Ronan teen advances to Make it With Wool nationals

Kiara Sherman of Ronan recently participated in the annual Montana Make It With Wool contest held Dec. 3-4 in Billings, and she earned a trip to San Diego for her efforts.

The state contest took place in conjunction with the 138th annual Montana Woolgrowers Convention. Eleven sewists — someone who creates sewn works of art — competed in four categories: Junior, Senior, Adult and Made for Others.

Sherman was one of five contestants in the Junior category for those age 13-16. Brogan Youngren of Ronan also competed in the Junior category.

After many hours of modeling and construction judging, Joy Erickson of Billings, Loribeth Evertz of Bozeman and Marie Lehfeldt of Lavina came away with the final placings. Winners and awards were announced during the Woolgrowers’ banquet, which featured the MIWW Style Show presented to the theme of “Prada Worn by Ewe” and set in Paris.

Sherman will serve as Montana’s junior representative at the National Make It With Wool contest Jan. 20-22 in San Diego. Mary Baeten of Billings will be the state’s senior representative.

The Adult winner, Jan Alexander of Miles City, will now compete in a video competition that includes sending her outfit to the National Make It With Wool Committee to be judged. The winner of that judging will receive an expense-paid trip to San Diego for the style show, where the national winner will receive their award.

Sherman tailored her ensemble to fit exquisitely, beginning with her off-white textured 100% wool double-breasted coat featuring a floral rose waterfall embroidery along the shawl collar, which highlights the color of her dress. Her stylish scarlet rose red dress is fashioned from a beautiful red wool and a vintage pattern. The dress is highlighted by gathers along the bust line and the skirt and features bound buttonholes. She is definitely representing the wool industry in high fashion with this ensemble.

Baeten created a Voyageur-style capote for her entry this year. The capote is fashioned out of a Hudson Bay 3.5-point blanket that was purchased at an estate sale. The capote features a wide collar, pockets and a belt closure that Mary hand sewed together with yarn. Mary will wear her capote during this year’s family tree hunt, which is the traditional outing to wear capotes.

Alexander won the Adult category with her cape and western-styled skirt. Jan’s cape features a back belt detail and concealed pockets. The lambs wool skirt has a deep slit in the side to show off her fancy boots. Both pieces are made from Pendleton yardage. Jan can wear this outfit for many occasions including the Miles Community College bash, a benefit for the college rodeo team.

The Made for Others category was won by Cheyenne Hobbs with model Addyson Hobbs showing off Cheyenne’s Parisian painter’s smock and leggings. Made for Others contestants do not compete at the National level.