The Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club has created a 100% woolen shawl that reflects the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The shawl was auctioned off at the 4-H livestock sale at the Allentown Fair on Sept. 5 for $5,000. The proceeds from the sale were divided between the Special Fairs Fund of The Great Allentown Fair Foundation to support youth education in agriculture and Battle Borne, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families with providing resources for mental health, emotional support, and community connection. Both organizations are located in the Lehigh Valley.

This is the fifth year that the club has made a shawl under the direction and guidance of Roger and Nancy Bowman. 4-H members ages 8-18 chose the colors, designed the shawl, and completed the weaving project.

In order to create the shawl with red and white striped, blue weft and a star pattern, they learned a new weaving technique called “overshot.” They were taught this new technique by Margaret Wright, a member of the “Baaad Girls” sheep to shawl team. Winterside Farm provided yarn and weaving equipment.

The shawl was woven on a rigid needle loom and the wool used included Corriedale wool yarn from sheep raised in Berks County.

The 4-H members are proud to be part of the celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary in this full “sheep to shawl” educational experience.

4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18 through a variety of clubs, camps, and events. Contact LehighExt@psu.edu for more information.