Dunning heads to nationals

Madi Dunning of Encampment was selected as the Junior Division winner at the Wyoming State Make It With Wool Contest held in Casper December 4 and 5. Winners were announced at the Stockgrowers/Wool Growers Convention during their opening luncheon, fashion show, and awards program. Dunning will compete in the National Make It With Wool competition in Fort Worth, Texas in January. She is the daughter of Mark and Suzi Dunning.

The Make It With Wool contest objective is to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics, fibers and yarns, while recognizing creative skills and developing life skills. There are several divisions in the competition starting at age 12. According to the Make It With Wool website, the contest was developed in 1947 to promote and generate interest in sewing with wool. Wool has evolved over the years, available in vibrant colors, water resistant and repellant, as well as flame retardant fabrics are now available. Wool wicks water away from the body, where polyester makes you sweat. Wool is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's being used in the military for flight suits, underwear, and uniforms because of the longevity of the fabric is so good.

To enter the Make It With Wool contest, contestants must begin at the district or state level depending upon which state you live in. You can contact the county extension office, or state Make It With Wool director. There is also a website, makeitwithwool.com where you can get the brochures, rules and entry forms.

Currently Wyoming has district and state contests where contestants compete and advance. Junior and Senior winners can advance from state contest to nationals.