The Prize Giving for the third St. Angela’s College ‘Sew Cool’ Competition took place recently at the Association of Teachers of Home Economics (ATHE) Conference in Athlone.
The 1st prize winner of the Junior section this year was Elizabeth Kelly, from St. John Bosco Community College, Kildysart, Co. Clare with a beautiful hand embroidered cushion. Her teacher, Ms Bernie Kirwan, accepted the prize on her behalf. Sponsored by Heart Educational, the ‘Sew Cool’ competition was run in association with the ATHE and showcased the excellent student work at the National Conference for Home Economics attended by over 200 teachers from all over Ireland.

Over 500 entries were submitted for the ‘Sew Cool’ Competition from post-primary and special schools nationwide, with 38 craftwork and textiles products short-listed for the final exhibition. The standard of entries received was extremely high and the exhibition on the day consisted of excellent examples of best practice for students, teachers and all those interested in textile craftwork and fashion.

Traditional craftwork projects evident included knitting, crochet, patchwork and cross stitch, however the Textiles, Fashion and Design (TFD) team from St. Angela’s were particularly delighted to see some more contemporary craftwork such as felting, batik and creative embroidery included in the entries this year.

The fact that there were seven highly commended finalists in the Junior category was testament to the extremely high level of skills evident. These included submissions from both the Design and Craftwork and the Textiles Skills/Fashion Junior Certificate Options and adjudication involved an assessment of how suitable the choice of craft or process and materials were in relation to the function of the item. Aesthetic considerations and creativity were assessed and the overall finish, quality and saleability of the items were considered. The highly commended pieces ranged from an appliquéd quilt, a felt embroidered wall hanging to appliquéd bunting and an A-line skirt with yoke detailing.

Senior section 1st prize winner Niamh Schmidt, from Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co. Dublin (teacher: Ms Aisling Ryan) entered a collection of fashion garments and was praised for the quality of the work submitted. Michelle Stone (teacher: Ms Leona Gormely) from Presentation Tuam, Co. Galway, won second prize in the senior category for her wedding dress. The Special School prize went to Jane Fitzpatrick and Alan Crosbie from St. Augustine’s Special School, Carysfort, Co. Dublin (teacher: Ms Aine Maher) for their appliquéd and embroidered wall hangings.

Home Economics teachers nationwide were praised for their excellent textiles, fashion and design work which is on-going with their students by Ms Ursula O’Shea, Lecturer in Textiles, Fashion and Design at St Angela’s on behalf of the judges who also included: Ms Fiona McEvoy, ATHE, Mr John Costelloe, Heart Educational and Ms Helen Maguire, Lecturer in Textiles, Fashion and Design at St. Angela’s College.

Please click here for more information on the Textiles, Fashion and Design Programme at St. Angela’s College

Photo Details:
Left to Right: Mr John Costelloe, Sponsor :Heart Educational Supplies, Ursula O’Shea TFD team St. Angela’s College, Jenny Cooney President ATHE, Ms. Aisling Ryan (teacher of Niamh Schmidtk, 1st prize winner senior category), Helen Maguire, TFD Team, St. Angela’s College.