Sewing and Quilting Challenges

I have a very basic theory about entering challenges and contests. "If you don't enter...you'll never win!" Now certainly I do not enter every sewing and quilting challenge, but I try to enter several a year. Entering challenges gives you, the artist the opportunity to try new techniques and fabrics that you many not have chosen to work with otherwise. Challenges give can spark an interested in whole new ways of creating.

Things to consider before entering the challenge:

Is the challenge issued by a reputable shop/company? Especially if you are mailing in your work- you'll want to make sure that you will receive it back.
Is there a fee to enter the challenge?
When is the challenge deadline?
How do you submit your finished piece? Do you mail the finished piece, email a photo, mail slides?
If it is a material/fabric specific challenge- is everyone required to use the same fabric?
Does the finished piece become property of the shop/company if you win?