MIWW Report ~ Ida Marie Snorteland ~ SD Director

As I sit down to write a report for the 2010 Make It With Wool year, I am including what one of the mother’s said after the 2011 MIWW contest in Reno, NV:

“Again, I am so thankful for the MIWW contest.  It is such a great experience with all the learning that comes from new opportunities.  Also, it is such a terrific reward and encouragement for learning to sew.  Hannah and I both had a great time and felt that we both learned quite a bit.  Thank you for all you did and provided for Hannah... muffins, juice, advice, supervision, etc. I did feel completely safe leaving her at the hotel in MIWW hands while I stayed at another hotel.  I sure hope to get some sewing done this winter just for wear AND for contest. Hannah is already planning for next year.“

She is not only planning for next year, but she took the Pendleton challenge and made a double breasted jacket from the challenge wool - see photo on left!

At the state contest in Huron, there were 4 pre-teens, 4 juniors, 2 seniors, 4 professionals, 4 made for others, 2 recycled 4 accessories, and 4 challenge contestants.  Contestants’ through out the state used, 89.83 yards of fabric and  2 skeins of yarn, down from 127 yards in 2009. 

At the National Make it With Wool contest, Hannah Wegehaupt placed in the top 10; also attending was Rachel Mairose.  Denise Muntefering was the adult contestant.

In 2011, South Dakota will be the host for the Adult contest with judging between Christmas and New year’s so that the winner can be notified. There is a new challenge for 2011, there was a plaid fabric left for quite a few years.  It was given to 5 contestants to be brought to the 2011 state contest in Lead, the end of September.

I thank the SD Sheep Growers Association and the 4 District directors for making the contest a reality and possibility for seamstresses.  

Make it With Wool National Contest Report - by Dianne Perry

Sixty "Make it With Wool" national contestants representing 31 states registered on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21 at the Nugget in Sparks, Nevada. That evening the contestants, parents, and state directors met with National MIWW Coordinator Marie Lehfeldt, from Montana.  Following the informational meeting, get-acquainted mixers for the contestants were led by last year’s junior and senior winners.

On Friday morning, individual photos of the contestants were taken and all the judging took place. After lunch, contestants were given a tour of the Nugget which has 3 floors for meetings and activities. The girls and one boy then had an opportunity to make cream puffs with the pastry chef who uses only natural ingredients. Mid-afternoon all contestants attended workshops on Pressing and Fitting, led by state MIWW directors. Rehearsals for the style show were held Friday evening and Saturday morning.

The MIWW banquet and style show were Saturday noon in the Celebrity Showroom. A lamb chop meal was followed by cream puffs decorated as sheep. They were cute as well as delicious! Chase Adams, Sturgis, was again one of the two narrators. He did a great job! South Dakota’s Junior contestant, Hannah Wegehaupt from Dimock, finished in the top 13. Congratulations to her!

Awards were given to the top 7 junior and senior contestants, the adult and fashion design winners, the best entries using mohair, 100% Merino wool, creative machine embroidery, a Clair Schaeffer Pattern, and a Wild Ginger Pattern.

Prizes included: scholarships; gift certificates and savings bonds; wool fabric; sheep pelts; sewing machines, steamers, and irons; Wild Ginger Pattern Software; and sewing supplies.

SD MIWW Director                    Ida Marie Snortland            927 Sunset Drive          Spearfish, SD  57783              605-642-5123     email: snorteland@blackhills.com

The State level "Make It With Wool" competiton is held in conjunction with the SD Sheep Growers annual convention.  The 2010 competition was September 25 at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron, SD.  The National competition will be January 20-22, 2011 at the ASI Convention in Reno, NV.

2010 MIWW State Contest

2010 Make It With Wool Contestants at Huron, SD.

2008 State Make It With Wool Contestants at Lead, SD.  Left to Right: Carrietta Schalesky, Karlene Wegehaupt, Mallory Munterfering, Chloe Wegehaupt, Rachel Mairose, Alexia Klinkhammer, Hannar Wegehaupt, Christy Ryen, Jessica Duerre, Gina Mairose, Stacey Kvale, Adele Riley, Lorainne Mosemann, and Charlotte Kvale. 

                                      District Directors for "Make It With Wool"

For more information regarding MIWW rules and forms, contact one of the directors or check out the national website:  www.sheepusa.org

Lamb Lead-In Contest - SD State Fair

SD SheepGrowers added $500 to the prize money given to entrants in the 2010 Ladies Lead Class.  Entrants mus wear wool garments and the blanket on the lamb must be made of wool.  Every entrant was awarded $20 this year, with class winners and adults getting additional prize money.

The 2010 contest had 17 participants in 4 different age groups.  This wool-featured event drew one of the largest crowds of any sheep event at the state fair.  Photos below show some of the contestants from the 2010 contest.