4-H members show a passion for fashion

Anna Ahrens and Maggie Howe of Cape Girardeau County have a true passion for fashion.

Ahrens, 10, and Howe, 14, recently competed in the state 4-H Fashion Revue Competition on Sept. 19 in Columbia, Missouri.

The state Fashion Revue is where "youth have the opportunity to demonstrate what they've learned about clothing construction, consumerism, appearance, grooming habits, clothing selections and more," according to the state 4-H website.

The Cape Girardeau County 4-H Achievement Day is held annually on the second Saturday of July, which fell on July 11 this year.

Ahrens and Howe both had to compete at the county level and place first to continue on to state.

Lesley Meier, the 4-H youth specialist for Cape Girardeau County, said the county competition was stiff, and that both Ahrens' and Howe's designs were chosen for their talent and sewing precision.

"It wasn't like it was a given ... it really did come down to the stitching and the material and how it fit each girl and the design of the outfit," Meier said.

Meier helps participants of the Fashion Revue after they have qualified for state by giving them information about the state contest, answering any questions they may have and providing guidance during their journey.

The Fashion Revue, which Meier said drew about 125 to 150 youth from across the state, was not only a competition, but also a learning opportunity for the girls.

They were able to attend two workshops, one featuring knitting and crocheting, and the other focusing on teaching fashion basics and the simple pieces people should have in their closets to help tie outfits together on a daily basis.

The competition consisted of three age divisions: ages 8 to 10, ages 11 to 13 and 14 and older.

There were also three technical divisions within the competition, including "Clothes You Make," "Clothes You Buy" and "Knitting and Crocheting."

Ahrens and Howe competed in the "Clothes You Make" category and presented their pieces to the judges for inspection.

Ahrens made a cape, a tote bag and a headband for the Fashion Revue and won third place in the state for her cape.

"I was really excited that I placed in my division. It was cool that I won it," Ahrens said.

Howe made a sleeveless pantsuit and was awarded first place in the state in her division.

She said winning first place in her division gave her a sense of accomplishment for all the work she had done on her submission in the weeks preceding the competition.

She said it was exciting and fun to show off the outfit she made by and for herself.

"I was kind of surprised because there was so many people there, but I felt like I deserved it," Howe said.

Howe said once the finalists were chosen and awards were given out, a fashion show was held in the evening for all the participants' parents.

All the winners were lined up along the stage wearing what they had made, and then each individually walked forward, said their name and where they are from, and went back.

Ahrens and Howe have both been involved in 4-H for several years and have found it to be a creative outlet that provides an opportunity to do fun things and meet new people.

"I get to experience new things, and it helped me come out of my shell because I was shy," Howe said.

"I like that we go on trips and we get to make projects for the fair, and I also really like the fair. And you get to see what ribbons you get. That's really fun," Ahrens said.

Meier said she is happy the girls had the chance to compete at the state level, even though they had to miss part of the SEMO District Fair.

"I was really glad they went and they did so well because, A, it's in Columbia, and, B, it is during the fair. So they have to give that up," Meier said.

Both girls participate in other 4-H activities, with Ahrens doing knitting and photography, and Howe doing gardening, photography and arts and crafts.

Meier said the opportunity to learn and compete within 4-H is worthwhile for the girls because they're making things they will actually use.

She also hopes their success will draw in other youths throughout the area to participate in 4-H activities.

"I'm just really proud of them; they did so well their first time there," Meier said. "I'm so happy they did so well and represented Cape County 4-H."