The Gallery president Colleen Weste said many of the handpainted garments, shawls and accessories were made using a Japanese dyeing technique known as shibori-resist.

"The pieces take a lot of work and there is a lot of dyeing involved in the process. They are all one-off garments, so it is a chance for people to come and see something a bit different."

Ms Weste, who has been teaching in the Macedon Ranges for many years, said the collection had taken about a year to complete and she was very proud of the work of the four artists. "Some of the students want to launch their work and sell it to the public. So this is a way to get it out there and look for further development."

One of the featured artists, Helene Gill, said it was a proud, though nerve-racking, experience to have about 40 of her pieces on display for the first time.

"Some of the processes can take you up to a whole day to complete. There's a surprise aspect. You don't totally know what you will get with the end result."

Shades of Autumn Textile Art is at The Gallery, 644 Mt Macedon Road, Mt Macedon. Details: 54263322.