JULIE Payne and Leanne Olivotto delight in the fashion of yesteryear and the Pringle Cottage open day provided the perfect opportunity to indulge.

The two women are regulars at Glengallan Homestead, selecting from a wardrobe of 10 dresses and matching hats. They will also be part of Jumpers and Jazz this year.

But yesterday, all their efforts were on recreating history at the Warwick and District Historical Society open day at Pringle Cottage.

Mrs Payne was dressed in a frock from the 1870s and Mrs Olivotto from the 1880-1890 era.

"We chose summer frocks for Pringle Cottage," Mrs Olivotto said.

"It is a bit of a buzz to dress up. It would have been lovely to live in the era as the dresses were so feminine."

Mrs Payne said they were asked to be part of the day to add some atmosphere.

"We are just wandering around. I have been here lots of times."

Society president Janice Flood was happy with the turnout at the day, which was part of the month-long Heritage Festival.

"We are currently constructing a roof over the corn thrasher, which is being restored," Mrs Flood said.

There was a whip-plaiting demonstration at the cottage, a craft which is often taught at the society complex.

Warwick Spinners and Weavers member Rosemary Sutherland said they were keen to keep the craft alive.

"We just love demonstrating and have been at open days for the past six years," she said. "Members do a variety of crafts - spinning, weaving, crochet and felt."

There was a constant stream of visitors to the open day.