Where sustainability meets creativity – and wool takes centre stage.
After the remarkable success of the 2025 competition, the Boorowa Irish Woolfest Upcycle Fashion Contest returns in 2026, inviting designers, students, makers and sustainability lovers to transform something old into something entirely new.
This is a celebration of skill, imagination and ‘make do’ brilliance – bringing new life to woollen pieces that might otherwise be forgotten, and showcasing what’s possible when we choose creativity over waste.
Entrants must create a new garment made totally from something else. This includes buttons, zippers, etc. The only things that can be new are the thread used, any batting and interfacing.
However, there is one very important requirement – at least 50 per cent of the garment MUST be of a wool fibre.
Entries can be made from old coats, jumpers, trousers, skirts, blankets or any other wool fibre item.
Entrants can sew, knit, crochet, felt, weave or even glue their creations – as long as it contains at least 50 per cent wool fibre.
There can be denim with wool, satin with wool, leather with wool or any combination – as long as it contains at least 50 per cent wool fibre.
Entrants must provide photographs of original items along with a ‘story’ about the processes used to make their item, and photos of the finished item.
There are three categories planned, with first, second and third place winners being selected for each category:
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Items are to be dropped off at Ray White, 40 Marsden Street, Boorowa. All entries will be displayed in local Boorowa shopfronts for three weeks leading up to and including Woolfest weekend, with locations to be confirmed.
This contest is about real transformation – not quick alterations. It’s the thrill of seeing something completely reimagined, like trousers turned into a skirt, a tunic reshaped into a fitted top or multiple garments combined into an entirely new jacket.
Entrants are also asked to share the story behind their piece, including photos of the original item or items, a short description of the process used to create the new work, and photographs of the finished result.
All entries will be judged based on innovation, uniqueness and creativity, how wearable it is, and – most importantly – evidence of at least 50 per cent wool or wool fibre content in the item. Judges will score based on:
Lyn Diskon
Email: lyndiskon@gmail.com
Phone: 0427 900 313