BROWNSTOWN

Some Jackson County 4-H’ers had the chance to strut their stuff — and their handmade clothing — Tuesday on the grandstand stage and catwalk during the fashion revue at the Jackson County Fair.

Members sewed a large variety of items, both wearable and non-wearable, this spring and summer in preparation for the show, which gives them a chance to demonstrate their fashion sense.

Jessica Blevins’ handmade dress earned the 16-year-old a grand champion ribbon and a sewing machine.

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“I like sewing. It’s a valuable skill that I can use for the rest of my life,” the eight-year 4-H member said.

Ava Blomenberg, 10, competed in the construction and modeling division. She also said she has learned a lot about sewing.

“It’s a lifelong skill you might need in the future,” she said.

When she started, Ava said she didn’t know how to sew.

“I started going to the sewing workshops, and there are people there to help you,” she said.

Emma Wichman, 13, who also competed in model and construction, said sewing has been a good experience, and she has learned a lot this year.

She started learning how to sew several years ago and said her aunt has been her primary teacher.

Both Emma and Ava said they planned to continue sewing and hone their skills with the idea of taking home a sewing machine from the revue.

“It’s nice,” Ava said.

Blevins said she already has a sewing machine, but it isn’t as nice as the one she won, and she plans to put it to good use.

She said she hadn’t originally planned on making a prom dress, but when she went looking for patterns, she found the pattern for the black dress and fell in love with it.

“My heart was set on it after that,” Blevins said.

She said she’s not sure if she’s going to wear the dress for her prom. If she decides to do so, she said she certainly would feel comfortable in it.

Blevins also shared advice for fellow 4-H’ers who might not have as much sewing experience as she does.

“Just don’t give up,” she said. “It’s such a valuable skill. Everyone messes up at first and has to pull a seam or two, but just keep practicing.”