Events

Enter the 2026 Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, co-presented by PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, offers countless ways to learn about and celebrate quilting.

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Participants in the 2025 Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show.

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, co-presented by PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, offers countless ways to learn about and celebrate quilting.

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show’s Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show invites quilters and sewists to submit any garment or accessory you created with quilting fabrics and/or piecing and quilting techniques to be exhibited at the event. Then, join us Saturday, Sept. 12, for a fun-filled fashion show on stage.

Open to all experience levels, this exhibit and light-hearted fashion show encourages quilters and sewists to express themselves and cheer each other on as they walk the runway. Online entry form must be received by June 30, 2026.

Highlights from the 2025 Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show

In our first year of the Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show in 2025, nearly 40 entries were exhibited and over 20 participants walked the runway in front of a full house of eager quilted fashion fans.

Jess Maas of Nancy Zieman Productions emceed the quilted fashion show, introducing each participant and helping them highlight their work.

The Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit and Show is a fun opportunity to not only share your work, but to build community and support.

Through the blur of a crowd, two women examine quilted garments hanging in a gallery.

The 2025 Quilted Fashion Challenge on display.

A man is interviewed by a woman on stage as he holds a colorful garment. They are watched by a packed, attentive crowd in a convention center.

A captive audience cheered on participants in the 2025 Quilted Fashion Challenge Show.

A woman smiles wearing a hooded, quilted jacket.

“California Coast,” (chore coat) created and quilted by Ash Collins of Madison, Wisconsin. Design source: Patchwork Chore Coat by Patchwork and Poodles.

A woman smiles on stage wearing a long, quilted jacket.

“Sashiko Has My Back,” (lined coat) created and quilted by Laura Nedeau-Owen of Lodi, Wisconsin. Original design.

A woman smiles as she is interviewed on stage wearing a light blue, quilted jacket.

“Bouchard Linen Jacket,” (quilted Chanel jacket) created and quilted by Sandra Kohls of Janesville, Wisconsin. Original design.

A woman smiles on stage wearing a colorful quilted jacket with a matching floral purse.

“Misumi’s Gift,” (jacket) created and quilted by Anne Alessi of Waunakee, Wisconsin. Original design.

A woman wearing a colorful floral jacket with a white, third-place ribbon stands on stage.

“Portraits,” (tamarack jacket) created and quilted by Lisa Hasenbalg of Chicago, Illinois, third-place winner in the 2025 Quilted Fashion Exhibit. Original design.

A woman wearing a pink and floral quilted jacket smiles on stage.

“The Tamarack Jacket,” (jacket) created and quilted by Linda Lambert of Pontiac, Illinois. Design source: Grainline Studio.

Join us at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show

See the Quilted Fashion Challenge Exhibit during The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Sept. 10-12. Plus, explore other exhibits of truly stunning quilts, shop for the latest offerings from wonderful vendors and discover new ideas from leading quilt educators. Proceeds from The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show help support PBS Wisconsin programming and community outreach projects.

Tara Lovdahl

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