Case IH Names Winner of Red Tractor Quilt Contest

We love both quilting and tractors at the Machine Works blog, so the Case IH quilt contest is always a big deal around our web offices. The Case IH “Red Tractor” quilting contest was held in conjunction with the 21st annual national Red Power Roundup on June 24-26 in LaPorte, Ind., capturing the eye of many attendees and becoming a source of pride for one quilting team especially. A wide variety of beautifully crafted quilt entries were entered — each celebrating the Case IH and International Harvester legacy.

“The quilts were truly beautiful and an impressive representation of Case IH heritage,” explains Sarah Pickett, Case IH licensing and merchandising manager. “We were thrilled to get many great entries from passionate Case IH fans.”

The dynamic sister duo of Evie Schlief from Glenwood, Minn., and Ceci Loch from Gordon, Wis., won the quilting contest and received the $1,000 prize with their entry. The winner was called “A Man on his Tractor,” a 78- by 92-in. quilt featuring fussy-cut patterned panels of vintage International Harvester tractors in farmyard settings with the historic “Red Driver I” inlaid in the sashing throughout the quilt.

Encouraged to join the contest by her son and husband, both members of the No. 26 Minn-Dak Red Power chapter, Schlief didn’t have to search too hard for inspiration.

“We’ve used Case IH equipment on our farm for more than 36 years,” she explains. “After hearing about the contest, I called my sister in Wisconsin and suggested we submit an entry. I agreed to do the piecing and she did the long arm quilting.”

Throughout the process, Schlief’s grandsons, ages three and six, were completely engrossed in the quilt making. “After we won, I took the quilt to show in the county fair, and it is now in my spare bedroom. When my grandson gets older, I’m going to give him the quilt,” she said. Prior to the “Red Tractor” contest, the two sisters had never entered a quilting contest, but they now hope to participate in future contests as well.

Other entries that received official judge’s recommendations include Chris Holmes and Lynn Weiler of Westchester, Ill., Donna Matuszak of Wanatah, Ind., Lynn Jacobs of LaPorte, Ind., and Martha Campolattava of Lake Station, Ind.

“The event was certainly a success and we know that it wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding support of the No. 33 Northern Indiana Chapter of the IH Collectors Club and Kelli Smoker. The IH enthusiasm was contagious and I hope that many others were inspired to make their very own red tractor quilts,” Pickett added.