Stan Poe, Franklin, Ind., and Bob Benson, Carmel, Ind., grew more excited with every announcement of winners for the junior division of the American Sheep Industry’s Make It With Wool national contest. They were following the fortunes of Madeline Douglas, Flat Rock, Ind., in the 13- to 16-year-old junior division.

“They announced her as being in the top 10 — that was great,” Poe says. “Then they announced her in the top five. Finally, she was announced as the winner! It was exciting.”

Poe and Benson were there attending the ASI convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. Douglas captured first place in the junior division. Olivia Lexie South, Marshall, also represented Indiana well, Poe and Benson report. She was a top 10 finisher in the senior division for ages 17 through 24. The contest included 46 contestants from 26 states.

SUCCESSFUL ENTRIES: Madeline Douglas, Flat Rock (left), won the junior division in the national Make It With Wool contest. Olivia Lexie South, Marshall, finished in the top 10 in the senior division.

Douglas also received a specialty honor for Outstanding Use of Mohair. As the junior division overall winner, she will represent the Make It With Wool contest as its junior ambassador in 2020.

Both girls were required to select, construct and model their own garments. The garments were required to be made from more than 60% wool.

Learn more about the contest at makeitwithwool.com. Also check out Indiana’s competition rules and entry times at indianasheep.com.