trim, Hawthorne, the grommets and Coutil from Richard the Thread.” Dorothy Floral

“I have two grown daughters. One daughter has always loved pink, and the other daughter has always loved purple. I also have two granddaughters. One granddaughter loves pink, and the other granddaughter loves purple. This pink and purple jacket is a tribute to my four most favorite girls. May love and positive energy always swirl around them!” Denise J. DuBois

“Making wearable art allows me to express my creativity and originality. The fabric choices for this year’s challenge are beautiful batiks. I put the challenge fabrics on my design wall until I was inspired, and an idea popped into my mind. I recently moved to Florida and became enamored with the large, beautiful birds I encountered. The challenge fabric’s pink colors were perfect for flamingos. I wanted to include pelicans because they fly by my condo windows.” Patricia Dews

ACCESSORIES CATEGORY

“For the dog that has everything, why not a quilted coat? Why not a leash and a poop bag?” Patricia M. James

“These custom sneakers celebrate Hoffman’s stunning 2025/2026 Amethyst collection. By crafting these fabrics into wearable art, I’m taking the joy of quilting beyond the studio and into daily life. Each step becomes an opportunity to share the artistry and craftsmanship of textile design, proving that gorgeous fabrics can be both functional and fashionable.” Karen Mazowiecki

“The fabrics used in this handbag reminded me of the beautiful Wine & Roses Weigela bush in our yard with its dark purplish burgundy leaves and electric pink flowers, thus the name, Wine & Roses.” Denise J DuBois

MIXED CATEGORY

“This piece is my thank you to the Hoffman family. I have known 3 generations of their family and have appreciated how this S. California business has managed to navigate the changes in our industry and still have that California Surfer vibe. This challenge really inspired me because purple is my favorite color! It is also a nod to the bear on the California flag. I used my bear photos from a couple wildlife photo trips to Alaska. This Papa Bear is giving us a steady gaze, recalling an experience I had in the forest with an adult bear.” Luana D Rubin

Papa Bear is also the winner of the Hoffman Family Award. This award is separate from the formal judging categories. Since Hoffman is a family-owned business, the judges invite participating family members, schedule permitting, to personally select a piece for special recognition.

“Despite the hardship, I go on creating and seeing life in color.” Orit Modiano

“The idea was to make a deliberate confusion between the two structures. Creating a sort of surrealist interpretation where the bird is turning into the plant. Each square is a self-contained design, which when put together using different colors of fabric reveals another larger design. The Rainbow Crow sacrificed his beautiful colors by carrying fire from heaven to warm the animals on earth from the snow.” Cherri Kincaid

MODERN CATEGORY

“This stylized, modern work is Inspired by Psalm 1:3… “…He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…” I had wanted to make a quilt with a single large tree for a long time so started sketching the plans for this piece. The amethyst collection of batik fabrics is so beautiful, 14 of them were used in the form of ‘tiles.’ A lovely fabric in my ‘stash’ complimented the challenge batiks beautifully but I couldn’t make myself cut into it; thus, the whole-cloth backdrop. Dense quilting fills the background to both accentuate the trapunto, and to give the raw-edge, fused appliqued elements a little more dimension.” Sharon L. Schlotzhauer

“These are just some of the many ways we can nourish our hearts.” Becky A Grover

“I challenged myself to design a modern flower with improv piecing. Purple is a fabulous color and feels like royalty as does my cat Mae Mae. She was my inspiration.” Katherine M. Dossman

AURIFIL CATEGORY

“Amethyst in Bloom reflects my passion for quilting and designing unique pieces. I imagined amethyst crystals blooming into light, surrounded by delicate flowers. Using raw edge machine appliqué, free motion quilting, and hand embroidery, I combined bold shapes, flowing textures, and fine details to bring this vision to life. The quilt celebrates resilience and transformation, echoing how amethyst forms under pressure and blossoms into beauty through patience and creativity.” Jacqueline Styner

“I love bird watching and these bright pink and purple fabrics were perfect for a flamingo. I used the arts and crafts style to create a floral background with simple stylized flowers and leaves.” Laina Strohm

“In the First Nations beliefs we give thanks for our gifts. Father Sky is the source of stars, rain, thunder and the teacher of tenderness, sternness and gentleness. Mother Earth is the source of all life. The morning glory was used to represent spiritual guidance. The flower opens at dawn and withers by evening. A poignant reminder to cherish the present moment, embrace beauty as it is fleeting.” Linda W. Boynton De Sepulveda

HOFFMAN HONORABLE MENTIONS

Hoffman Honorable Mentions are pieces that were personal favorites of individual judges or Hoffman family members. Papa Bear, Sakura Sunrise, Happy Feet and Amethyst in Bloom (shown above) were all selected, as well as the pieces pictured below.