Battle of the Blocks 2020

Battle of the Blocks 2020 is an idea I had based on something that Katie (of @QuiltKT) started this year with a little bit of a tweak. Last year in the lead up to #100Days100Blocks I asked some of my favourite quilters to share their versions of Kinship: 100 Block Fusion Sampler blocks to show some of the possibilities that were there with this pattern. It was fabulous and I always get such a kick out of seeing people’s blocks come together. This year the world is different and I’ve been thinking of ways that we can have some fun with fabric and each other to help take our minds and focus of the things we can’t control.

Here’s where Katie’s idea comes in… I was thinking about all the blocks that are made each year and how we all have our favourite colour combinations and techniques for patchwork and how fun it is to see these blocks every year. We’ve also been watching a lot more television then we normally do and Hubs has been lamenting the lack of professional sports and so it got me to thinking…

What if I combined March Madness, The Masked Singer and patchwork to create a crazy fun event for everyone?

And that’s how Battle of the Blocks was born.

It’s a simple idea with lots of room for fun. Here’s the deal in a nutshell:

You sign up to play – click here to sign up!
You’re allocated a code name (this is important to help keep the playing field as level as I can make it) and a slot on the bracket.
You’ll face off against one other patchworker in each round. It’s just you and them going head-to-head to make a block.
Blocks will be allocated from either Kinship: 100 Block Fusion Sampler or Make the Cut: 100 Block Pictorial Sampler – you will both make the same block.
You’ll make your block, photograph it (use this opportunity to show your block off in it’s best light) and then submit it to me.
I’ll announce the match and then open it up to voting for a short period.
The community will vote on which block it likes.
Once voting has closed I’ll announce the winner of the match. The winner will progress to the next round.
We’ll keep having rounds until the ultimate Block Maker is declared and awarded the #BattleoftheBlocks2020 trophy!

The event will run from 13 April 2020 – 30 June 2020 when the winner will be announced.

So, what do you think? You in? Click the button below to sign up! Sign up’s close Saturday 11 April (AEST) and spots are limited.

I’ve outlined the rules for the game below. Please make sure you read all the rules before you sign up so you know what’s going to be expected of you.

Fine Print:

I will not be providing the block patterns to participants. Participants will be required to have a copy of either (or both) the Kinship: 100 Block Fusion Sampler or Make the Cut: 100 Block Pictorial Sampler.
Players agree to keep their identity a secret until they have been officially removed from the competition. Anyone found to be publicising or sharing who they are will be removed from the competition immediately and will forfeit their position.
Players will be required to submit their block photos within the specified timeframe. Players will have only a couple of days to make and take a photo of their blocks. This is a fast paced game. I will give you as much time as possible for making your blocks and every opportunity to submit your block. On average you will have 2 days to make and submit the block but I’ll do my best to give you up to a week. If you miss the deadline you will forfeit your place.
Blocks need to be made as per the block instructions contained in the pattern. This means that all seams match the block and are in the correct direction. Blocks can be rotated in their orientation however the seams still need to be in the same place if the block is looked at in the same orientation as the pattern.
It is the responsibility of the player to ensure their blocks are correct. Any blocks submitted that are not correct will be considered a forfeit of their position in the competition. The match will be awarded automatically to the other player. Where 2 players submit blocks that are incorrect a Wild Card player will be introduced to the competition to take their place.
Players are responsible for photographing their blocks. Players can style their photos in whatever manner they like on the provision that their photograph does not contain any items that will identify them to the public – within reason. This means no inclusion of website details, instagram names, identifying logos, etc. Players may be asked to retake their photos by the organiser if it is felt they might identify who they are to the audience.
I retain the right to introduce Wild Cards if needed/desired. Wild Cards will be bound by the same rules of engagement as other players if/when they enter the bracket.
Players who lose their match may be provided with another opportunity to re-enter the bracket. (Think Last Chance Kitchen!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here’s the questions and answers that I’ve gotten about this event. If there’s something missing, please let me know and I’ll answer it and add it to the list.

Will ever one who signs up get to play?

No. Yes. Maybe. I have no idea how many people will sign up to play so we’ve (Hubby and I) created a bracket based on our timeframe and the numbers we’d need, however if we get more people sign up then we’ve organised spots for I’ll see what I can do. But don’t count on making it to the bracket when you apply!

Will there be prizes?

Maybe. There will definitely be a trophy which will be posted out to the winner (wherever they are in the world). As for other prizes, I’m playing it by ear given the current global situation. I don’t want to place additional pressure on businesses by asking them to provide things for free when so many are struggling just to stay in business at the moment.

Can blocks can be made ahead of time and reused from #100Days100Blocks2019?

Yes. If you’ve photographed and published them as part of the #100Days100Blocks2019 event you’ll need to remove them from your Instagram feed so that people won’t be able to easily search back on the block and find out who’s it is. You’ll also need to make sure that there’s no identifying markers in your submitted photo that will easily let the audience know who you are.

How will you choose which block players make?

Players will both make the same block in their match so that we’re comparing oranges with oranges. So I’ll need people to let me know which pattern they’ve got so they can be match accordingly.

I’ll also be opening it up to the audience to see which blocks they’d like to see players make.

Can I embellish, fussy cut or bedazzle my blocks?

Yes. The only caveat is that you cannot cover up the seams. I need to ensure that you’ve made the block as per the pattern. If you’d like to add embellishments, embroidery, applique or rhinestones you totally can, just don’t change the block construction to do it.

How will we get to vote?

I’ll post details on my social media to let people know when voting is live and how to find it. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back you won’t miss out on a chance to decide who’s the Block Maker of 2020!

Can I choose my own code name?

No. They’ll be allocated by the organiser. (Sorry, but we’ve (my family) already been having fun behind-the-scenes developing a naming convention.)

Can I promote the event?

Yes. Totally! Get out there and get everyone you love involved. Just don’t tell them if you’ve been selected to play!

Can I share my block on social media or my website?

Yes BUT after you’ve been officially voted out of the competition. (I’ll give you written confirmation that this has happened so you’ll know.)

Can I lodge a complaint about an outcome?

Maybe. Will you be rude, demanding or threatening when you do it? Then no. Will you be polite, considerate and constructive? Then totally, let me know what’s going on and we’ll work it out together.

Disclaimer

I will do everything in my power to ensure a fair and fun competition. At the end of the day however I rely on everyone who’s involved to play with respect, sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a responsible and thoughtful manner. We’re not playing for sheep stations – it’s a trophy equal to the kind that kids get in their local soccer league, it’s not the Stanley Cup.

I run this event for free and as a way to help people find some fun in their lives when they need it most. Please use common sense and remember that I am only human, doing my best in an ever changing world.