Ronan contestants compete in national Make It With Wool contest

Two Ronan contestants took top honors in this year’s Montana Make It With Wool contest, held Dec. 2-3 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in conjunction with the 139th annual Montana Woolgrowers Convention.

Brenna Youngren of Ronan competed in the Junior category for ages 13-16, and Kiara Sherman competed in the Senior division, for ages 17-24. Winners and awards were announced during the Woolgrowers’ banquet on Saturday night, which featured the MIWW Style Show presented to the theme of “Marshmall‘ewe’ World.”

Sherman took first place in her division and was recognized for her machine embroidery work on her blazer with the Embroidery Award, which came with a set of machine embroidery threads with a storage case as her prize. Youngren topped the junior division.

The two young women represented Montana at the the 75th annual National Make It With Wool competition in Fort Worth, Texas, which is part of the 2023 American Sheep Industry (ASI) Convention held Jan. 19-21. They competed against 21 Junior contestants and 20 Senior contestants representing 31 states.

Sherman was fourth runner up in the Senior Division. She also won the Machine Embroidery Award with her jacket and received a cash award sponsored by Montana’s LuvEweFarm from Havre. While Youngren did not place in the top 10 Junior group, she enjoyed her experience at the national event and said she’s excited to sew again next year.

Briana Baeten of Billings represented Montana in the Adult category and claimed second at the national event.

Junior contestant Youngren constructed a sporty yet lightweight wool outfit for her 2022 entry. She likes the look of a jumpsuit and chose a two-piece top and pants pattern with an unexpected twist that included cutting some of the top sections on the bias, a side-button closing on the front and back pockets for a phone.

Youngren uses her sewing skills as a Teacher assistant in the Textiles and Design class at Ronan High School. Her sewing goals this year include a 4-H wardrobe display and sewing her graduation dress.

This was Sherman’s first year in the Senior Division and she made an impressive debut. The highlight of her three-piece wool ensemble is her charcoal flannel jacket, embellished with a colorful machine embroidered motif on the back and lower sleeve. These motifs tie in to her plaid skirt, which is a blend of rustic colors, accompanied by a bright, lightweight gaberdine top.

Sherman says her ensemble allows her to wear the skirt and top to work and pair the blazer with jeans for a casual weekend. This was her eighth year participating in the Make It With Wool program and she says she continues to enjoy exploring the many uses of wool.

Learn more about the Make It With Wool program at mtsheep.org.