A Country Fair is a sculptural work that pays tribute to Australian women's history and the proud tradition of rural community life, when country fairs, agricultural shows, and church fêtes were the social and cultural heartbeat of regional Australia.
Constructed entirely from vintage sewing pattern paper that has been ingeniously woven and layered to create a handmade tartan pattern, this piece demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship and ingenuity. The interlocking strips of pattern paper in varying tones—from pale cream to deep golden yellow—create a plaid effect that evokes Scottish heritage while speaking to the resourcefulness of Australian bush women who made do with what they had. This handcrafted tartan celebrates the fusion of old-world traditions with new-world determination.
The dress features a fitted bodice with long sleeves trimmed in dark ribbon or tape, a high neckline, and a dramatically full skirt that would have been perfect for dancing at a bush dance or walking the grounds of an agricultural show. The back bodice prominently displays "Costura ½ cm 1.5 cm"—seam allowance instructions in multiple languages—a bold reminder that this elegant gown is built from the very blueprints meant to create it.
Throughout the voluminous skirt, fragments of pattern text remain visible—measurements, cutting instructions, and sizing guides that ground this celebration of rural femininity in practical domestic skill. The construction speaks to the tradition of women's handiwork competitions at country fairs, where sewing, quilting, and dressmaking were not just practical skills but sources of pride, achievement, and community recognition.
Presented under a glass dome on a rustic wooden base, A Country Fair honours the Australian country women who built communities, raised families, and created beauty in remote places—transforming humble materials into something worthy of display and celebration.
A Country Fair is a sculptural work that pays tribute to Australian women's history and the proud tradition of rural community life, when country fairs, agricultural shows, and church fêtes were the social and cultural heartbeat of regional Australia.
Constructed entirely from vintage sewing pattern paper that has been ingeniously woven and layered to create a handmade tartan pattern, this piece demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship and ingenuity. The interlocking strips of pattern paper in varying tones—from pale cream to deep golden yellow—create a plaid effect that evokes Scottish heritage while speaking to the resourcefulness of Australian bush women who made do with what they had. This handcrafted tartan celebrates the fusion of old-world traditions with new-world determination.
The dress features a fitted bodice with long sleeves trimmed in dark ribbon or tape, a high neckline, and a dramatically full skirt that would have been perfect for dancing at a bush dance or walking the grounds of an agricultural show. The back bodice prominently displays "Costura ½ cm 1.5 cm"—seam allowance instructions in multiple languages—a bold reminder that this elegant gown is built from the very blueprints meant to create it.
Throughout the voluminous skirt, fragments of pattern text remain visible—measurements, cutting instructions, and sizing guides that ground this celebration of rural femininity in practical domestic skill. The construction speaks to the tradition of women's handiwork competitions at country fairs, where sewing, quilting, and dressmaking were not just practical skills but sources of pride, achievement, and community recognition.
Presented under a glass dome on a rustic wooden base, A Country Fair honours the Australian country women who built communities, raised families, and created beauty in remote places—transforming humble materials into something worthy of display and celebration.
Dimensions: 11.5cm x 19 cm
Materials: Vintage sewing pattern paper, natural dyes,
Cloche: Wood, Glass
Care: Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the colours
