Collector says: I can still recall one of my earliest childhood memories, of my nana's bright aqua shoes against the checks of our family travel rug on summer picnics. Maybe that's when this collection planted its seed in me - 40 years later I start my first blanket collection after stumbling across old Onkaparinga travel rugs. I would go to a vintage market in Collingwood every month and almost always found a good one, amassing enough for the entire household. Everyone had their favourite, even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one just for him.Collector's note: "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from."Fringed plaid travel rug, brown, yellow and blue Onkaparinga/washing instructions/use A.W.C. approved wool detergent/warm machine wash on short gentle cycle/or warm hand wash/DO NOT BLEACH/warm rinse well on gentle cycle/normal spin/DO NOT TUMBLE DRY/dry in shade - gently pull to shape/dry cleanable (A) - in emblems: The Woolmark pure new wool, Woven in Australia, F 472wool, blanket, blanket fever, travel rug, onkaparinga

Collector says: "I can still recall one of my earliest childhood memories, of my nana's bright aqua shoes against the checks of our family travel rug on summer picnics. Maybe that's when this collection planted its seed in me - 40 years later I start my first blanket collection after stumbling across old Onkaparinga travel rugs. I would go to a vintage market in Collingwood every month and almost always found a good one, amassing enough for the entire household. Everyone had their favourite, even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one just for him."Collector's note- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from. "Fringed travel rug, red, blue, green and blackOnkaparinga/washing instructions/use A.W.C. approved wool detergent/warm machine wash on short gentle cycle/or warm hand wash/DO NOT BLEACH/warm rinse well on gentle cycle/normal spin/DO NOT TUMBLE DRY/dry in shade - gently pull to shape/dry cleanable (A) - in emblems: The Woolmark pure new wool, Woven in Australia, F 472wool, blanket, blanket fever, travel rug, onkaparinga

This card is the thirteenth in a set of 16 information cards produced by the Stamina Clothing Company re: Australian Woollen Mills as give aways. It looks the process of mending the newly woven cloth.Card no. 13 from the Crusader Mills information card set, c.1945-55. Verso of card no. 13 from the Crusader Mills information card set, c.1945-55.No. 13 Inspecting and mending any slight imperfections.australian woollen mills pty ltd stamina clothing company, mending

Jacket woven and made at the Commonwealth Woollen Mill and Clothing Factory, Geelong.Victorian policeman's jacket, woven and made at the Commonwealth Woollen Mill and Clothing Factory, Geelong.commonwealth woollen mills, uniforms

Donor, Valda Arrowsmith wore the suit during her time as Mayor of Nunawading at official functions in 1987/8.1987 Two piece black woollen suit. Skirt is straight hand woven and is lined. Top is woven wool with panels in shades of blue lurex, wool, braid, chenille and black lurex. Sleeves are magyar style. Black ribbed band at waist.costume, female

The belt was owned and used by Pte Sean Farrow, and is created in regimental colours. Was worn over the dark green woollen jersey. Ceremonial Belt mounted on wooden plaque. Belt buckle is made of brass and is inscribed with "The Royal Australian Regiment" in the centre. The physical belt is coloured red and blue and made of a woven material. The brass plaque mounted on the wooden background reads 'Presented by 3206686 Pte Sean Farrow D COY 6RAR - 1990/91'belt, ceremonial belt, royal australian regiment, 6rar

Pair of knee-high tweed woollen gaiters with attached leather straps and metal buckles to tie around each footcostume accessories - gaiters

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980's the Australian wool industry was at its most prosperous times with record numbers of sheep producing wool receiving ever increasing values due to the success of the Reserve Price Scheme, and the overall guidance of the Australian Wool Corporation (AWC). As a humble technician, my role was a low profile newly created position of Controller, Technical Marketing where wool was to be marketed on its technical properties, as distinct from the Product Marketing Group which exploited the traditional high profile approach of marketing wool;s superior fashion attributes. The Woolmark was the tool central to this approach. The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The ensemble consisted of three elements- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to  spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.8129.1 - Yellow woollen tie printed with an Australian floral design inspired by the work of artist Margaret Preston. Half of the tie is unprinted and cream in colour. On the reverse of the tie is a label with the manufacturers name. 8129.2 - Yellow woollen tie printed with an Australian floral design inspired by the work of artist Margaret Preston. Half of the tie is unprinted and cream in colour. On the reverse of the tie is a label with the manufacturers name. 8129.3 - Sample fabric showing the printing layer of tie, uncut.8129.1 - Tag on reverse - WOVEN & MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA BY "Tee - Dee" EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN WOOL CORPORATION 8129.2 - Tag on reverse - WOVEN & MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA BY "Tee - Dee" EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN WOOL CORPORATION 8129.3 - Stapled Label - "PURE WOOL PRINTED TIE"1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Anlaby’s sheep are born, bred and shorn at their farm located in South Australia. The wool is then scoured at Michels in Adelaide, combed and turned into Tops at Cashmere Connections in Bacchus Marsh, and then Spun and Woven at a historic mill in Scotland named Johnstons of Elgin. Sewing is completed by artisan seamstresses and packaging is from a local Adelaide family business. Established in 1839 just North of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Anlaby is the oldest continuing merino sheep stud on mainland Australia. Fredrick Dutton employed Alexander Buchannan to bring sheep to the buoyant market in Adelaide from Goulburn NSW. Several others speculated on possible successes, including Buchannan and a flock of 18,000 sheep were walked overland. The trek took nine months. During this time the Adelaide market prices had collapsed. Having found land with a spring of sweet water, Dutton decided to keep his flock of 5,000 stud sheep and purchased a small parcel of land that is now called Anlaby. The property prospered and Buchannan was employed as manager for the next 25 years. At its height Anlaby covered 250sq miles – 160,000 acres and employed 70 men. The first bale of wool from South Australia to be auctioned in London came from Anlaby. The Anlaby stud also provided the foundation ewes for the well-known Bungaree merino stud in 1841. With prosperity came a large house and gardens for Buchannan in 1861. Anlaby was inherited by Henry Dutton from his uncle in 1895. Squire Dutton, as he was known, continued to grow the family’s fortunes and spent his money expanding the grand home and creating a magnificent 10-acre garden. Today the Anlaby merino stud continues and both the house and garden are undergoing significant restorations. Wool continues to be one of the most important elements at Anlaby. It was the source of great wealth in the past and is now directly tied into Anlaby’s future. Anlaby makes beautiful woollen scarves, lady’s wraps, exquisite throws and small range of baby blankets. From the moment a lamb is conceived and through its entire lifecycle Anlaby look after nutrition and quality of life. Twice a year the sheep are shorn and the wool using minimal treatment is washed, combed, spun and woven into the Anlaby product range. This attention to detail results in the buttery softness distinctive of the exclusive woollen range.Throw came with packaging and information card which reads ANLABY in large capital lettering at the top and bottom of either side of card. Throw is white with green edging of 15cm on two edges. Within this edging is the sewing of a tree in white.Wording: ANLABY Pure Anlaby Merino Wool Oldest merino stud on mainland Australia Made in Australia Card. Wording: ANLABY Certificate of Authentication THIS CERTIFICATE AUTHENTICATES THE PRODUCT TO BE 100% AUSTRALIAN AND MADE FROM PURE MERINO WOOL PRODUCED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE ANLABY MERINO STUD IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA THE ANLABY FLOCK (REGISTERED NUMBER 102) IS THE OLDEST CONTINUOSLY OPERATING MERINO STUD IN MAINLAND AUSTRALIA. THE MERINO FLOCK AT ANLABY MAINTAINS A GENETIC LINE STARTED IN 1839 THIS PRODUCT IS PART OF THE LIMMITED EDITION RANGE PRODUCED AT ANLABY. IN 2014 WE CELEBRATED ANLABY’S 175TH ANNIVERSAY ANLABY Reverse. Wording: ANLABY PURE NATURAL WOOL THE SHEEP GRAZE AMONGST THE GUM TREES ON THE ROLLING HILLS OF ANLABY. ANLABY SHEEP ARE CHARACTERISTICALLY BIG BODDIED AND BRED TO FLOURISH IN THE WARM AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE. OUR WOOL IS MINIMALLY TREATED AND THE PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN SMALL RUNS UNDER THE PERSONAL SUPERVISION OF THE OWNERS. WE BELIEVE IN SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FARMING AND MILLING PRACTICES. THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL RESULTS IN THE BUTTERY SOFTNESS DISTINCTIVE OF THIS EXCLUSIVE WOOLLEN PRODUCT. WITH CARE THIS IS A TREASURED ITEM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. ANLABY www.anlaby.com.auwool, merino sheep, south australia, wool processing, wool processing textile finishing

In 1988 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled across Australia to take part in the bicentenary celebrations. In April Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived in Geelong to open the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre. Crowds gathered to welcome the royal couple, wool shearing demonstrations took place outside the centre and “Spud” the sheepdog exhibited his heading talents. During their visit to the wool centre they were met by the chairman of the Geelong Regional Commission, Mr Colin Atkins and Mrs Monique Atkins. The Queen was presented with a rug woven by the museums 1910 gripper-type Axminster Jacquard carpet loom and the Duke was presented with a woollen jumper. In return the Queen presented three letters from the archives of the Windsor Castle to the museum. The couple left in the afternoon, charming the Geelong crowd. Two black and white photographs of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Jim Fidge, watching a shearing demonstration by local Geelong shearers outside the then National Wool Centre. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre during her visit in April 1988.royal visit, wool centre, geelong, queen elizabeth ii, prince philip, national wool centre., bicentenary celebrations

In 1988 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled across Australia to take part in the bicentenary celebrations. In April Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived in Geelong to open the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre. Crowds gathered to welcome the royal couple, wool shearing demonstrations took place outside the centre and “Spud” the sheepdog exhibited his herding talents. During their visit to the wool centre they were met by the chairman of the Geelong Regional Commission, Mr Colin Atkins and Mrs Monique Atkins. The Queen was presented with a rug woven by the museums 1910 gripper-type Axminster Jacquard carpet loom and the Duke was presented with a woollen jumper. In return the Queen presented three letters from the archives of the Windsor Castle to the museum. The couple left in the afternoon, charming the Geelong crowd. Souvenir newspaper, relating to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit to Geelong in April 1988 where she opened the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre.Front page title: Hello, Goodbye Your Highnessroyal visit

In 1988 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled across Australia to take part in the bicentenary celebrations. In April Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived in Geelong to open the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre. Crowds gathered to welcome the royal couple, wool shearing demonstrations took place outside the centre and “Spud” the sheepdog exhibited his heading talents. During their visit to the wool centre they were met by the chairman of the Geelong Regional Commission, Mr Colin Atkins and Mrs Monique Atkins. The Queen was presented with a rug woven by the museums 1910 gripper-type Axminster Jacquard carpet loom and the Duke was presented with a woollen jumper. In return the Queen presented three letters from the archives of the Windsor Castle to the museum. The couple left in the afternoon, charming the Geelong crowd. Souvenir newspaper, consisting of one large rectangular pieces of newsprint folded in half to form two pages. It contains articles and photographs relating to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit to Geelong in April 1988 where she opened the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre.Front page heading: Queen of heartsroyal visit

The handmade basket has a variety of pieces of War Memorabilia as listed in the description.A large lidded firm natural, green and tan raffia woven basket with a looped handle on the lid which is attached to the base by rusted twisted pieces of wire. It closes with a brown strip of leather onto a metal clip at the side. Inside are pieces of War Memorabilia - an instruction card for Knitters Get Busy!, one tortoiseshell knitting needle, a pair of large olive green woollen mittens, two strips of paper with instructions and illustrations for sewing Red Cross Pyjamas for the Soldiers and a small grey folded card - 'The Grey Sock' which has directions for knitting good socks with finer wool and needles. This is incomplete.'Knitters Get Busy! War Chest Wants Socks Appeal for 150,000 Pairs'. There is an acrostic poem for the word KNITTERS, describing the word. 'The Grey Sock' - instructions for knitting fine and coarse wool. Suitable pyjama pattern with instructions.war, containers, knitting, sewing, baskets

Refers to the service of WO1 Bluey Addington Ex 3 MP COY and EX AATTV (Bartram Charles). 41843 Army, 140427 RAAF. Medals: 1. Aust Service Medal. 2. Vietnam Medal. 3. British Regular Army - Long service and good conduct. 4. South Vietnam Campaign Medal. 5. British Empire Medal. 6. War Medal 1939-45. 1. Jacket, woollen. Four breast pockets. The top two pockets are held shut with a button. Has woven WO1 metal badges. There are four brass buttons holding the front shut. It has a detachable collar system (white). The collar badges are a laurel wreath, topped with a crown and 2 crossed swords in the centre. The motif on the buttons is similar, but, without the wreath it has a ribbon bar with six medals. 2. Trousers, woollen. Black with white stripe down each leg. 3. Swagger stick. Dowel with woven leather cover.ww2, vietnam war, passchendaele barracks trust

Clothing. Men's black woolen bathing suit. Rib pattern in woolen fabric. Overskirt at front-to 6cms above gusset. Black and white V pattern fabric strip on side seams, forms keepers for belt. Woven cream fabric belt with silver plate buckle. Applique emblem of sailing yacht on lower left-hand side of skirt. The bathing suit belonged to Flight Sergeant Richard Harry Adams of Brighton. He was reported missing during an operation near Scilly Islands and was presumed killed on 03/10/1943. The bathing suit was amongst the very few items sent home to his mother.Label ''Thistle'' All wool Australian made, London Stores, the Boy's Shop Melbourne.costume, male, bathing suit

Donated by the great niece of Richard Harry Adams Flight Sergeant Richard Harry Adams, Date of birth 6/2/1922. Place of birth, Brighton Victoria. Brighton State School and Hampton High School. Completed Merit Certificate on 18.12.1936. Enrolled in architectural draughtsman course at Melbourne Technical College May 1938 - May 1940. Occupation in civil life Architectural Draughtsman, applied for RAAF air crew 30.4.1940. Listed sports and games: running swimming, tennis, shooting, bicycle riding, cricket, camping, 8 years' scouting experience and a member of the YMCA. Enlisted 21.6.1941. Conflict/operation: 2nd World War,1939-1945, Height 5'11'', Weight 10 stone 5 lbs. NoK: Father Albert Ward Adams, Rate collector. Place of enlistment, Melbourne. Service No. 409012. Embarked at Sydney 2.11.1941. Service RAAF No. 1449 Flight (RAF). Date of death, 3.10.1943. Place of death Scilly Islands, Cornwall, UK. Aircraft: Hurricane WL BD 729 - Single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighters/fighter bombers. Casuality notification for ''P'' file. Name:409012 F/Sgt. ADAMS, R, H. Att. RAF U.K. Nature of casualty: Missing believed, killed air.ops from UK. Casualty Report No. 280. Date 3 October 1943. C.D. 155/43 ZMen's black woollen swimming trunks. Wide ribbed horizontal pattern. Front skirt panel over trunks. Decorative double line of black and white zig zag seams forming belt keeper loops at waist. Embroidered patch on lower front of LHS with a picture of a sailing yacht. White cotton woven belt with silver coloured clip fastener.costume, male, swimming trunks

One of a batch of yarn sample cards. Alexander Lau established his business in 1950 in the Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne. He designed textiles and commissionned many of his textiles to be spun andf woven in Geelong mills. He had a long association with the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Mill and with Mr Schofield, the manager. In 2000, he retired and closed the business.Yarn sample card: card wound with four samples of woollen yarn, each yarn sample is the same design but in a different colourway. The card is printed with the label COL: and handwritten with the colour names.NOIR/PURPEL/ STELL/WILLOWtextile design fashion textile industry - history, alexander lau pty ltd, textile design, fashion, textile industry - history

Diana Trewenack is the youngest daughter of Cedric Hirst and great granddaughter of Godfrey Hirst. Her father was Managing Director and Chairman of Directors of Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mills until its takeover in the 60’s. Diana was married at St David's Church in Geelong in May 1954. The material for the wedding gown was made with very fine cream wool woven at the Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mill. From discussion with Diana, the dress was put together by a local dressmaker in Geelong. It is fine pure wool and beaded on the edge of the wrap over skirt and on the long train.Cream coloured woollen wedding dress with long sleeves. Decorative beading pattern around cuffs and up the front edge of the dress. Zippers at each sleeve and back of dress. - 7825.1 Train, made with same cream woollen material as dress, with matching beaded edging. Attaches with clasp around waist of dress. - 7825.2 Veil made of cream tulle, with beaded headband. - 7825.3wedding dress, ceremony, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, woollen mills, textiles, fashion, dressmaking, diana trewenack, viel, gown