Wool products to be featured at State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — The Make It With Wool Competition will return to the Indiana State Fair on July 31.

The competition will be at the Indiana Arts Building, with judging check-in at 9 a.m. and the public fashion show at 2 p.m.

The contest draws attention to the beauty and versatility of wool as a fabric. Wool from sheep has been used to make clothing since the Stone Age and can be worn year-round.

Preteens, junior, senior and adult age groups will participate in the contest. Categories include garments, made for others, home décor and wearable accessories.

The deadline to enter the competition is July 1. Crafters can start planning for next year’s competition and find more information at indianasheep.com/programs.php.

The contest is sponsored by the Indiana Sheep Association and the Indiana Sheep and Wool Market Development Program.

Fast Facts

• Using nanotechnology, scientists are using wool proteins to create new wound dressings, bone graft implants and medical sutures.

• Sheep wool has a natural UV protection built in, which helps to keep sheep and lambs from getting sunburned.

• Sheep are the only source of lanolin, grease that comes from wool before it has been washed. Lanolin is used in lotions, cosmetics and other things.

• Fine-wool garments are very comfortable worn next to the skin.

• Wool is the only fiber that is naturally flame-resistant.

• One pound of wool can yield 10 miles of yarn

• Wool fibers resist breaking, so wool garments typically outlast synthetic sweaters.

• Wool is also color-fast and retains deep dyes without fading.

• Because wool fibers are naturally elastic, wool garments don’t wrinkle, bag or sag out of shape.

• American wool has many uses other than clothing — it is also used to make insulation, rugs, tennis balls, bedding products and clean-up pads for oil and chemical spills.

Source: Indiana Sheep Association