January 28, 2004
For more information:
Marie Lehfeldt, MIYWW Coordinator (406) 636-2731, levi@midrivers.com
Laura Gerhard (303) 771-3500, ext. 30, lgerhard@sheepusa.org*
(*Photos available upon request)
DENVER, Colo. ? Laura Kusek of Albion, Neb., and Kassandra Laber of Delmont, S.D., took top honors at the 2004 Make It Yourself With Wool National Finals & Award Program held Jan. 24, 2004, in Sacramento, Calif. The event was held in conjunction with the 2004 Convention of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and National Lamb Feeders Association.
Sixteen-year-old Kusek won the title of First Place Junior 2004 Wool Ambassador with a complete ensemble consisting of a herringbone wrap skirt, plaid scarf, double-breasted pea coat and 100-percent wool, single-knit pullover top. Kusek?s winnings included a $1,000 scholarship from Pendleton Woolen Mills, a $500 scholarship from the American Sheep Industry Women, wool fabric from Forstmann Co. and Britex of San Francisco, mohair fabric from Dolores? Unique Designs and a sheep pelt from the Stockman Bank, Billings, Mont. The junior division was open to youth ages 13 to 16.
Twenty-year-old Laber was selected First Place Senior 2004 Wool Ambassador. Laber?s winning creation consisted of a red tweed pantsuit made of Pendleton wool. The hip-length jacket was fully lined and sported a black fur collar and two-piece sleeves with fold-back cuffs. The straight-legged pants featured a contour waist and hidden back zipper. Laber?s first place winnings included a $1,500 scholarship from the American Sheep Industry Women, wool fabric from Forstmann Co. and Britex of San Francisco, mohair fabric from Dolores? Unique Designs, Pattern Master Boutique Software from Wild Ginger Software and a sheep pelt from the Stockman Bank, Billings, Mont. The senior division was open to youth ages 17 to 24.
Fifteen-year-old Andrea Beale of Waukesha, Wisc., and 22-year-old Amanda Brown of Easton, Md., won First Runner-Up Junior Division and First Runner-Up Senior Division, respectively. Beale modeled her two-piece ensemble, consisting of a wrap-around skirt with fringe and a vest featuring a collar made from the same striped fabric as the skirt. Brown modeled her non-traditional suit consisting of a jacket with pewter hook closures and animal print lining, wide-legged and cuffed pants and a wool knit shirt.
Beale?s first runner-up ranking earned her a Singer sewing machine, a $250 savings bond from the New Mexico Wool Growers Auxiliary, custom couture pattern from Claire Shaeffer, wool fabric and coordinating buttons from Lacy Lovlies, wool fabric from Franetta and Pattern Master Boutique Software from Wild Ginger Software. Brown won a sewing machine from Brother International, a $250 savings bond from American & Efird Co., custom couture pattern from Claire Shaeffer, wool fabric and coordinating buttons from Lacy Lovlies, wool fabric from Pendleton and Pattern Master Boutique Software from Wild Ginger Software.
Thirty-one-year-old Katrina Humphrey of Seattle, Wash., was named the 2004 Adult Winner. Humphrey?s elegant wool ensemble consisted of a flared, floor-length evening skirt, simple black bodysuit and a fitted jacket featuring several fabrics of soft tones and various textures. Humphrey won a sheep pelt, fabric from Britex of San Francisco, Forstmann wool fabric and an all-expense-paid trip to the national MIYWW finals.
Twenty-one-year-old Adrianne Gammie of Cincinnati, Ohio, won the National MIYWW Fashion/Apparel Design Award. Gammie?s winning entry featured a heavy crepe dress with a one-piece bodice, dropped waistband and circular skirt and a cream and chocolate colored houndstooth coat featuring a dramatic collar and back pleating. Her winnings included a sheep pelt, Forstmann wool fabric, fabric from Britex of San Francisco, an all-expense-paid trip to the national MIYWW finals and a $1,000 scholarship from the American Wool Council.
A total of 52 junior and senior finalists from 28 states modeled their creations at the national competition. A total of 1,149 contestants nationwide entered the competition at the state level and utilized an estimated 3,200 yards of wool fabric and yarn.
Other winners and their awards included:
- Laura Kusek, Albion, Neb., $500 cash, ?Sew News? Exemplary Construction Garment Award;
- Maria Mallner, Willington, N.C., $500 cash, Creative Machine Embroidery Award;
- Andrea Hammon, Spencer, Neb., Husqvarna/Viking Sewing Machine, Vogue/Butterick-Viking Sewing Machines, Inc. Award;
- Kristin Stapper, Odem, Texas, $1,000 scholarship, Mohair Council of America;
- Erick Stedje, Ronan, Mont., $250 savings bond, Mohair Council of America;
- Tarah Fleiner, Carson City, Nev., $200 savings bond, Mohair Council of America;
- Jennita Jackson, Scio, Ore., $150 savings bond, Mohair Council of America; and
- Amanda Stout, Dunkerton, Iowa, $100 savings bond, Mohair Council of America.
Marie Lehfeldt of Lavina, Mont., coordinated the event for the ninth consecutive year.
ASI is a national organization supported by 41 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of nearly 64,000 sheep producers.
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