A touch of elegance wins McKinch a Merit Award
by Verla Peichl
Review Correspondent
PLYMOUTH – Maddison McKinch, age 16, Plymouth, is the daughter of Jack and Elise McKinch. She is in her eighth year as a member of the Willing Workers 4-H and when it comes to sewing, she has a knack for making this flow with a touch of elegance. Her entry has won her a Merit Award at the Sheboygan County Fair.
“I was thinking of entering something; and since I wanted a prom dress, I went online to look for dresses and I found just what I wanted,” McKinch said.
“I had an idea of ribbon flowers. They weren’t shown on the pattern, but it looked like there was a possibility of incorporating them on the dress.
“Every year I want to do something new and when I saw them, I thought that looks like something I could learn,” McKinch continued. “Then I thought I could buy any color I wanted to make the flowers.
“I made about 120 flowers and then picked some for the dress,” McKinch said, “and I used some on a hat I made.”
The full-length dress is sheer turquoise material with silk satin, and the straps are 2 inches wide with ribbon accents. There is an oversized cummerbund that is elegantly pleated. The flowing skirt is simple, but the ribbon flowers cascade down the front.
“There is a 14-inch zipper, in the back, and that was hard to do due to all of the layers,” McKinch said, “and this is the first time I did anything with satin.
“I did use a strapless pattern and did some modifying on it,” McKinch added.
“The judge was excited about it,” McKinch said, “and she gave me ideas for next time and tips that she does. She liked the color and said she may come to the dress revue to see all of the projects.
“I actually did wear it to a dance already and will definitely wear it again,” McKinch said.
