Team tackles medieval costume challenge

Nadine Corcoran (centre) with co-creators Andrea Penny (left), Rachel Hays, Beth Beale, Karen Workman, Pam MacLaughlan, Jennie Harris, Gaye McLeod and Janice Hird.

ONE year ago a team of Whanganui fibre artists accepted a challenge to design and create a medieval garment for day or night.

"We had to make it wearable," says team member Janice Hird. "The challenge is not about creating a Xena: Warrior Princess or Game of Thrones type of costume."

The Whanganui Spinners and Weavers team signed up for the group runway challenge at the Auckland Creative Fibre Festival in April last year and their completed costume will be judged at this year's festival in Christchurch next weekend.

The challenge is based on the Project Runway TV series combined with concepts of the Slow Fashion movement.

Slow Fashion is a worldwide movement aiming to reduce environmental damage with the manufacture of garments that are made to last.

The Whanganui team - named Awa Artisans, were required to elect a member to model the garment and Nadine Corcoran was elected.

Mrs Corcoran wove the front panel for the tunic and the rest of the costume has been completed by the other eight members of the team.

Techniques of weaving, knitting (with homespun wool), sewing and cording have been used to complete the costume which includes a pair of red felt boots made by Karen Workman.

During the year, the Awa Artisans were required to keep a journal of their progress.

The journals will be part of the judging process and the outfit will also be assessed on its style and suitability, design and the techniques used.

Mrs Hird said she believes there are over 20 entries from other groups around New Zealand and says the competition will be strong.