Anita McAdam might be new to the Riverina – but she’s no stranger to fashion.
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Having recently moved to Coolamon from Sydney, Ms McAdam is bringing a twist to this year’s Gold Cup, offering workshops for residents to create their own original outfits.
“A whole lot of young people are now thinking if they want something different and don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for it – this is how to do it,” she said.
“The handmade and the individuality of it seems to appeal, it’s not something I did a lot of in the city but it’s a slightly different market in coming out here.”
Ms McAdam is also offering a traditional Sewing and Fitting Clinic starting in February for beginner sewers and pattern makers, having noticed a demand in the Riverina as opposed to Sydney.
“The move has been delightful, I’ve never been in the country before and it’s like I’m at home already,” she said.
“People can do their own patterns, fittings and cut the final fabric for a new race day outfit without spending a fortune.
“There is a lot to be done in introducing people.”
Ms McAdam said while online shopping is where the future of retail is headed, you can't beat the satisfaction of creating your own piece.
“I recently had a young girl who came in with her grandmother to make something from a picture,” she said.
“It was the first thing she’d ever made but she went through the whole process quite confidently.
“It’s pleasing to see someone engage for the first time.”
Ms McAdam’s said sewing was an added benefit for those who do not fit into traditional sizes and found it difficult to find a well-fitting outfit.
The Gold Cup Sewing Classes will kick off on February 4 and will run for six Saturday’s until April 21. The Sewing and Fitting Clinic will start on February 5.
Both sets of workshops will be held at the Simply Stitches Fabric Store.
More information
Sewing and Fitting clinics (2 to 4pm)
- February 5
- February 28
- March 19
Wagga God Cup Sewing Class dates: (Saturday afternoons from 2 to 4pm)
- 04 Feb
- 10 feb
- 24 Feb
- 17 Mar
- 31 March
- 21 April