Kathy Augustine knows her wool.

The Palmerton area woman recently placed third in the state’s Make It With Wool contest for the ensemble that she created. The competition was held on Oct. 7 at the PA Preferred Banquet Hall at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

Augustine made a vest and plaid skirt. The lined olive-grey vest has a knitted collar and waist panel. The skirt has panels set on the bias for visual interest. The plaid includes the olive-grey of the vest, as well as black, cream and orange.

Each entrant’s ensemble was flat-judged and then judged while being modeled by the entrant. Judging is based on poise, construction of the garment(s), fit and wearability, and promotion of the versatility of wool.

Augustine says that she plans to wear this outfit on date nights with her husband.

So how long has she been sewing? She said since she was “knee high to a grasshopper.”

She is also a knitter and has recently taken up quilting.

Augustine is a long-time competitor in Make It With Wool, first in Maryland and now in Pennsylvania.

Make It With Wool aims to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns, recognize creative skills, develop life skills and encourage personal creativity.

Kathy’s daughter, Gabrielle Augustine, past state and national MIWW winner, knitter and seamstress, also served as a judge in the junior division.