Some of the state’s finest seamstresses were in Huntsville Aug. 2, competing in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cotton Sewing Contest and Quilting Contest. The event was coordinated by the Federation’s Women’s Division and included contestants from throughout the state who previously won contests in their home counties.The sewing contest included divisions for heirloom-style clothing, children’s clothing, adult garments and outfits tailored by teenagers. Winners in the Federation’s second quilting contest also were announced during the fashion show and luncheon.First-place winners in each category received $150. Second-place garments earned $100, and third-place winners took home $75.In the Heirloom Division, Betty Godsey of Winston County won first place for a smocked dress, which was modeled by her cousin, Bella Martinez. Second place went to Pat Drake of St. Clair County for a dress modeled by her granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Drake. Third place went to Heidi Knapp of Escambia County for a dress modeled by her daughter, Tori.Joyce Josey of Talladega County won first place in the Children’s Division for a 100-percent cotton dress modeled by her granddaughter, Sara Pierce. Sandra Barber of St. Clair County won second place for a sports shirt and shorts ensemble, which was modeled by her grandson Peyton Barber. Joyce Martin of Winston County took third for a dress modeled by her granddaughter, Leslie Harrison.Holly Gilbert of Limestone County won the Teen Division for her sleeveless shift and matching purse. Danielle Peebles of Lauderdale County won second place, while Kate Sansom of Houston County won third place.Maliea Box of St. Clair County won first place in the Adult Division for a black-and-white jacket and skirt set modeled by her daughter, Nancy. Martha Jordan of Monroe County won second place, and Sissie Dougherty of Russell County took third.In the second annual Quilting Contest, Blanche Lee Mitchell of Blount County won first place. Marilyn Lumsden of Cherokee County won second place, and Louise Smalley of Marshall County won third place. All quilts in the contest were required to be handmade and must have been completed within the past year.Quilts and garments entered in the contests were made of at least 50 percent cotton. About 50 seamstresses from throughout Alabama competed in the contests, which were held at the Federation’s Commodity Conference.