Westmoreland County youths show off hand-crafted clothing at fair

They already had won blue ribbons for the clothing items they sewed.

But now, it was more about stage presence while wearing them.

Fifteen-year-old Ava Kozar of Loyalhanna wowed the judges Sunday, taking home top prize after expertly walking the stage during the 4-H modeling contest at the Westmoreland Fair. Her wool cape swung as she strutted, stopping to pose and smile at the audience.

“The kids have made these outfits, and this is a chance for them to show them off,” said Laura Ament, clothing superintendent.

And that they did.

Kozar was joined in the competition by her sister Julianna, 12; Clara Volpe, 11, of Derry; and Emily Jumper, 19, of Delmont. The modeling show started in 2018 as a way for 4-H members to bring the garments they created to life, while teaching them a different type of lesson — confidence and being in front of a crowd, said Stephanie Kline, co-superintendent of the competition.

“When it’s on you and you’re displaying it for people to see, that’s confidence building,” Kline said. “Everything that they have on has been made themselves.”

For Julianna Kozar, that was a denim blazer and light blue jump suit with a cinched waist. Volpe made a red-and-white sundress for herself and a smaller version for a doll.

Emily Jumper’s black lace and satin prom dress won her best in show earlier in the fair. She followed two patterns but designed her own sleeves and lace-up detail in the back. It was the fourth prom dress she sewed and entered in the competition as a member of the New Alexandria Home Economics 4-H Club.

“I like working with my hands,” she said.

Jumper has been involved with the club for 13 years. She said the easiest part of making her dress was picking out the fabric, while the toughest was designing the sleeves. Having the skill helps her pay attention to detail, which certainly helped in sewing the matching tie she made for her prom date and two face masks. She attended a prom for home schooled students in the area this spring.

“4-H has taught me a lot about public speaking and going out and talking to people,” she said.

While it is Jumper’s last fair competition as a 4-H member, she is using her sewing abilities as a seamstress at a local bridal store.