By Lynda Johnson
Carbon County Comet Contributor
The National Make It With Wool Contest (MIWW) is held in conjunction with the American Sheep Industry Convention each year. It was held in Denver, Colorado, from January 11 through 13. Judging for the National MIWW contest was on Friday, January 12. Garments were judged for construction quality in the morning; contestants modeled their outfits and answered questions for the three judges in the afternoon. The Fashion Show and Awards Program was held Saturday evening, January 13, at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
There were 22 junior contestants and 20 senior contestants representing 25 different states. In addition to the judging, contestants participated in an orientation and get-to-know-you activity, two sewing and felting workshops, fashion show practices, and an outing to the National Western Livestock Show.
Before announcing the top winners in both the junior and senior divisions, awards were presented in several “special categories”, including construction, handwork, needlework, machine embroidery, and use of mohair. In addition to being selected as the 2024 National Junior Winner, Madi Dunning of Encampment received the Top Junior Construction Award and the 2nd place Machine Embroidery Award.
Madi received numerous prizes including a $1,000 scholarship from Pendleton Woolen Mills, a $500 cash award from National MIWW, 1-year subscription to Threads Magazine, wool fabric, sheep pelt, an MIWW garment bag and winner’s sash, a trip to the 2025 National contest, Thread assortment from Coats & Clark, MIWW tote bag, and various other sewing items.
Madi will serve as the 2024 MIWW Junior Ambassador for a year and will then attend the 2025 contest in Scottsdale, Arizona, to help with the activities and model in the fashion show before presenting a certificate and sash to the 2025 Junior Winner.
The Make It With Wool Contest started in Utah in 1947 and spread to include 12 other western states, including Wyoming, in 1848. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the national MIWW contest! The contest was started to help promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabric and yarn. It also encourages people of all ages to sew, knit, crochet or felt wool garments.
Divisions include Preteen (age 12 and under), Junior (age 13-16), Senior (age 17-24), Adult ((age 25 and over), Made for Others, and Wearable Accessory. Contestants must use fabric or yarn that is at least 60% wool fiber. They can sew, knit, crochet, or felt their wearable garments.
Additional information about the contest in Wyoming: local contestants in all divisions first compete in the Carbon County District Contest held in late summer/fall. The top Jr., Sr., and Adult district winners then compete in the State Contest held in early December in Casper. The top winner in the three divisions then competes on the national level.
Additional information about the rules and requirements of the contest can be found on the national website www.makeitwithwool.com or by contacting Kelly Barlow, Wyoming State Director. Her contact information is on the website. The National Make It With Wool Facebook page has more photos and information.
