The Wonders of Wool:
Making it with wool
In anticipation of the national Make It With Wool competition later this month, the Colorado Make It With Wool event was November 19 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. This contest is the culmination of hours and sometimes months of hard work and ingenuity for people who sew with wool. Four judges rate each finished piece on construction, how well the garment fits and how it hangs. Judges also rate the contestant’s poise and ability to answer questions. The body of each garment must be made with fabric that’s at least 60% wool.
Not your grandma’s wool
Wool can be more than just that scratchy blanket — much of it is softened before it’s turned into fabric. Sheep are the most common wool producers and one animal can make 30 pounds of wool each year. According to Gloria Cundall, director of Colorado MIWW, wool is a natural fiber that prevents blisters, wicks moisture, offers UV protection, remains odor-free, is eco-friendly and is durable.
And the winner is…
Morgan Stults of Wray won the junior division this year. She presented her knee-length, windowpane plaid dress and a coordinating, cropped, navy blue jacket lined with paisley-patterned silk. The 15-year-old completed her outfit in about 5 hours over the course of a couple of months with guidance from her 4H leader, Sharon Blackham. Sharon, a 4H leader for more than 40 years, shared that she appreciates the contest because kids expand on their sewing skills and enjoy making something original. Morgan loves how she gets to “think outside the box” when sewing with wool. As the junior winner, Morgan received a new sewing machine and 2 1/2 yards of Pendleton wool fabric. And she qualified to go to Make It With Wool’s national contest this month in Fort Worth, Texas.
More information
Do you work with wool? Consider entering this year’s contest which will be held in Brighton on November 4, 2023. Applications to compete are due October 1, 2023. The national MIWW competition is also coming to Denver in January 2024. For more information, contact Gloria at gacundall@outlook.com.