News Contests Honor Skilled Artists for Creative Needlework, Crafts

Contests Honor Skilled Artists for Creative Needlework, Crafts

From left are Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood and first-place winners Pat Norred of Randolph County, hand-stitched quilt; Tamara Rashleigh of St. Clair County, machine-stitched quilt; Terri Brown of Wilcox County, table runner, adult division; Hannah Grace Aldridge of Fayette County, table runner, youth division; and Pat Sexton of Crenshaw County, wreath.

September 6, 2024 |

Neighbors Article

By Mary Wilson

A steady stream of Alabama Farmers Federation members cycled through displays of quilts, table runners and wreaths hoping to see winning ribbons hanging next to entries created by peers from their home counties.

Across five sewing and wreath-making contests, 13 talented seamstresses and crafters received top prizes. Winners included Randolph County’s Pat Norred, who earned first place in the hand-stitched quilt division.

“I’m still on cloud nine,” Norred said. “I’ve always said to keep trying. I’ve entered 13 years. I’ve won third place three times, and this is my first time winning first place.”

The annual contests are sponsored by the Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division and take place during the organization’s Farm & Land Conference held in Montgomery Aug. 1-3.

“These contests are always the heartbeat of our Women’s events,” said Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood. “It’s great to see the creativity of our members, but the best thing is that the display of entries gives our people the chance to gather in the exhibit hall. They are able to swap stories of their crafting successes and failures and celebrate the efforts of talented, like-minded folks.”