Moore County resident Aurelia Swann took first place in the Tennessee Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (TSDAR) American Heritage 2025 quilt contest. The quilt was displayed at the TSDAR Conference in Franklin April 10-12. Aurelia is a member of the Shelby Chapter of the DAR.

The theme of the contest was the Road to Independence- Acts of Rebellion and Treason. Aurelia designed the wall hanging sized quilt herself with a little help from fellow DAR members. She then pieced and quilted the quilt by hand herself. She titled the quilt, “Acts of Rebellion Stitched with Hope: A Nation’s Journey.” The designs and embellishments on the quilt symbolized different aspects of rebellion.

A narrative describing the quilt was required with the entry. As Aurelia didn’t consider herself up to that task, she enlisted the assistance of Melissa Edwards, local historian and fellow member of the Shelby Chapter of the DAR.

One symbol used was a leaf of the tulip tree, which was appliqued in each corner of the quilt. The tulip tree symbolized quiet places where colonists would meet to discuss and plan for the rebellion. Aurelia used actual tulip leaves to make etchings to use for her leaf pattern. The tree is also Tennessee’s state tree.

The center medallion is a textile design common in that time. There is a star in the center of the medallion with the dates 1776 and 2026 embroidered on it, signifying the 250th year of our country. Appliqued in the medallion are nine seeds from the tulip tree, representing the “Loyal Nine”, who were respected merchants and tradesmen who were instrumental in starting the rebellion.

Various squares represent unity and resolve using patterns common to colonial times, and with patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. Thirteen stars were stitched across the squares, and the quilt had a total of fifty squares.

Congratulations to quilter Aurelia Swann and narrative writer Melissa Edwards for winning first place in the state with their beautiful, symbolic, and patriotic quilt.