For the second consecutive year, Sheila Martin of Birdsboro has been recognized for her sewing skills and creativity as part of the Pennsylvania Make It With Wool Contest. She earned a third-place award in the Adult category last year. This year, she captured first place, which qualifies her to participate in the national competition.

For this year's look, Martin sewed a three-piece ensemble, which consists of her version of a lightweight motorcycle jacket that she created using a McCall's pattern. It features a diagonal zipper, pleather tab-and-stud details and a silk lining. She also made matching lined slacks and a black turtleneck sweater using a digital pattern. Martin wore black accessories, but she plans to wear the outfit with jewel tones in the spring.

"I basically modified the idea of a motorcycle jacket. It fits me well and follows my curves," said Martin. "I have always been fascinated by how there was one zipper that travels up one side (of a motorcycle jacket) and it's embedded in a seam on one side and embedded in a lapel on the other side."

Martin completed the pants in the spring and then worked on the jacket. She actually finished the turtleneck the night before the competition on Oct. 1, which was held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. At the event, each ensemble was flat-judged and then judged while being modeled by the entrant. Judging was based on poise, construction of the garments, fit and wearability and promotion of the versatility of wool.

"I wanted to showcase what I can do and my creativity," Martin said. "There are specifications on the wool fabric that we use. It must be 60% genuine wool because there are so many (imitation) blends. The point of using the thin (material) is to illustrate that wool does not have to be overly warm and really heavy. I would have no problem wearing the slacks in summer."

She said each of the pieces that she created can be used as the basis for other looks. "I can wear (the outfit) with a bright magenta pink or blue (blouse), and I can't wait to wear that jacket with jeans," said Martin. "Separates are fun."

Martin is currently photographing the outfit and modeling it on video in preparation for the national contest. "This year, the garments for nationals are being shipped to Michigan, and they will be judged by a panel of judges," she noted. "They will look at sewing skill and excellence and more subjective things like style and creativity."

She said that this year's outfit was particularly challenging to create. "The pattern was extraordinarily difficult, and I am a seasoned, accomplished sewer," Martin shared. "(But I enjoy everything) from design, inspiration and ideas to figuring things out and engineering. I enjoy the whole process. It's a like a delicious meal - I don't want it to end."

For more information about the contest, visit http://www.makeitwithwool.com.