Wyoming continues strong Make It With Wool program at state, national levels

Casper – On Dec. 3, the Wyoming Wool Growers Association hosted the 2018 Make It With Wool Fashion Show. 

Within the state of Wyoming, nine of 10 total districts are active in Make It With Wool, and interest and involvement in the program continues to increase year-over-year. 

This year, Carol Macy of Pine Bluffs took over as director of the Wyoming program, as Lynda Johnson, former program director, has taken over as direction of the National Make It With Wool program. 

“I have been in the wool industry since I was a child,” said Macy. “My daughter went through Make It With Wool, and we have both competed numerous times. Now, it’s time to give back.”

She continued, “My competition years have gone by the wayside, and I want to give back. This is how I’m going to continue to support the program.”

Macy said the program will continue to promote the wool industry, aiming at expanding information about the contest throughout the state. 

“I don’t think people realize the sheep running around in the fields end up making these beautiful garments,” Macy explained. “The concept is teaching young ladies that these garments used to be the fleece on ewes.” 

In the contest, participants construct garments that must be 60 percent wool. Every piece of fabric that goes into each garment is tested by Yocom-McColl to ensure the integrity of each garment.

“While garments must be at least 60 percent wool, we see many of our contestants using 100 percent wool,” Macy said. 

At the state level, contestants compete as junior, seniors and adults. A pre-teen contest is also held at the district level.

“We also have a made-for-others division, afghan, quilt and wearable accessory divisions at the district level,” she continues.

“Wyoming has the largest state contest in the nation,” Johnson added. “In 2016, we had 500 contestants across the country. Last year, Wyoming had 60 contestants.”

Winners from the state contest advance to the national event. 

“Adult winners from the state contest submit a video to the national committee, where they are judged. The national winner will attend the American Sheep Industry Association annual meeting,” Macy explained.

Johnson looks forward to taking over the Make It With Wool program on the national level.

“This is the first year Make It With Wool has been held in New Orleans, La.,” she explained. “There will be a lot of cultural experiences our contestants will be able to enjoy, and I’m looking forward to hosting my first national contest.”

“Make It With Wool helps to promote wool,” Johnson commented. “We also promote lamb with our ‘Eat Lamb. Wear Wool.’ slogan.” 

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.