Two local residents were recognized in the Pennsylvania Make It With Wool Contest, held on Oct. 3 in the PA Preferred Banquet Hall at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. In the Adult category, Sheila Martin of Birdsboro placed first, and Cara Weil of Lancaster placed third.

To enter the contest, each competitor constructed at least one wool or wool-blend garment using skills such as knitting, crocheting, and sewing. At the state event, each ensemble was flat-judged and then judged while being modeled by the entrant. Judging was based on poise, construction of the garment, fit and wearability, and promotion of the versatility of wool. Categories were available for children through adults, and winners received fabrics, sewing books, equipment, and notions.

Martin's entry was a two-piece ensemble. Using a black and camel wool print fabric that she found in Rome, she created a unique-to-her jacket. She adapted a pattern to omit lapels, buttonholes and buttons, but added front shoulder interest, darts, pockets, front ties, self-drafted facings, and lining. Zipper teeth added glints of gold. More wool suiting in coordinating solids was used for the empire-waist dress. Martin added a kick pleat, as well as front shoulder and elbow sleeve interest with more zippers. In making her garments, Martin used skills that she learned through research and her membership in three sewing groups - the American Sewing Guild's Wyomissing group, the Lancaster Area Sewing Network, and the Haute Couture Sewing Club of Chicago.

Martin said she is especially proud of the embedded zippers on both garments. Before sewing, she affixed the zippers with a special type of tape that dissolves in the wash. Martin also said she likes working with wool because it is malleable and accepts heat and steam well. Martin will send her garment, along with photos and a video of herself wearing the garment, for judging at the national competition, to be held in Charleston, S.C., in January.

Weil made a sweater and skirt ensemble. The dark olive green 100% wool skirt features a raised waist and back zipper. The skirt also has a semi-fitted, lined yoke front and back waistband, front pleat underlay, and topstitching. The seams were finished with a serger. Weil used a terracotta-colored baby alpaca and Merino wool blend yarn to knit her sweater. It features the stockinette stitch, long sleeves, and a collar. She added beads to the wristbands and collar by knitting the beads into her stitches as she worked.

Cara has been sewing and knitting since the age of 7, and she was taught by her mother. She said that she especially enjoys the versatility of the various wool fabrics that are available. In addition, she is proud that she was able to bead in her knitting and completely alter a pattern for a custom fit.

To learn more about the contest, visit http://www.makeitwithwool.com or contact Linda Siegel, state director, at 717-274-1197 or linda@lebaweb.com.