First Posted: 6/30/2014
The 4-H fashion show was held at the Mehoopany Baptist Church on June 28. The annual event has been ongoing for over 50 years.
There were 50 4-H members in attendance from throughout Northeast Pennsylvania with 10 Lackawanna County 4-H textile science members from the Glenburn sewing club. The 4-H textile science program is sponsored by the Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Jordan Columbo, Kate Lloyd, Emily McCabe, Ava Ramsey and Kaelee Whipple from South Abington Township, Hannah Conahan, Kathleen McMahon, Alanna Mecca, Marikay Van Fleet and Lily Whetsell from Clarks Summit all participated in the event.
The girls are taught by Hilda Lewis a 4H instructor for 50 years at her home. Her daughter Ann Northrup helps out.
“This teaches youth between the ages of 8 to 18 clothing construction skills, as well as, increases their self-esteem, poise and confidence,” said Karen Thomas Penn State Cooperative Extension. “The parents help their kids select fabrics and patterns. They just support them as they are creating their outfits. They also often attend the fashion revue.”
The girls attended workshops at the fashion show on modeling, creating a wool craft and making a paracord bracelet.
The event concluded with each girl being judged with the garment they made. The judges looked for appearance, fit, design and construction techniques Each participant received a participant ribbon and a 4H clothing and textile pin. Winners also received a blue rosette ribbon.
Whipple won in the wearable 3-year division. She is a three-year sewing club member and created a purple print ruffled skirt and a white blouse with lavender ruffle trim.
Conahan was named winner in the senior wearable division and will represent the region at the state fashion revue at Penn State University in State College on July 29. Conahan is a two-year member and made a red jumpsuit and black and white chevron patterned jacket.
“My friend Marikay Van Fleet introduced me to 4H,” she said. “I took a sewing class in school and decided to join 4H. I enjoy creating an outfit. I learned so much through 4H and experienced so many opportunities.”
This is Ava Ramsey’s first year sewing. She made a plum flowered elastic waist skirt with a fish tail style hem and cropped matching vest.
“I joined 4 H because I was making doll clothes and many people told me how nice they were,” she said. “They thought they were American Girl clothes so I decided to join. My dad taught me the basics but Mrs. Lewis taught me more.”