Two Lebanon County teenagers placed in the statewide Make It With Wool competition, held Oct. 1 at the Farm Show Complex.
Madison Copenhaver of Lebanon took first place in the Juniors division, while Olivia Morrissey of Annville took third place in Juniors.
The Juniors division is open to anyone ages 13 to 16. Fifteen entries were submitted for this year’s contest, which calls for entrants to construct at least one wool or wool-blend garment using knitting, crocheting, and/or sewing skills.
As first place Junior, Copenhaver will travel to Fort Worth, Texas, in January to represent Pennsylvania. Copenhaver also took first place in the statewide Juniors division last year, and traveled to San Diego, California, this past January for the national competition.
Morrissey won the statewide Junior competition in 2020, but unfortunately the national contest was conducted remotely that year due to COVID-19.
Copenhaver’s ensemble this year consists of a wool jacket, top, and paper-bag waist paints. Copenhaver said she was inspired to create the jacket after finding a picture online, and adapted a McCall’s pattern to get the look she desired. The jacket and pants are fully lined and include in-seam pockets. Copenhaver made the outfit as a 4-H project, and also serves as vice president of the 4-H Friends Club.
Morrissey’s ensemble was a wrap coat and dress, both made of wool. The olive-green coat includes green silk lining. Morrissey said her favorite features are the couture-lined pockets and shawl collar. She adapted the bishop sleeves from a Vogue pattern. Morrissey also has a role in the local 4-H Friends Club, where she serves as treasurer and has been involved with 4-H sewing since age 8, the earliest she could join.
Both students said they enjoyed working with wool in the project and complimented it as a sewing material.
The statewide contest was coordinated by Lebanon resident Linda Siegel, along with volunteers including Siegel’s daughter, Rachel Siegel. Six judges reviewed entries, including Julie Brown, co-owner of Sinking Spring-based FabricMartFabrics.com, and Ann Henderson, owner of Ewebiquitous in Lititz.
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