The Best Repurposed/Recycled Fabric Garment will be among the highlights of the 20th annual Henty Natural Fibre Awards at the 2025 Henty Machinery Field Days on September 23-25.
The new category requires entries to be made of natural fibres and will carry a prize of $500, sponsored by Greater Hume Council.
Another new category is the Popular Choice Award, to be judged in a similar fashion to the Archibald Prize Packers Award by the hard-working team behind the scenes.
Boasting prizes valued at around $5500, the fashion awards have grown into a prestigious event attracting high profile designers.
Anne Maher, of Henty, has stepped into the role of awards convenor, filling the shoes of Lyn Jacobsen who initiated the awards in 2004.
Mrs Maher said the initiative and innovation among the designers in upcycling and repurposing natural fibre such as wool, linen, cotton and silk was exciting.
“Last year we had some interesting repurposed entries, including a shawl made from a tablecloth and matching pants from a chenille bedspread. It is great to see materials that have had another purpose now being used for something else.
“Other people may have vintage fabric they can turn into a new garment or repurpose vintage clothing. Last year one designer made lovely capes from woollen blankets.”
Mrs Maher’s involvement with Country Lifestyle began decades ago as an exhibitor when she had a retail stall in partnership with her grandmother.
Mrs Maher paid tribute to Lyn Jacobsen and her support team for their contribution over the decades.
“It would not be possible to put on the awards without the small team working in the background – everything goes like clockwork with all knowing their job thanks to Lyn and her organisational skills.”
The Henty Natural Fibres Fashion Awards is free and open to all designers, but the fabric in the garment must be at least 70 per cent natural fibre.
The fibre can be wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, linen or combinations. Leather is not classed as a natural fibre, and can only be added as a trim.
Garments are judged on visual appeal, creativity and innovation.
To be announced on the final day, the winner of the supreme garment made with natural fibres will receive $1000 in prize money from Henty Machinery Field Days plus a Bernina 325 sewing machine valued at $1499, courtesy of Bernina Australia and Sew Fab, Narrandera.
The winners of the best knitted or crocheted garment will receive $500 donated by Fox & Lillie Rural, while the millinery and accessory winners will receive $500 each sponsored by Henty Machinery Field Days.
Bernina Australia and Sew Fab are donating a Bernette 44 Funlocker valued at $750 as an encouragement award for the best garment by a student designer.
Entries are open until September 9. For more information on the awards or to enter visit www.hmfd.com.au.
