Saidi Ringenberg of Lexington, and Abigail Olson of Sargent, represented Nebraska at the National Make It With Wool competition held in conjunction with the American Sheep Industry Association Convention, January 24-26, in New Orleans, Louisiana, according to Andrea Nisley, State Make It With Wool Director. The wool contest has been conducted for 71 years.
Junior Division contestant, Saidi, was first runner-up. She received a Brother International serger/overlock machine, Madam Sew 32 piece presser foot set, wool fabrics from Pendleton and Field’s Fabrics, Westcott shears, Wild Ginger pattern making software, Coats & Clark threads, McCall’s pattern and sewing notions.
For her entry, she constructed and modeled a coat using burgundy jacquard wool fabric. Her coat features a shawl collar, raglan sleeves, and front button closing. To coordinate with the coat she constructed black tapered wool knit pants. Saidi is the daughter of Joel and Stephanie Ringenberg.
Abigail was third runner-up in the Senior Division. She received a Nancy’s Notions gift certificate, wool fabrics from Pendleton and Elfriede’s Fine Fabric, Coats threads, Fiskars shears, a Butterick pattern and sewing notions. In the Contestant Drawing, Abigail won the refurbished Brother ‘Project Runway’ sewing machine.
For her entry, Abigail constructed and modeled a one-piece novelty tweed sleeveless dress which featured a fitted bodice, pleated skirt, self-piping trim and a self-fabric belt. She is the daughter of Pete and Kyla Olson.
Judy Stewart of Alliance competed in the Adult Division. The adult division competition is based on a video, narration and garment construction prior to the National Contest. Judy constructed iconic Pendleton red/tan/charcoal gray plaid coat.
The trip and contest were sponsored by the American Sheep Industry Association, American Sheep Industry Women, American Wool Council, and the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Association.
The purpose of the Make It With Wool Contest is to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns, to encourage personal creativity in sewing, to recognize creative skills, and to develop life skills.
Contestants must select, construct and model their own garments. All entries must be made with 100 percent wool or wool blend (minimum 60 percent wool or specialty wool fiber) for each fashion fabric or yarn used.
