Make It With Wool (MIWW) is an annual competition that strives to highlight the natural beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns. It encourages makers to use wool in ways that enable its attributes to truly shine. The competition is sponsored by the American Wool Council, the American Sheep Industry, and American Sheep Industry Women.

All garments must be created from fabric or yarn composed of at least 60 percent wool or specialty fibers such as alpaca, mohair, and cashmere. Contestants compete in age groups: Those age 12 and younger compete as preteens, 13- to 16-year-olds compete as juniors, 17- to 24-year-olds as seniors, and those 25 and older as adults. The garments are judged on the quality of sewing, the garment’s or ensemble’s appropriateness to the contestant’s lifestyle, and the creativity demonstrated. MIWW begins with state-level competition, the winners proceeding to the national judging round. Special accolades for categories such as outstanding construction, machine embroidery, and needlework can be awarded at the judges’ discretion. College students are eligible to compete for the Fashion/Apparel Design award, which is featured at the national competition. Threads features works by six of the 2020 national competition winners below.

 

Adult Winner – Meighan Stevens

Webster, Ohio

Meighan created a coat and dress ensemble. The double-breasted coat was sewn from 100 percent Pendleton wool coating in a deep merlot color, which she won from a previous MIWW competition. The coat pattern, Butterick 5685 (out of print), features a fitted, princess-seamed bodice and slight A-line skirt. Meighan added waffle pin tucks as an allover design on the back bodice. The coat is lined with gold brocade, with piping where the lining is joined to the front facings. Meighan highlighted the…