The quilt that serves as the inspiration for the 2009 challenge was made by Betsey Rice Nims and/or her daughters around 1840. It is just over 90" square and is made up of 25 appliqued blocks, each measuring around 18", and set 5 across and 5 down. Each block is the same, with two diagonally crossed green laurel branches with red "blossoms" in the corners that form a secondary pattern where the blocks meet. There is also a red four-leaf cross in the center of each block. The quilting echoes the appliqué pattern at quarter-inch intervals with a stylized daisy in the white space were block sides touch. This block is frequently seen among the blocks in Baltimore Album quilts from this period as well as a repeated motif.

Your quilt may be pieced, appliquéd, or based on a surface technique, but it must be quilted. Sewing may be by hand or machine. The minimum measurement 36" x 36" and the maximum size is 90" x 90" (perimeter 144" to 360".) The shape of the piece is not dictated, but it must be able to be hung and displayed (not laid on a surface.) While you may replicate the block exactly, the overall design of the quilted piece must be original (no kits, no teacher-generated class projects.)

Entrants must be living in New England. The quilt must have been made since the 2007 quilt show.

Entry forms will be available later this spring and will be submitted along with other entry forms for the quilt show.

For additional questions, please contact Marjorie at :

You may find rules and further guidelines concerning the Deerfield Challenge here, and the entry form here.

Laurel Leaves Quilt