California Director- April Ward
October 3th Dixon Lambtown Festival
Enter the 2026 California MIWW Contest!
The California Contest
The Make It With Wool Contest promotes the beauty and versatility of wool fabric and yarn. Contestants can sew, knit, crochet or felt their creations. The contest is open to everyone of all ages. Start with fabric or yarn with a fiber content of at least 60% wool and let your imagination and skills do the rest!
All California contestants receive a length of wool fabric and top winners in their categories win additional sewing or knitting related prizes. First place winners in the Junior, Senior and Adult categories advance to the National Contest held in Reno, NV in January 2026. Wool, prizes and scholarships are awarded at the National Contest.
How the Outfits/Garments are Evaluated
The outfits/garments are evaluated by qualified judges on the total look of the outfit based on the creativity of your design for your personal lifestyle, coloring and body type. In addition judges look at how your fabric or yarn works with your pattern and trim selections. Your outfit is also judged on marketability and promotion of the wool and sheep industry. In addition to evaluating the presentation of the outfit on the contestant, the judges look at the craftsmanship of the garments off the contestant. They are not looking for specific sewing or tailoring methods, only the best methods for the end result.
Please refer to the National MIWW Website for specific rules to learn what garments/outfits qualify. www.makeitwithwool.com
How to Enter
Complete the entry form found on the National Make It With Wool website. www.makeitwithwool.com
Follow the easy directions on the entry form and send one fully completed form with a $15 entry fee to the California Director and the same to the National Director. The California entry form also requires a 5"X5" swatch of all wool fabrics used. A 36" length of yarn is required for knitted or crocheted garments.
Age Categories- (on Jan. 1, 2026)
Pre-teen- 12 years and younger
Junior- 13-16 years
Senior- 17-24 years
Adult- 25 years and older
All yarn and fabric will be tested to be sure it meets the 60% requirement.
Get Inspired! Contestants from previous California Contests.
The California Make It With Wool Contest Needs You!
Donations
California Director
Volunteers
The California Make it With Wool Contest is made possible by donations from businesses and individuals who want to encourage youth and adults to create beautiful garments using wool fabric and yarn.
All prizes and the contest operating expenses come from these donations. Please reach out if you are interested in making a monetary, sewing or needlework donation.
Volunteers
California Director
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to help on the day of the Contest, Saturday October 4th, in Dixon at the Lambtown Festival at the Fairgrounds. We need judges, monitors for the contestant judging room, fashion show assistants and set-up and take down helpers. Contact the State Director if you are interested.
Judging 8:00am
Fashion Show 12:00pm
California Director
California Director
California Director
My name is April Ward and 2026 celebrates my seventh year as the MIWW CA Director. I am a previous MIWW Contestant and have a Costume Design degree from UC Davis and a Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I have a supportive husband, 2 grown daughters, 6 grandchildren and a wire fox terrier. Sewing with wool is my passion!
Contact Us
We love new Make It With Wool Contestants! Don't hesitate to reach out for more information about rules and requirements or just to learn more about this wonderful contest.
California Make It With Wool Contest
