The 2021 Pennsylvania Make It With Wool Contest is being announced. Because the pieces take quite a bit of time to create, now is the time for those interested to start planning a potentially winning garment. Read on for more information about the contest and prizes.
WHO:
Adults and youth who use wool and other animal fibers to sew, crochet, and knit pieces. The different age groups for the contest include preteens (between the ages of 8 and 12), juniors (between the ages of 13 and 16), seniors (between the ages of 17 and 24), and adults (aged 25 and older). There is also a “made for others” age group where both the model and contest may be of any age. Ages are as of Jan. 1, 2021.
Read More: Local youth earn first and second place in state Make It With Wool contest
WHAT:
Experts in the field will act as judges in the contest. The judges will handle the pieces and meet with the contestants. The pieces will be judged on fit and overall appearance, coordination of fabric/yarn with garment style and design, construction quality, creativity in design and use of wool, how the garment conveys/promotes the beauty, comfort, and versatility of wool, the contestant’s presentation, and how appropriate the garment is to the contestant’s lifestyle.
WHEN:
The contest is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 2. Registration is due on Sept. 4.
WHERE:
The contest will take place at the PA Preferred Banquet Hall in the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
WHY:
The contest was started with the goals to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabric/yarn, encourage creativity with sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, and spinning with wool fabric/yarn, recognize creative skills, and develop life skills such as being responsible for one’s self, being a good sport, accepting the judges’ decisions, and learning about and appreciating diversity amongst people and their creative work.
HOW:
Donors fund the prizes for the winners in each category. For the 2020 contest, such donors included Alletta Schadler, American Sheep Industry, Barry and Linda Singley, Ben and Mary Bow/Locust Ridge Farming LLC, Diane Brown, Gutermann Consumer Division, Helen Peemoeller, Joan Woll, Julie Brown/Fabric Mart Fabrics, Karen and Ken Sandoe, Ken and Rita Halverson, Kraemer Yarns, L. George Wherry, Linda Podietz/EmmaOneSock.com, Melanie Barkley, Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association, Ralph and Patricia Wax, Roger and Pam Erny/Fashion Sewing Supply, Threads Magazine, Tom Calvert, among others.
MORE INFO:
All fabric/yarn that is used in the body of the piece must be made up of 60% or more animal fiber. Interfacings, linings, and trims of the piece do not need to be made up of wool.
The junior winner (between the ages of 13 and 16) and senior winner (between the ages of 17 and 24) are eligible to compete at the National Make It With Wool Contest. The national contest is scheduled to take place in Jan. of 2022 in San Diego, California.
Read More: Jonestown native takes first place in state Make It With Wool contest
Read More: Jonestown teen takes 4th place at national wool competition in Arizona
The state and national registration fee is $15, in addition to the testing fee per fabric/yarn that is used. Everyone who registers will receive a piece of Pendleton wool. More prizes will also be awarded.
If you or someone you know might be interested, contact Linda Siegel, a state director, at 717-274-1197 or linda@lebaweb.com, to request the PA MIWW registration form and for more information about the contest. You can also visit the national website for more information.
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