Hise’s sewing earns ribbon, raves

By Sam Waller

Moran’s Johnnie Hise’s sewing ability resulted in a blue ribbon at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in September, and the product of that effort will soon be making an appearance at public events in Strawn.

Susan Hurley of Strawn, formerly of Moran and Albany, purchased material and a sewing pattern in 2019 for a Mrs. Santa costume from Cheryl Whitmore. Whitmore and her husband, Mike, were in the process of moving from Albany to Maine.

Hurley then enlisted Hise to create the garment. Upon completing the project, Hise entered it in the WTFR youth clothing division and won the senior age group.

“Mrs. Hurley actually provided all the materials for that dress two years ago,” Hise said. “I didn’t get it finished until this past summer due to COVID, and it’s my senior year, so it’s been busy.”

After her win at the fair in September, Hise presented the dress to Hurley in October when Moran visited Strawn for a district volleyball match.

“Johnnie is a very talented seamstress,” Hurley posted on social media. “She competes in 4-H sewing events and has competed at the state level. Another impressive item is that she also has classes where she is teaching younger students the lost art of sewing, which I think is a very admirable bonus.”

Hise said she worked so long on the dress because she wanted to turn out a quality garment.

“I wanted to make it look like (Hurley) bought it from a professional and not just a 17-year-old kid,” Hise said. “It took me a while to get it all done correctly and well done so it would last awhile.”

Another factor, Hise said, was adding a bit of flair to the dress instead of just following the pattern.

“I did incorporate some decoration to it, such as gold buttons and white lace,” she said, “just something to make it look well done.”

Hurley intends to wear the costume for the Strawn Chamber of Commerce Christmas celebration.