JO-ANN STORES, INC. 
By FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Margaret Skinner
Director, Corporate Communications
330-463-6705 | margaret.skinner@joann.com
Taya Swensen of Humble, Texas, earns $50,000 top prize
HUDSON, Ohio (October 25, 2011) - Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, is proud to announce the finalists of the 2011 Own Your Look™ Prom Contest. Teens were challenged to create their own prom attire and accessories using fabric, beads, embellishments, trims and patterns from Jo-Ann,and then submit photos and details regarding their work. These twenty finalists emerged from the more than 2,500 entries through their demonstration of originality, level of detail and workmanship.
First Place and $50,000 Winner: Taya Swensen of Humble, Texas Second Place and $5,000 Winner: Abigail Rasys of Brimfield, Mass. Third Place and $2,500 Winner: Mary Quinn Eakins of Fairfax, Va.
Remainder of the top twenty, in alphabetical order:
Esther Bee of Vail, Ariz. Amy Buono of Port Ewen, N.Y. Zoe
Cable of Gotha, Fla.
Caris Fawcett of Grapevine, Texas
Thea Granath of Santa Rosa, Calif. Amira Hegazy of Milford,
Mich. Rebecca Henkind of Naples, Fla. Angela Kaitschuck of
Mesa, Ariz. Valerie Layton of Naples, Fla.
Sarah Lottes of Mentor, Ohio Mary Lum of Cornelius, Ore.
Chandni Rajpari of Bartlett, Ill. Jacqueline Song of Edison,
N.J. Sara Vachon of Redmond, Wash.
Emily Van Der Linden of Lincoln, Calif. Jaz Van Vynckt of
Avondale, Ariz. Madelyn Walker of Allen, Texas
On October 24, 2011, at her local Jo-Ann store in Humble,
Texas, Taya Swensen was presented with her $50,000 grand
prize check by Michelle Christensen, regional vice president,
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; family and friends flew in
from around the country to be in attendance.
Swensen's dress, which took more than 300 hours to sew, was
based on an art project she had drawn and followed no
pattern. The elegant emerald, gold and cream satin gown was
accented with lace and tulle, and featured a detachable
train. Additionally, she crafted a matching vest and tie for
her date to wear to the dance.
"Of the more than 2,500 entries submitted, these finalists
demonstrated superior levels of workmanship, imagination and
detail in their beautiful dresses," said Beth Shivak, manager
of public relations and special events for Jo-Ann Fabric and
Craft Stores. "The dedication and originality displayed by
these young ladies in crafting the prom dresses of their
dreams is truly inspiring. Every year, thousands of teens
create their own dresses, and we are delighted to be able to
provide the creative outlet for these innovative young
ladies. Congratulations to the winners, and to all of the
entrants, for owning their looks."
To view a photo album
of the top twenty finalists' designs, visit the Jo-Ann Facebook page.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation's largest fabric
and craft retailer with locations in 49 states, was founded
in
1943 as a single retail
store. Today, more than 750 Jo-Ann stores across the country
provide consumers with creative inspiration. For additional
information, visit www.joann.com.
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