Three new beautiful dresses have arrived instore and online, made from the gorgeous Outback Wife series of fabric from Gertrude Made. This range of fabric has a really lovely back story and has been named after women who live in the Outback and their stories. Here is a little bit of the back story behind the range from Cathi, the lady behind Gertrude Made.
“Many of the old barkcloths I’ve sewn with over the years have had women’s names on the selvedge. I always wondered if they were the names of real women and if so, who were they?
So that, combined with my belief that the more good fortune one has, the more obligation one has to give back. I decided with this opportunity I would like to give back to my fellow rural women, here, and elsewhere, by raising awareness of the reality of living life on the land.
While social media has in some ways worked towards closing the gap between city and country, I feel in another it has widened it. Oftentimes I feel that social media depicts rural life in an overly ‘styled’ way, and leaves many city folk believing it’s a leisurely ‘lifestyle’. True, it’s a life filled with joyful moments and great beauty, but it’s also a life that requires courage, resilience and strength to face the countless challenges of environment and isolation.
I hope by bringing you these women’s stories, I can play a small part in providing some balance to that ‘styled’ country life perspective, because behind the food you eat and the fibre you wear, there are real people and these people have stories and lives that don’t need editing or styling to be inspirational.
They’re my reasons behind the naming.
To finally share this collection which has taken more than 18 months to create feels much like I imagine undressing in front of a room full of strangers would. I’m laying my heart out for everyone to see and being a private person, I feel quite emotional for it all. This collection says very much who I am.
I’m truly thankful to my rural ladies for sharing their stories with me and for allowing me to share them with you.”
Aggie Dress – Outback Wife Elaine Green
Aggie Dress – Outback Wife Kirstine Blue
Get ready to meet your new favourite dress! Aggie is the big sister to Agatha, which had the same cut-out keyhole back and shaped, fitted bodice, but was a sleeveless shape with lots of party potential. We wanted Aggie to be the grown up version of our favourite party dress, with a cute capped sleeve to give just that little bit more coverage and the same perfectly gathered knee length skirt which means she will lend herself to events as well as work and weekend fun! and of course, she has pockets!
Penelope Dress – Outback Wife Kirstine Green
Penelope features two pockets at the front of the dress and and flattering cap sleeves. This style sits just above the knee, and is an Aline skirt shape. It always features a rounded boat neckline. This fun, classic shape looks great teamed with your favourite pair of sandals or clogs or perhaps stockings and boots for the colder days. Because of its fun and classic shape you can wear her on the weekend or even dress it up to wear to work! You are bound to stand out in the crowd in this dress – and you know we love that at Made590!
We are completely in love with this new range of fabric from Gertrude Made and think you’ll love it as much as we do!