VICTORIA Lee holds a family heirloom.
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Usually heirlooms are something that are passed on, but in Victoria's case she created it herself.
The former St Clare's student's textile piece is a traditional christening gown, blanket, petticoat, booties, and bonnet were her year 12 major work. They are sitting on display at the Manning Great Lakes High Schools Technology Display at Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree.
Victoria created the range of items using antique lace and fabrics that were passed on to her from her great-grandmother.
The collection of lace and fabrics had been purchased from a craft shop that was owned by the Flett sisters' on Flett Street in Taree, explained Victoria.
With major works needing to be focused on innovation, Victoria used the sustainable measure of "reduce, reuse, recycle" by reusing all old fabric, except for a purchased piece of cotton voile.
To find information on the dated fabrics for her portfolio, Victoria said she would talk to ladies at craft fairs to see what they knew about the craft shop and the fabrics.
"It became a personal research project," said Victoria, who was able to complete the project to show her great-grandmother, before she sadly passed away.
Victoria spent around 72 hours on the smocked bodice of the gown, with 200 hours in total on the five pieces.
Colin Husband, design and technology teacher at Taree High School, says project work allows students to understand the design and manufacturing process that goes into making a product. It also allows those who might not succeed academically, to succeed in different fields.
A variety of different fields are explored within the display that features student's work from year 7 to 12, including indoor and outdoor furniture, a range of textile pieces, automotive items, food science, and even interestingly a hydraulic arm.
Outstanding pieces within the display will be awarded at the awards afternoon on Sunday November 29 from 2.30pm to 3pm.
Wingham High School design and technology teacher Graeme Taylor said the display was organised collaboratively amongst schools in the area.
High schools with work featured in the year's display are Bulahdelah Central, Chatham High School, Great Lakes College, St Clare's High School, Taree High School, Taree Christian Community and Wingham High School.
Graeme is grateful for the support of Taree Manning River Men's Shed member Terrey Boys and president Jim Wills who supervised the exhibition and major sponsors MidCoast Water, Manning River Steel, Rocket Tools, Southcott Engineering, Bunnings and Masters.
The display is open to the public until this Sunday, November 29 at the Manning Regional Art Gallery.
