Stitches, Snapshots Showcase Members’ Creativity

By Maggie Gaddy

Over 100 vibrant quilts stitched with care and striking snapshots showcasing life on Alabama farms took center stage during the Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Division contests Aug. 8 at the Alabama Farm & Land Conference in Mobile.

The competitions recognize members' artistic abilities while preserving traditions that showcase Alabama agriculture and rural life. Winners were selected in quilting, sewing and photography categories, with entries judged on craftsmanship, originality and overall presentation. To enhance the agricultural celebration, fabric entries must be made of cotton.

"These contests have become a signature part of our Women's events," said Federation Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood. "The entries highlight our members' creativity and skill, but they also create a space for fellowship. Members gather to swap tips, share stories and celebrate one another's talents."

New this year was a photography contest that stretched artistic talents beyond a needle and thread. Hayley Walters of Lee County won the adult division farm animal photography contest. Walters said it was a fun way to celebrate agriculture while showing what farming really looks like.

"It gives us a chance to share the beauty, hard work and everyday moments that make agriculture so special," said Walters, whose family raises row crops. "Pictures capture the little moments on the farm. Things that seem normal to us now may be some of the memories we treasure most one day."

First-place winners received $150, second-place $100 and third-place $75.

Six talented artisans and photographers won first-place honors during Women's Leadership Division contests in the adult division at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 8 in Mobile. From left are Federation Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood; Janet Massey of Geneva County, machine-stitched quilt; Glenda Stewart of Geneva County, machine-stitched baby quilt; Pat Sexton of Crenshaw County, cancer patient blanket; Hayley Walters of Lee County, farm animal photograph; and Shelley East of Cherokee County, farm life photograph. Not pictured is Ashley Morgan of Mobile County, farm landscape photograph. Six talented artisans and photographers won first-place honors during Women's Leadership Division contests in the youth division at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 8 in Mobile. From left are Federation Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood; Alaina Knight of Lamar County, machine-stitched quilt and farm animal photograph; Ashley Wicks of St. Clair County, machine-stitched baby quilt; Elizabeth Knight of Lamar County, cancer patient blanket and farm life photograph; and Luke Rashleigh of St. Clair County farm landscape photograph.

The winners for each division were:

Machine-Stitched Quilt Adult

• First - Janet Massey, Geneva County
• Second - Lynn House, Monroe County
• Third - Donna Buckley, Lamar County

Machine-Stitched Quilt Youth

• First - Alaina Knight, Lamar County
• Second - Trevor Wicks, St. Clair County

Machine-Stitched Baby Quilt Adult

• First - Glenda Stewart, Geneva County
• Second - Jan Sanders, St. Clair County
• Third - Sandra Terry, Lawrence County

Machine-Stitched Baby Quilt Youth

• First - Ashley Wicks, St. Clair County
• Second - Hannah Grace Aldridge, Fayette County
• Third - Alaina Knight, Lamar County

Sewing - Cancer Patient Blanket Adult

• First - Pat Sexton, Crenshaw County
• Second - Glenda Stewart, Geneva County
• Third - Harriet Jones, Chambers County

Sewing - Cancer Patient Blanket Youth

• First - Elizabeth Knight, Lamar County
• Second - Isabella Rashleigh, St. Clair County

Photography - Farm Animals Adult

• First - Hayley Walters, Lee County
• Second - Pat Sexton, Crenshaw County
• Third - Donna Buckley, Lamar County

Photography - Farm Animals Youth

• First - Alaina Knight, Lamar County
• Second - David Thomas Aldridge, Fayette County
• Third - Ashley Wick, St. Clair County

Photography - Everyday Farm Life Adult

• First - Shelley East, Cherokee County
• Second - Anna Marie Smith, Mobile County
• Third - Kristen Roberson, Marshall County

Photography - Everyday Farm Life Youth

• First - Elizabeth Knight, Lamar County
• Second - Isabella Rashleigh, St. Clair County

Photography - Farm Landscape Adult

• First - Ashley Morgan, Mobile County
• Second - Shelley East, Cherokee County
• Third - Georgette Ownes, Winston County

Photography - Farm Landscape Youth

• First - Luke Rashleigh, St. Clair County
• Second - Abigail Grant, Butler County
• Third - Hannah Grace Aldridge, Fayette