What Fabrics/Yarns Can I Use?

All garment entries must be tested by the Montana Wool Lab. There is a $3.00 fee to cover the cost. Best practice is to test your fabric prior to construction of your garment. Send 5”X5” samples to the State Director along with $3.00 per swatch.

Swatches sent with entry forms must be received three weeks prior to the contest to allow for wool testing. Once your fiber passes fiber content testing at the lab, it will be certified to be used in the contest.

Fabric and yarn requirements are 100% wool, or wool-blend (minimum 60% wool or specialty fiber) for each fashion fabric or yarn used. Specialty fibers include mohair, cashmere, alpaca, camel, llama and vicuna. The entire garment must be wool or wool-blend fabric.

How Do I Enter?
Complete an official entry form for each entry. Each entry requires a $10.00 National fee and a $10.00 Wisconsin fee. Entry forms for the garment contest and the Wisconsin Quilt/Afghan/Novelty contest are included in this catalog and also on the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival website. Further information is available from the State Director or at UWEX offices.

What Are the Judging Criteria?
Appropriateness to contestant’s lifestyle
Coordination of fabric/yarn with garment style and design
Contestant’s preparation
Construction quality
Creativity
Judging is private and decisions are final.

Are There Prizes?
Preteens receive up to 3 placings in state competition, but do not advance to national finals. Juniors and seniors advance to national competition. Scholarships of $1000 and $2000 are awarded at a national level. The Wisconsin Adult Winner receives a cash award. Quilt, Afghan and Novelty items receive cash awards, fabric and quilting tools but do not advance. Sewing machines, wool fabric, sewing books, notions, equipment and other prizes are awarded at both state and national competitions.

Open to Wisconsin residents. Age as of December 31, 2010. Preteens, junior, senior and adult contestants must select, construct and model their own garments. All garments entered in competition must have been completed after January 1,2010.

Make It With Wool is for anyone interested in sewing and fashion design using wool or wool blend fabrics, knitted, crocheted or woven clothing or accessories. Across the U.S. junior and senior contestants compete in state competitions, with the top entries competing in the National Competition in Reno, NV in January of 2011. Wisconsin does not have district competition. Contact State Director Carol Battenberg, 920 699- 2233 or email: batten2@tds.net for additional contest information. Entry fees are non-refundable.