Young Allegra Pinferi is upholding family tradition, winning ribbons at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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The 10-year-old St Joseph's student's grandparents David and Christine Dance are more accustomed to competing in the cattle sections at the Brisbane and Sydney Royals, while mum Kate often lent a hand leading beasts around the show ring.
Allegra's forte, however, is in needlework, and she's found a valuable mentor in Mary Hollingworth who also happens to be on the Sydney Royal's Fine Arts Auxiliary Committee (and, incidentally, it's 2021 Champion of the Show).
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Allegra's been contributing to the Glen Innes Show for the past seven years. Yes that's correct, competing from when she was three in pet parades, junior cooking sections and the like. With Mrs Hollingworth's encouragement she progressed onto entering in the Sydney Royal this year, and came away with four ribbons in junior classes of the Fine Arts section.
She won first in the Wearable Article Class, Hand-knitted or Crocheted, for what Mrs Hollingworth described as a scarf assembled from squares stitched together in shades of crimson and mulberry pink.
Her two seconds were for Machine-sewn Needlework (a gypsy-inspired boho skirt) and Creative Item, Hand-knitted or Crocheted (a piece of unconstructed creative knitting that could be used as a carry bag, and "quite delightful" Mrs Hollingworth said).
She received a third for Most Decorative Article for Home in a Textile Medium, for a handmade bag in a vintage print.
In a happy twist of fate Mrs Hollingworth sponsored this last class, meaning money earned in Glen Innes went to Sydney only to be returned to Glen Innes.
Mrs Hollingworth describes Allegra as being determined but with a delightful disposition, and ready to ask questions. Allegra also encourages her friends to enter competition, and Mrs Hollingworth is an advocate as well.
She said local CWA groups provide a wealth of knowledge for males and females alike, in the areas of baking, sewing and craftwork and members are happy to give advice.
She encouraged people to check the 2022 Sydney Royal schedule when it's released in December, keeping in mind that entries have to be in by the end of January. She's happy to lend assistance, even to deliver finished items to the show.
She said 600,000 people came through the gates over the course of the show this year and most of them would have passed through the pavilions, so it's huge captive audience.
"Fine Arts is one of the premium attractions at the show," she said.
Meanwhile Allegra is now busily preparing her entry for Glen Innes's upcoming 2021 Australian Celtic Fashion Awards. While details could not be divulged Mrs Hollingworth said, "Knowing Allegra it will be a completely fabulous outfit demonstrating this year's theme of A Tartan Day Out."
