Wyoming Make it with Wool contestants model handiwork at WSGA convention
Casper – The 2015 Wyoming Make it with Wool (MIWW) competition was held at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper Nov. 29-30 and featured a fashion show at the Wyoming Wool Growers Association Luncheon on Nov. 30.
Contestants created their own garments, made from at least 60 percent wool, and judges evaluated the garments’ appropriateness to contestant lifestyle, coordination of garment style and design, contestant presentation, construction quality and creativity.
Over 70 contestants participated in district contests throughout Wyoming during October and November, and 10 contestants participated at the state level in Casper.
Junior division
The first model in the junior division, for contestants ages 13 to 16, was Alexis Wasinger from Buffalo. She created a Pendleton wool cape with corded buttonholes and a copper-colored lining.
Alexandra Coffey of Laramie was the second junior contestant, modeling a red wool, double-breasted, button-up coat and a black, fully lined wool dress.
Riverton’s Torrey McKiernan modeled a cream and navy, knee-length dress made of 100 percent wool.
The fourth junior division contestant, Ashlynn Johnson from Encampment, used 100 percent Pendleton wool to create a fully-lined fit-and-flare coat, decorated with embroidered scroll, a lined V-neck vest with a waist seam and lower peplum, and a semi-fitted knee-length skirt with a contoured waistline.
Johnson was awarded first place in the junior division, and she received an expense-paid trip to Scottsdale, Ariz. Jan. 28-30 to represent Wyoming at the National MIWW competition.
Coffey, Wasinger and McKiernan took home second through fourth place, respectively.
Senior division
Lexee Craig of Powell also received an expense-paid trip to Scottsdale to represent Wyoming in the senior division of the National MIWW competition.
As the only participant in her age group at the state level, she modeled a red and beige plaid dress with a chocolate brown coat.
Adult division
In the adult division, Encampment’s Estella Munroe modeled a fully-lined and fitted jacket, along with a sleeveless black dress accented with a grey wool trim.
Patty Swanson of Lingle modeled a complete outfit, including pants, loose-fitting jacket and vest.
Julie Houchin from Laramie created a mid-calf length skirt and lined jacket, and Lance Creek’s Brenda Greer used Pendleton wool she received in previous MIWW contests to create a three-piece set.
Carol Macy from Pine Bluffs modeled a black cashmere coat and a fit-and-flare black and white wool dress.
Macy’s outfit earned her the top place finish in the adult division. She will be sending photos and a modeling video to the national judging committee and, if chosen as a winner, will attend the National Convention in Scottsdale.
Second place was awarded to Munroe, third place to Houchin and honorable mentions were awarded to Swanson and Greer.
Other awards
Johnson, Craig and Macy earned outstanding construction awards for each of their respective divisions, and Wasinger received the award for creativity.
The people’s choice award, new this year and decided by popular vote, was awarded to Johnson.
Winners received cash awards and prizes donated by businesses, ranchers and others. Two-and-half yards of Pendleton wool fabric, donated by the Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary, was also presented to all state-level MIWW contestants.
Photos from the 2015 MIWW contest can be viewed online at wylr.net under the “Media” tab.
For further information regarding the MIWW competition in Wyoming, please contact Lynda Johnson, state director, at 307-399-6723 or lyndajane13@aol.com.
Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.