Wyoming 'Wool' winners

State winners were named at the 2016 Wyoming Make It With Wool (MIWW) Competition held on Dec. 4-5 at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper. First place in the Junior Division went to Ashlynn Johnson of Encampment who modeled a 4-piece ensemble including a teal/green/brown bouclé wool coat, teal asymmetrical-style jacket, ivory shell top, and tailored brown slacks.

First place in the Adult Division went to Estella Munroe also of Encampment. Munroe showed a brown/black cashmere coat and tailored brown wool and silk dress.

The Junior state winner receives a trip to represent Wyoming at the National MIWW Competition from Jan 26-28, 2017, in Denver.

The Adult state winner sends their outfit, photos, and a video of themselves modeling the ensemble to a national judging committee. A national winner is then selected from the adult entries, and the winner is invited to attend the American Sheep Industry Convention in Denver.

A total of 13 contestants participated in the state contest this year. Construction and Modeling Judging was held on Sunday, Dec 4. Contestants participated in an educational workshop Sunday evening, taught by Lynda Johnson, on the sheep and wool industry. They also tied a wool quilt that will be donated to the state MIWW program and auctioned next year at the Quad-State Wool Growers Convention.

State contestants presented a fashion show at the opening luncheon of the Stock Growers Convention on Monday, Dec 5, after which winners were announced. Several other awards were also presented to contestants. Ashlynn Johnson and Estella Munroe each received the “Outstanding Construction” award in their age divisions.

Other awards were given out including a creativity award and a judges award. The people’s choice award was voted on by those in attendance and was presented to Ashlynn Johnson.

Drawing prizes included a Brother sewing machine and a basket of yarn and knitting needles.

Division winners received cash awards and prizes donated by businesses, ranchers, and others.

All contestants received two-and-a-half yard lengths of Pendleton wool fabric donated by the Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary.

Contestants in the MIWW competition construct, knit or crochet then model their own outfits, which must be made from at least 60 percent wool fabric/yarn.

District competitions are held throughout Wyoming during October and November.

Over 60 contestants participated in the district contests this year.

District winners participate in the State Competition which is usually held the first weekend of December.

Other district categories include Pre-teen Division, Made for Others, and Wearable Accessories.

Wyoming also sponsors a Quilt/Wall Hanging, Afghan, and Knitted/Crocheted Apparel contest. .

For further information regarding the MIWW competition in Wyoming, please contact Lynda Johnson, State Director, at 307-399-6723 or [email protected].