Two Wellington sisters sketched, designed and created three WOW finalist garments in three months - on a "frugal" budget of about $300 each.

First-time entrants Vicky Robertson, 45, and sister Natasha Macaulay, 37, teamed up to produce two bizarre bras and one full outfit for next month's Brancott Estate World of WearableArt Awards show.

It is an achievement that has been commended by the show's director.

Mrs Robertson knew her sister - an interior decorator - was the ideal team-mate after she made her a blue and gold wedding dress.

They used recycled junk, hardware products, and electronics to operate the two battery-operated bras.

"We're both pretty frugal. We didn't want to spend a lot of money," Mrs Robertson said.

"Gaia Organica" was a full outfit inspired by the struggle between the organic and the inorganic world, complete with headgear and boots.

They created two bizarre bra garments - "Hypno-Bra" sporting their mathematical-minded father's love of spirals, and a Dr Seuss-style "Menopausal Mania" bra.

The sisters - who come from a family of artists - often thought things should be done differently, but they always found a compromise.

"It was really interesting working as a team with Vicky because she has a graphics and model- making background and I have more of a sewing background," Mrs Macaulay said.

"Things we would not normally have got done on our own, we could do together."

Their organisational skills meant they were not rushed for time but there were some tense moments in completing the garments, Mrs Robertson said.

"It's easier to draw it and harder to make it. I did a lot of hand sewing. So much that I lost all feeling in my fingers."

Until her sister bought her a thimble, that is.

WOW competition director Heather Palmer said it was "very special" to have more than one entry accepted into the show.

'Over the years we have had a number of designers who have had more than one accepted, but it is undoubtedly a fantastic achievement to have three accepted in a first attempt.'

The sisters have been bitten by the WOW "bug", and were overflowing with inspiration for designs for next year. But they would limit themselves, Mrs Macaulay said.

Contact Jody O'Callaghan
Consumer affairs, and Attractions and Events reporter
Email: jody.o'callaghan@dompost.co.nz
Twitter: @miss_jodyo

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