Competitions
 Rhiannon Gray

Debbie Scales

Patricia Wilks & Jessie

National Fashion Awards, Queensland, 2008

Presented by the Australian Sewing Guild Inc.

In 2008 the Australian Sewing Guilds 7th National Convention will be held in Brisbane, Queensland and on Thursday night, 2nd October, the 5th National Fashion Awards (previously the Hunter Valley Harvest National Fashion Awards) will be presented. This will be a first for the ASG National Convention and the organisers are looking forward to entries from all over Australia and New Zealand.

The Hunter Valley Harvest National Fashion Awards was first established in 2004, as a not for profit organisation, with the initial aim being to benefit the Australian Sewing Guild and further promote the ASG’s primary objective of ‘Sharing and furthering the art of sewing’. 

Whilst having the Awards based and run in the Hunter Valley, NSW, where some participants and visitors have been able to enjoy a memorable weekend visit, the objective has always been to promote and encourage the Awards as a National competition. Over the past four years the Awards have grown and now attract entrants from all States in Australia and New Zealand.

One of the truly gala fashion sewing events of the year, this year, the major event will once again be graced by stunning garments, a kaleidoscope of colour, a whirl of lush fabrics, stunning accessories and sparkling smiles.

If you would like to be part of the fun and action, pick a category and start designing, cutting and sewing. IT’S TIME!

Simply download the Entry Form along with the Conditions of Entry and be on your way to a very rewarding personal experience.

5th National Fashion Awards Entrants Booklet is available by contacting the Awards Organiser, Diana Oakley on:

T: 02 6574 7024
M: P.O.Box 553, Civic Square, Civic ACT 2608
E: convention@aussew.org.au
W: www.aussew.org.au

National Fashion Awards CATEGORIES for 2008

Category 1: Heirloom Garments/Children – Newborn to 5 years (Any garment - display only)

Category 2: Students up to 15 years (Any garment)

Category 3: Secondary Student 16 years and over (Any garment)    

Category 4: Convention Collection
Open only to members of the Australian Sewing Guild Inc.
(This should be a collection of interchangeable outfits of no less than 5 and no more than 8 pieces)

Category 5: Wearable Art (Any garment)

Category 6: Day Wear/Race Wear (Any garment – may be one or more)

Category 7: After Five/Evening Wear/Bridal (Bridal - Bridal Gown only - not a wedding party)

Five Top Tips for Entering a Fashion Sewing Competition

by Liz Hayward, Adelaide, South Australia

  1. Read the conditions of the competition carefully and make sure you comply with ALL of them.
  2. Use good quality fabric, lining and thread.
  3. Go the extra mile with your sewing and construction.
    Use matching overlocker thread, press garments thoroughly, and make the inside look as neat and fabulous as the outside.
  4. Show off what YOU do best!
    Whether it is machine embroidery, bound buttonholes, neat tailored jackets or an imaginative use of colour.
  5. Choose fun accessories to reinforce your theme.
    They can be over-the-top.
    Think: sunglasses, parasols/umbrellas, hats, sports equipment, binoculars, jewelry, belts, masks, scarves, hosiery, shoes/boots/bare foot, veil and flowers, stuffed animals and remember that coats and jackets always look good with gloves.
    Remember: It can be hard to find winter accessories in summer, so look around early.
    Good places to find accessories: Department Stores, Hatters, Army disposal shops, Op shops, Diva (jewelry), your Mum’s wardrobe, $2 shops or make your own clip-on earrings at bead and button shops.