The Go Texan Quilt Contest has been held annually since 1985. Originally, it highlighted for rodeo-goers part of the area’s Western heritage. Over time it has expanded and now features all styles of quilts in a number of categories.
The Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild holds a competition and votes on which quilt to send to the competition from Brazos County. Winning Go Texan quilts help bring money back to the area Go Texan program for scholarships and other community activities.
« 2023/24Area Go Texan Brazos County:
Area Go Texan Quilt Contest
2022 Area Go Texan Brazos County Quilt by Judy Beskow
2018 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Lynn McCartney
2017 Area Go Texan Brazos County: Crossing The Brazos: by Judy Beskow Winner Best of Division – Machine, Pictorial
2016 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Sharon Braunagel
2015 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Lynn McCartney Winner Best of Division – Machine, Pictorial Winner Best of Show – Machine, Pictorial
2014 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Luci Smith
2013 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Lynn McCartney Winner Best of Division – Machine, Pictorial
2012 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Lynn McCartney Winner Best of Division – Machine, Pictorial
2011 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Lynn McCartney Winner Best of Division – Machine, Pictorial
2014 Area Go Texan Brazos County: by Luci Smith
The History
Through the Houston Metro and Area Go Texan Committees, colorful and unique quilts are entered from various parts of the state. The quilts are displayed and individually judged by a panel of professional experts. Judging is based on overall appearance, workmanship, suitability/color, originality and design.
Each quilt entry must be constructed within the geographical boundaries of the Go Texan Committee it represents, within the past two years. Only one quilt entry per county or subcommittee is allowed. Quilts are submitted mid-January. The best from each area is entered into the contest and put on display early March. Each quilt is then placed in the division best suited for it based upon its styling and construction. Judges will award blue, red, white, green and Best of Division ribbons, in addition to the coveted Best of Show ribbon!
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. Each year more than 750 scholarships are awarded to Texas students – 79 four-year, $20,000 Area Go Texan scholarships alone! For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news.
Judging Details
Overall Appearance - Condition of the quilt, neatness, pleasing feel, appearance, uniqueness, and relationship of borders to quilt
Workmanship - Accuracy of piecing or appliqué, quality of stitching, bindings and corners
Suitability / Color - Compatibility of materials to function and to each other, and design and color in relationship to intended use
Originality - Deviations of familiar patterns as well as total design
Design - Scale, placement, unity, distinctiveness, originality and relationship of quilting design
Quilts may be appliquéd, pieced or any combination of quilting techniques. Quilting and piecing of the quilt may be done by machine or hand, and each block must be 2/3 quilted (but no quilting through appliqué design).
There are 10 divisions in the quilt contest:
Five under MACHINE QUILTING - appliqué, piecework, pictorial (theme quilt), wall hanging (minimum size is 18” x 18”; maximum size is 60” x 60”) and mixed media which includes any technique not covered in other specific categories, plus Judge's Choice and Best of Show;
five under HAND QUILTING – appliqué, piece work, pictorial (theme quilt), wall hanging (minimum size is 18” x 18”; maximum size is 60” x 60”) and mixed media which includes any technique not covered in other specific categories, plus Judge's Choice and Best of Show.