Texans are known for their creative and masterful hand-quilted work. To showcase these talents, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is declaring "Texas Wildlife: Adventure Awaits" the theme of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 2010 quilt block competition.

This theme highlights Texas’ abundant wildlife resources and activities related to Texas wildlife. The theme was chosen to spotlight one of TDA’s newest programs, the GO TEXAN Wildlife Initiative, designed to support the businesses and organizations that promote Texas’ diverse and extensive wildlife industry.

"The great state of Texas is synonymous with hunting and fishing," Commissioner Staples said. "In fact, one out of every six Texans enjoys hunting or fishing, and these consumers spend $6.6 billion annually pursuing their favorite outdoor activities. This contest gives quilters across the state the opportunity to highlight our abundant wildlife resources while also showing off their individual artistry and the versatility of Texas natural fibers."

Each contestant will use Texas natural fibers – cotton, wool and leather – to create a quilt block to be submitted to TDA. A panel of judges will select the winning entries, which will be pieced together into a quilt and unveiled in TDA’s Food and Fiber Pavilion at the 2010 State Fair of Texas in September. The quilt will become part of TDA’s quilt collection and traveling natural fiber exhibit.

As the country’s leading producer of wool and mohair, Texas has earned a global reputation for superior quality and durability among international textile buyers. Texas also leads the nation in cotton production and is a major producer of hides for leather and suede.

This year’s contest sponsors include Hobbs Bonded Fibers of Waco, P&B Textiles of Dallas, Tandy Leather Factory of Fort Worth and the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association. The final quilt will be designed and constructed by Terri Vogds of Denton.

To help defray the costs of material packets, postage and statewide travel and display of the quilt, a $12 donation to the Texas Department of Agriculture for each participant packet is requested. The packets contain the natural fiber fabrics to be used in the design, along with tips and techniques for developing the block and additional information about the contest theme. To participate in the 2010 quilt block competition, call (877) 99-GOTEX or download a participant form by visiting the 2010 Quilt Block Competition section of www.gotexan.org. The deadline for submissions is June 18, 2010.