Robertson Potato Festival seamstress turns potato sacks into ball gown

Rachael Price, 28, entered the "Hessians on the Field" competition at the inaugural festival, where competitors had to construct and model a garment made from at least 50 per cent hessian.

Miss Price's creation included a boned bodice and bubble skirt (in the shape of a potato), with pictures of oregano, parsley and thyme printed on the fabric, "all the good stuff that goes well on potatoes".

The entry came second to Canberran Jackie Roots, whose Bridgerton-style gown won the judges vote and a new Singer sewing machine.

"There's just no competitions like the potato one - it'd be awesome if there were more sewing competitions like 'make your own outfits based on [a theme]'," Miss Price said.

"That's the reason I entered, because it was something out of the ordinary."

Miss Price said she really become engrossed in sewing about five years ago and loves to repurpose old sheets, doona covers and curtain off-cuts from her work into new garments - often posting her creations to social media.

"There's been a huge resurgence of sewing on Instagram and Tik Tok ... it'd be great to see more competitions," she said.

"There's so much interest and support in it."

As for what to do now with the rather "impractical" potato dress?

Miss Price said it might be pulled out for a costume party if needed though her partner did suggest stringing it up to the ceiling as a chandelier.

However, she was happy with her second prize of a 20 kilogram sack of potatoes and the opportunity to show off her sewing skills.

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