A Jonestown student took fourth place at a national wool competition held in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Olivia Thorpe of Jonestown is a student at New Covenant Christian School. She is the daughter of Renee and Chris Thorpe, and President of the Lebanon 4-H Friends Sewing Club, where she has developed a special talent for making clothing.
In a news release from the 4-H club, volunteer sewing instructor Linda Siegel tells LebTown that Olivia recently returned from Scottsdale, where she captured 4th place in the Junior Division (ages 13-16) at the National Make It With Wool Contest. There were 25 entries in her division.
Olivia qualified for the national competition by winning the State Title back in October of last year, and it was the same ensemble (pictured) that finished 4th at the national level. The Make It With Wool Contest is held in conjunction with the National Sheep Industry national convention to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns.
Read More: Jonestown native takes first place in state Make It With Wool contest
Travel expenses for Olivia’s trip were paid for by Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association and the American Sheep Industry. The contest features competition in five age categories. In addition to promoting wool products, the contest aims to encourage personal creativity and develop positive life skills through competition.
Although only the top three finishers win scholarships, Olivia brings home a prize package including Pendleton Wool fabric, sewing notions, and a task light. Natalie Sensenig of Denver, Lancaster County grabbed 5th place honors in the Senior Division (ages 17-24) at Scottsdale.
According to the rules of the contest, entries must be made of wool or wool-blend fabric with some allowance made for non-wool products in trims and linings. Olivia’s creation is a three-piece outfit: a red and black buffalo coat, a black jumpsuit, and a red wool jersey top. They work well together, she says, but each piece is a wardrobe builder that coordinates with other things in her closet.
4-H mentor Linda Siegel says Olivia has been sewing with the club since age eight and has done well at other events. She was a Gold Ribbon winner at Regional 4-H Fashion Review and at State Fashion Review 2019 she was named to the Honors Group (Top 12 in Pennsylvania).
For more information on the 4-H Friends sewing club, call Linda at 717-274-1197.
