2008 Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue State Champion, Senior Division, Johanna Svensson with her new Brother Limited Edition Project Runway sewing machine, donated by Quality Sewing and Vacuum.
This past Sunday was the Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue Championship, at the Puyallup Fair. 25 young men and women from all over Washington came to compete for the title of State Champion, and a new sewing machine. These young sewing enthusiasts were chosen from 80 preliminary contestants who competed on the preceding Saturdays and Sundays at the Fair for the opportunity to participate in the Finals. Prior to coming to Puyallup for the preliminaries, each contestant had to first qualify to participate in their home counties. Just like Project Runway, each stage of competition involves a new set of judges, and new questions and challenges.
In 4-H Fashion Revue, the contestants must make the garments that they are wearing in the contest. They are evaluated by a team of judges, who not only critique the quality of their garment construction, as the garment appears when worn by the contestant, but also ask the contestants questions about the construction techniques they used and their knowledge of textile science and general sewing. The contestant's ability to express themselves clearly and accurately, and their poise in presenting themselves also plays an role during the judges' evaluation. This interview is the most important stage of the Fashion Revue competition. At the conclusion of interview judging, the contestants then are asked to exhibit their garments in a fashion show, where they may also be judged further on their presentation skills.
This year's show was an amazing display of talent from these young people. Everything from historical costumes to tailored wool suits and evening gowns were on display. This is truly the future of sewing! I certainly would not be surprised to see any of these gifted young men and women winning Project Runway in the future! I have been very honored to be the Superintendent of the State 4-H Fashion Revue competition for the past three years, and look forward to seeing more incredible talent next year.
Our 2008 State Champions:
Senior Division: Johanna Svensson, Kitsap County
Intermediate Division: Sarah Hoenig, Kitsap County
Reserve Champions:
Senior Division: Lacey Coolbaugh, Kitsap County
Intermediate Division: Andy Lo, Pierce County
Outstanding Interview Skills:
Senior Division: Roxana Acock, Walla Walla County
Intermediate Division: Elsie Lehman, Benton County
Outstanding Construction Skills:
Senior Division: Elizabeth Lenz, Kittitas County
Intermediate Division: Kayla Yearout, Grant County
Outstanding Modeling Skills:
Senior Division: Rosanna Larson, Lewis County
Intermediate Division: Michaela Nordheim, Walla Walla County
Congratulations to these and all of the 80 contestants in this year's Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue competition.
--Katrina




