A few years ago, Scrappy Quilters used to host a challenge called The Lovely Ugly. As owner, I send out two pieces of fabric to our players and the challenge was to make something fun with it, like a table runner, potholder or whatever you wanted. Your choice.

For our new members, you are probably asking why we call it Lovely Ugly. Simple, the pieces you receive don’t necessarily match, so you get to decide how to use them together. But you get to choose one other piece from your stash to help make it work.

You must use as much as possible of the fabric sent. Don’t worry, it’s only two pieces together, a FQ each. Don’t worry about it being perfect, stunning or beautiful. The idea is to get out of our comfort zones and play with new techniques or ideas.

And with that said, I am now introducing:

THE RETURN OF THE LOVELY UGLY CHALLENGE 2026

Oh, and did I mention that there are prizes involved!! There is first, second and third place for the most creative, zaniest, and/or decorative pieces. I will set up a site where you can vote on them. Prizes to be determined later after we have signups.

Oh, if you did the LUC before, please post pictures if you still have them for inspiration!

Now for the RULES:

Signups start now, April 6, 2026 and will close on June 20, 2026. Fabric will be mailed out on June 25, 2026.

Message me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com privately with your name and mailing address, Lovely Ugly Challenge in the subject line.

NOTE: I will choose the fabrics myself. You get what I send you.

Projects must be completed by August 10, 2026.

PICTURES OF YOUR COMPLETED PROJECT(S) MUST BE EMAILED TO ME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS BEFORE AUGUST 10, 2026. Pictures must be clear and show complete project, 1 photo per entry only. You can do more than 1 project if you desire, but it must contain the fabric sent. Please send photos for more than 1 project separately so I can keep track for the voting. Your name and name of the project should be included with the photo(s).

You must keep your creation secret until after the voting is completed. No sharing on FB or Scrappy Quilters.

If you decide not to participate in the challenge after signing up, the fabric is still yours. It is yours to keep or give away but don’t send it back.

VOTING: Will start on August 20, 2026. Voting will last for 2 weeks and then be tallied within a few days following.

SETUP FOR VOTING: I will post a link for voting when available.

When voting, there will be pictures of your creations with the name of the project.

Voting is Secret. Underneath, there will be 3 categories to choose from:

1. Moat Creative

2. Most Decorative

3. Zaniest

Names will be revealed after the voting along with our winners. Prizes will be determined beforehand (still deciding) and mailed out soon after the count is completed.

Please feel free to share this post with your friends, the more the merrier!

Donna Coppin

Owner of Scrappy Quilters

Oh, and share this with your friends!!