Extract from entry by Karin Schmedtje:

This outfit showcases beautiful embroidery that otherwise would receive limited use. It is in step with our modern life style as instead of spreading the decorative cloth for having tea at home it allows for it to be worn out for tea at the cafe.

The eco fashion trend celebrates the handicrafts of nations around the world. Why don’t we celebrate that of our own?- Be it things crafted by our grandmothers or simply what our mothers chose to put on their table.

Design process:
This piece was designed by playing with the pieces to optimise the finished edges. The top “took off” in the design process when I discovered how to cut into one place mat and change the shape to fit the bust. After that it was a matter of methodically working my way around the rest of the body to complete the top.

The placemats (4), tea towels (2) and pants were found at the Jewells Anglican Church Op Shop. It was the embroidery that kicked off the idea for a summery piece of clothing that could be worn to high tea. Parts of an old stained Tshirt and elastic were scavenged from those piles around the house that are kept
for projects.

In the end there was hardly anything left over this project.

"I like the statement it makes in terms of the women’s movement: Emboldened we are now cutting up the tea cloths and wearing them, not decorating the home but ourselves." - Karin 

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Congratulations Karin you are our  2022  winner!