How fitting it was that Saturday, April 13 was a beautiful spring day, as “Fun in the Sun” was the chosen theme for Sussex County’s 4-H Clothing and Textile Showcase that included a full day of celebrating talented and motivated 4-H “Fashionistas!”

Three participants showed off their consumer and fashion planning skills by presenting a “Ready to Wear” ensemble. Participants must look for good bargains and quality and also plan a complete outfit and accessorize around their purchased article.  The majority of participants this year chose to sew  – some creating garments that they modeled, or  display items such as a lap quilt or garment bag.  Participants were evaluated on the construction of their garment (s) within their category of expertise and how they modeled. While Cloverbuds (ages 5-8) are not judged, our young contestant looked cozy as she modeled an adorable fleece hat and scarf set, which everyone admired.

As with almost every 4-H scheduled event, youth plan a community service project as part of their day. While winning a contest is a fun part of an event like this, 4-H youth learn the joy and importance of giving and devoting time to others. Colorful pouches were sewn and filled with useful toiletries like soap, toothpaste, ear swabs, lotion, shampoo, etc. and they were packed into the bags which will be donated to local foster children.

A separate event,
the the 4-H Clothing & Textile Judging Contest was conducted from 1-3 p.m. Participants were challenged to test their knowledge of sewing tools, patterns, rating quality of  garment construction and consumer choices with similar textile items. The highest placed judging contest scores are eligible to participate in the state 4-H judging contest during the Delaware State Fair in July.

Committee members for this event were Carlene Jones, Debbie Lagano, Teresa Scott, Gail Tipton and Carole Vincent. Emcee was Travis Waller.  Judges were Betty Ann Suter, Diana Givens and Jean Magee. Decorating Committee was Jackie Arpie, Shannon Bradley, Maggie During, Angela Lagano, Debbie Lagano, Mary Catherine Lagano, Kimberlyn Scott, Teresa Scott and Travis Waller. Narrator was Travis Waller. Photographer: Michele Walfred.

Winners and participants:

Display Category: 

Showcase Medal & Blue Ribbon Winner: Rebecca Arpie
Blue Ribbon Winners: Holly Anderson, Abigail Krams, Elizabeth Krams, Kimberlyn Scott

Cloverbud:

Dasaiyah Brown

Ready to Wear – Fashion Planning:

Intermediate Winner: Rebecca Arpie
Senior Winner: Jackie Arpie
Blue Ribbon Winners: Jackie Arpie, Rebecca Arpie, Bethany Killmon

 

 

Beginners Category:

Construction Medal Winner:Elizabeth Krams
Modeling Medal Winner:Abigail Krams
Blue Ribbon Winners: Abigail and Elizabeth Krams, Holly Anderson

 

 

Advanced Category:
Overall Showcase Winner: Connor Vincent
Construction Medal Winner: Kimberlyn Scott
Modeling Medal Winner: Angela Lagano
Blue Ribbon Winners: Angela Lagano, Kimberlyn Scott, Connor Vincent, Paige Vincent

See the full Flickr set here: