Trash into treasure

Ashley Hansell with her steam punk inspired creation.109531_01

A “STEAM punk” inspired handmade outfit which included copper wire from an old washing machine has won the fourth annual Twisted and Tangled textile showcase in Stanthorpe.
Glen Innes designer, Ashley Hansell of TrAsh Fashion took out the grand prize of $1000 with her steam punk inspired outfit.
The winning outfit was handmade from recycled materials, with the jacket featuring a hand embroidered image which was sewn using copper wire pulled from an old washing machine.
Ashley endeavours to be as environmentally aware as possible when making her outfits, even to the extent of making the majority of the outfit with a pedal powered sewing machine, which also ties in with the steam punk theme.
Other winners included Best Creative Piece – Helen Newton, Best Crafted – Mieke Den Otter, Best Recycled – Abi Thompson and People’s Choice also taken out by Ashley Hansell.
The judge for this year’s event was Marg Enkelmann, a “Farm Wearable” artist from the South Burnett.
Marg’s creativity was unleashed when she first made wearable art from recyclable items found on the property as part of a Queensland Rural Women’s Network competition in 2005. Since then, her wearable art has been shown across Southern Queensland and northern NSW.
Marg says of farm wearable art: “It does not care about one’s colour, size or age. It cares only about bringing laughter and fun.
Established in 2010, ‘Twisted and Tangled’ celebrates wearable art that pushes the boundaries of creativity, with a focus on interesting techniques, design and construction.
The showcase was once again hosted by Mason Wines Cellar Door Café with a market running throughout the day, including a children’s fashion parade, with Georgette Forbes’ creation taking out this year’s title.
To see more photos of this year’s event please follow us on Facebook (Twisted and Tangled).
If you are interested in seeing more of Ashley Hansell’s work please visit her online store: www.etsy.com/shop/TrAshFashion