This ankle length black dress with pleated skirt , buttoned bodice, self belt and long sleeves is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1910The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady’s ankle length, black dress with a pleated skirt, buttoned bodice, a self belt and long sleevesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance

Early settler women used their dressmaking and craft skills to make clothing and homewares for their homes and familiesA pair of white cotton pillowslips with pin-tucking and broderie frillclothing, brighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, risstrom lorna

This baby's dress is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire in mid 19th CThe skill and craftsmanship shown in this baby's dress is an example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils.Home-made, infant's short, long-sleeved, cream silk dress. With inset machine-made lace panels and ribbon inserts on bodice and on the sleeve cuffs. Small buttons down the back. .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, crochet, bentleigh, early settlers, craftwork

This girl's white cotton sun-hat has been made at home by a mother determined to get the maximum usage from the garment. The hat has been simply made with a plain crown for the child's day-to-day use. However, the mother has also made a second, very decorative crown, that can be buttoned on and is suitable to be worn on more "dressy" occassions - such as attending Sunday School or on special outings.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesGirl's home-made plain white cotton sun-hat with wide brim. There have been three rows of fine cord sewn at intervals around the circumference of the hat brim to stiffen it. There is also hand crochet decorating the edge of the hat brim. A very decorative "second" hat crown has also been made. This hat crown has hand crocheted lace, and criss-cross seams, and is designed to be buttoned on over the original plain crown to provide a more decorative hat for special occasions, such as when attending Sunday School.clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families This very long, baby’s christening gown with cut-work, is an example of the dressmaking skills and craftwork of the women of the pioneer families. The Marshall family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. A very long, baby’s christening gown with hand cut-work c 1880clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mrs marshall

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesThis pair of white cotton baby's pants with button holes is an example of the dressmaking skills and craft-work of the women of the pioneer families. The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire.A pair of baby's white cotton pants with button-holes at waist.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, dressmaking, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesThis white cotton lady's half slip is an example of the dressmaking skills and craft-work of the women of the pioneer families of Moorabbin ShireA lady's white, fine cotton,half-slip with lace and pink ribbon insertclothing, brighton, moorabbin, bentleigh, dressmaking, early settlers, craftwork

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of the many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shirea) A white cotton baby's under-singlet, with hand-crocheting around neckline. b) The singlet is topped by a separate, heavily machine-embroidered, white cotton dress-collar .clothing, craftwork, dressmaking, crochetwork, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, brighton, peck family

This baby's cream silk jacket / cape with lace trim is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA baby’s cream, silk, jacket / cape with lace trimclothing, craftwork, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, early settlers

This child’s cream silk dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A child’s cream silk frockclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This Child’s cream silk dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A baby's, long, muslin, day gownclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This stole was used for special occasions.As market gardeners and settlers in Moorabbin Shire became more prosperous their women were able to purchase fashionable items of clothing for special occasions.A long, cream silk stole with fringeclothing, brighton, moorabbin, s, pioneers, market gardener, dressmakers, early settlers, silk

This small child’s white, cotton pants with crocheted legs and a white cotton sunhat is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA pair of small child's white, cotton pants with crocheted legs and a child's white, cotton sunhatclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, market gardener, dressmakers, early settlers, peck family.

This baby’s vest style bib is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA vest-style baby’s cotton bib with tiesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck

This lady’s cotton camisole is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady’s white cotton camisole with machine embroidery clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

As the market gardeners and new settlers became more prosperous they were able to purchase manufactured clothing. Hilton Hosiery Pty Ltd manufactured stockings and lingerie at its Fitzroy factory from 1936.Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the development of the textile factories in Melbourne as population and wealth increased. Hilton Hosiery Pty Ltd commenced business in 1936 A lady’s, silk slip with embroidery on bodice and hem mid 20th CLabel ' HILTON / Size 14/ 'melbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, fitzroy, textiles, factories, hilton hosiery pty ltd

This girl's half petticoat is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th CEarly settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Walker family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire.A young girl’s half-slip, pin-tucked and with lace edge. Notice the sewn "tuck" of extra material to be "let down" as the child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, walker alice

This girl's half petticoat is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A young girl’s pinafore dress with a drop-waist, lace insert , pin-tucking and buttoned back clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

Laura and Bernard Ashley began printing fabric in their London kitchen in 1953. Commencing with head scarves and place-mats they gradually developed table-ware and bed sheets. In 1960 they entered the Fashion world with blouses and smocks . The ‘swinging sixties’ saw them in great demand for the feminine florals and flounces of the ‘maxi’ fashions and they opened in smart South Kensington, London. In 1970 they opened franchises in Australia, Canada, Japan, San Francisco that sold their range of fabrics, dresses and accessories. In 1980 home furnishings were added to the range. Laura died in an accident 1985, Bernard retired in1993 and the company is now Public Listed on Stock Exchange.‘Laura Ashley’ clothing, fabric and accessories were very popular in Melbourne in 1970’s.A lady’s white cotton half petticoat with crocheted flounce, Laura Ashley Pty Ltdclothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, textiles, laura ashley

This small child's calico tunic with box-pleats and eyelet cotton trim was worn by a child of an early settlers family of MoorabbinEarly settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A child’s calico, box-pleated tunic with eyelet cotton trim clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This lady’s silk bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families, in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire A lady’s silk bodice with pin-tucking and drawer-string waistclothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, blackburn nance, craftwork

This baby’s, cream, ‘Viyella’ dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900. The material is very soft and easy to sew, wash and iron and was therefore very popular for all ages.Viyella material The original owner of the Mill, Wm. Hollins also ran the mill in Pleasley, U.K. on a rather unusually named road ‘Via Gellia’ now the A5012 near Matlock, about 20miles away. Via-Gellia later gave its name to the famous soft fabric ‘Viyella’ which Hollins & Co patented in 1893. Later Viyella was also to become the company name in 1961 after a merger. Viyella has faded into obscurity now, and in 2009 went into administration, finally being bought out by Austin Reed. A baby’s, cream, ‘Viyella’ dress with blue and white hand smocking.clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, textiles, vyella

This lady’s long, white cotton nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA long, white cotton, lady’s nightgown with pin-tucking clothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This baby’s long, white cotton christening gown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s long, white cotton, christening gown with pin-tucks and bodice tiesclothing, moorabbin, ormond, bentleigh, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck, christening service, rites, baptism

This baby’s lawn, singlet over-jacket is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families The Peck family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA baby’s, white lawn, singlet over-jacketclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, mr peck

This girl's white pinafore with inset lace is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900 Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A girl’s white, cotton pinafore with inset lace clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This pair of white decorative pillow-shams is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA pair of white, decorative pillow-shams with beautiful embroidery and the initials A&G. Possibly made for a ‘Glory Box’A & G embroidered on centre of each piecebrighton, moorabbin, linen, pioneers, haberdashery, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work

This type of Charcoal iron was used by early settler families in Moorabbin Shire. The body or ‘box’ of the iron was filled with red-hot coals from the Kitchen hearth. This made for hot as well as smoky ironing and the handle would have become very hot. This type of iron is still used in some countries where electric power is unavailable. This Charcoal flat iron was used by the Curtis family who were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire c1880. A charcoal sad iron with leather covered handle c 1880 The cast iron body or ‘box’ of this sad iron was filled with red-hot coals from the hearth and great care had to be taken to prevent scorching the material to be smoothed.iron charcoal, flat iron, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin, brighton, market gardeners, craftwork, sewing, laundry equipment, kitchens

Mrs Martha Closter ( Kloster), of Oakleigh purchased the Melber Sewing Machine in 1909 and gave it to her daughter Mary when she and Alonzo Box married in 1918 and settled in Moorabbin Shire. This document was donated by a descendant of the Box family in 1985.William and Elizabeth Box purchased 'Box Cottage' in 1865 from a pioneer settler who had bought part of the land noted in Dendy's Special Survey 1841 Brighton. They raised their family there and established a market garden to supply produce to the population of Melbourne. Their nephew Alonzo married Mary Kloster/ Closter in 1918 and she brought with her the 'Melber' sewing machine that she used to provide clothing for the familyThe original paper Receipt of the Melber Company Sewing Machine, 154 Chapel Street Prahran on July 15th 1909. Mrs Closter purchased a ‘Melber Rotary Hook Sewing Machine , 4 drawers and attachment. No. 17469 costing 9 pounds, less due 7 shillings and 6 pence leaving the sum of 8 pounds 12 shillings and 6 pence Paid by Cash to Powell & Candy per ……… on 15/7/09 ( hand written ) MELBER SEWING MACHINES / 154 CHAPEL STREET, / Prahran / Mrs Closter July 15th 1909 ( handwritten) / Dr. to POWELL & CANDY, / IMPORTERS / New and Secondhand Machines for Cash and Easy Terms. / Repairs promptly executed Locks repaired. Keys fitted. Needles and Parts for all Machines. A stamp 25mm x 30mm is on left corner of document ‘ VICTORIA STAMP DUTY ‘ -at top and base - ‘1d ‘ - centrally victoria, melbourne, clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, box elizabeth, box alonzo, closter mary, kentucky, early settlers, america, craftwork, sewing machines, melber company, u s a, prahran, kloster martha