Appel wins state Make It With Wool

The state Make It With Wool competition was Oct. 26 in Ritzville in conjunction with the annual convention of the Washington State Sheep Producers Association. The contest and fashion show involved 17 contestants who modeled garments they had sewn with fabric that was at least 60 percent wool.

The junior winner was 16-year-old Sarah Appel of Colfax. She sewed a plum New Look fitted dress from 100 percent Pendleton wool gabardine. She will proceed to the national level of competition in Charleston, S. C., in January.

Alternate junior winner was 15-year-old Mia Suhrbier of Winlock. She machine embroidered electric blue wool crepe slacks and tailored a black and white mohair coat and received a Viking sewing machine.

Clare Jacobs, also of Colfax, entered a coat and sheath dress in the junior division.

Senior class winner was 17-year-old Lillie Leman of Kennewick. She tailored a teal wool crepe 1947 Vogue vintage suit to win a trip to the national level. Also receiving a sewing machine was senior alternate, 18-year-old Sarah Hoenig of Port Orchard. She sewed a vintage-look cape and skirt. Carmen Swannack of Lamont entered a plum wool dress with lace overlay in the senior division.

Adult class winner and recipient of a serger was Dorothy Fish of Federal Way. She also tailored a vintage Vogue suit with a peplum jacket in black Pendleton wool with striped silk piping. Dorothy’s picture, video and garment will proceed to National Make It With Wool to be judged.

Alternate adult winner was Paulette Hill of Sequim. She sewed and beaded a lavender asymmetrical sheath dress and a hand-woven cropped jacket ensemble and received a cash award.

The contest is sponsored by the Washington Wool Growers Auxiliary and the Washington State Sheep Producers. The national contest is sponsored by the American Sheep Industry and the American Sheep Industry Women.

Qualified district winners proceed to the state contest. For more information please contact State Director Susan Parr of Tacoma, (253) 922-5403.