VAD skirt blue (part of UC003)uniform, ww2

Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red ribbed skirt with elastic waistband.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

This nurse's collar, cap and apron would have been worn by student nurses at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in the 1960's. Although the style did not change much from earlier years the length of the skirt had shortened. The white semi circular collar has a single row of drawn thread work 1.5 centimeters from the outer edge and is made of starched cotton fabric. The cap is made of a half circle of fine white cotton lawn with a turn back front edge bearing the Alfred Hospital emblem. It has a tape casing about 1.5 centimeters from the edge which contains a thin tape for gathering up the edge of the cap. The white cotton apron has a 5 panel skirt, a waistband with four covered buttons and a bib front which went over the shoulders and buttoned at the back of the waistband.The collar has written in black marker - D.L.Ross E.37; Also written in black marker - E980; A tape printed and machine stitched on - L.A. Holberton The cap has a printed emblem - Alfred Hospital Incorp. Melbourne, Service and Care The apron has written in black maker - M Taylor; E877; J. Williamsalfred hospital, nursing, nurse uniform, student nurse uniform, nurse apron, nurse cap, nurse collar, apron, costume, textiles

Elizabeth Wilson met James Henry Courtney at the annual Lord Mayor's Ball on 28 August 1890. In 1892, Capt James Courtney moved to 'Courtland' an architect-designed house at 31 Jenkin Street, Northcote. James married Elizabeth at Nth Fitzroy. Several years later they moved to 108 McKean Street, Nth Fitzrory. Capt and Mrs Courtney were guests at the official opening of the Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901, the reception at the Exhibition Building that evening, and the Royal Review at Flemington the following day. Finally they moved to 'Lumeah', a brick villa at 11 Belmont Avenue, Kew.Black silk floor length skirt with black lining and internal tapes. The skirt is distinguished by a gathered hem giving the impression of ruffles. With the donation, there is also an accompanying group of copied photographs of the Courtney family, including one which shows Elizabeth Courtney, the owner of the skirt. The skirt was donated by Frances Courtney, a descendant by marriage of the original owner. women's clothing - 1890s, australian fashion - 1890s, skirts - 1890s, elizabeth courtney (nee wilson), 11 belmont avenue (kew), capt james henry courtney, elizabeth jane courtney (nee wilson), lumeah - 11 belmont avenue - kew (vic)

This dress was worn by Nancy Kirsner (nee Rosenhain, b. 1906) and her older sister Mona (b. 1903) as children in England. Nancy Bertha Rosenhain was born in Worchestershire to German-Australian metallurgist Walter Rosenhain and Australian Louisa Rosenhain (nee Monash). Louisa was the sister of Sir John Monash; the couple met through a synagogue in Melbourne before settling in England. Nancy travelled to Melbourne in 1929 and was married to Marcus Kirsner on 24 July 1932. Nancy and Marcus lived together at 3 Baroona Court in Brighton.White cotton piqué dress. Square neck. Skirt gathered at waist. Broderie anglais trim around neck and sleeves. Hand-embroidered cornelli work on sleeves, bodice, and skirt. Small frill on skirt. Three self-covered buttons at back.children's clothing, 1900s, nancy bertha rosenhain, mona henrietta rosenhain, jewish diaspora

Kilt was worn by Maude Bastion during 1970 and later by her daughter Wendy Standfield, the donor and a Society member.1970 Ladies tartan skirt designed as a kilt. Skirt wraps around and is fastened with a silver buckle and black buttons at waist. Red and green tartan.costume, female

A tea gown or tea-gown is a woman's dress for informal entertaining at home. These dresses, which became popular around the mid-19th century, are characterized by unstructured lines and light fabrics. Belonged to Louisa Hoadley, (Mrs. Thomas Carlyle Adamson) - daughter of Abel Hoadley. Black two piece satin ensemble - Tea gown. Long skirt with short fitted style jacket, with black lace trim on skirt and bodice.tea gowns, dresses

Skirt belonged to Grace Begg(born 15-9-1857). Worn by her at Mt Carmel sheep station, near Heathcote, Victoria. Station managed by her father John Begg. Grace married Russell Scott Thomas on 2 August 1890 at Heathcote and later lived in Albert Park. She was grandmother of Russell Alexander of Creek Road Mitcham (Russell Alexander Menswear Mitcham). His wife Coral wore the frock on occasions.c 1890 Black grograin material skirt, two double inverted pleats in front, two flat covered buttons and four acorn shaped buttons (covered) joined with rouleaux to the shape of frogs. Lined with silk and black velvet edging around the lower edge. Open at back with a placket closed with hooks and eyes. Two pleats each side of centre back seam.costume, female

Clothing. Wedding Skirt.Cream silk long skirt. Waist band with metal hook and eye fastening. Back placket with metal hooks and hand made loops (2). Pintucks- 36 cms deep from waistline. Band of pintucks 26 cms deep around hemline. Back of skirt dips to a short train trimmed with ruffles of skirt fabric, edged with ribbon. Skirt fully lined with cotton, fine lace trims pintucked frill and skirt panels.. See also 11400.77 & 11400.76.costume, female, wedding dress skirt

Khaki skirt from a Maori Service Uniform.White cloth tag on inside Emerco Brand C. Henshaw No..3275 30/8/1990

Part of uniform worn by CPL Bramley at Montmorency ANZAC Day 2006.Blue Cotton skirt, belt with chrome buckle.Sewn Patch ADI Vic 1992 Size 70Lclothing, skirt, dress

Khaki Womens Skirt - belonged to L. Steinberguniform, ww2, army

From the Adelaide Advertiser for 19 November 1952, p. 11: Two Happy Visitorsf rom the Pacific Adelaide is proving 'just like our real home'' to two charming and interesting visitors from Methodist missions in the Pacific. Miss Ravesi Mosi. of Fiii. and diminutive Miss Katalini Dimula, of Papua, the first native women missionaries to visit Australia From these islands. Ravesi and Katalini have enjoyed vastly the three months they have already spent in this country. Thev came here at the' invitation of the Methodist Women's Auxiliary for Oversea Missions in Victoria to take part in their diamond jubilee celebrations in Melbourne. They also spent some time in Sydney. But they are particularly happy to be in Adelaide because both of them have found old and good friends here. That is why it feels! like 'home'. Katalini. whose home is on the Island of Misima, in the far south-west of Papua, is the guest of the Rev. H. K. Bartlett and Mrs Bartlett. who lived on Misima for several years and knew Katoitni as a young girl. They are the first people she has met in Australia who speak her language and know her background. It was a personal interest to them to hear of her work as a missionary nurse, for which she did her training in Salamo Hospital on Ferguson Island, about 200 miles away from Misima, where she now helps to train the women of the island villages in the principles of health and hygiene and caring for their babies according to modern methods.Katalini is dressed in a grass skirt and a western top."Katalini Dimula" "D. Schmidt"katalini, dimula, methodist, papua

Annie BURNS Annie Burns attended the Victorian College of the Arts. She lives and works in Melbourne. Her works are mainly oils on canvas, wood panels and aluminium. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Artwork featuring a woman in a tutu like skirt.art, artwork, oil, oil on canvas, available, annie burns

White cotton petticoat. Half lace skirt.petticoats, underwear

This Edwardian era mourning outfit was worn by a wealthy woman from the rural area of Willaura, southeast of the Grampians. It was inherited by the donor from his mother, who had purchased it from a clearing sale in the 1960s. The jacket has a peplum or flounce below the waistline, a fashion that was seen in the 1860s and is still around in the 1900s. The outfit represents the female mourning fashion and wardrobe from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Such garments were a necessary inclusion as death occurred often to the young, due to illness, accidents and hard work - it was a regular part of life in rural Victoria. Mourning outfits were a part of a person’s wardrobe and often passed from one generation to the next. This particular outfit appears to have been adjusted at some stage to allow for a wider waistline. The original skirt may have been replaced by the one that is now part of this outfit; the skirt is all machine-sewn, unlike the jacket and petticoat. The fabric of the skirt may be silk or it could be a synthetic fibre such as artificial silk or rayon; both were available in the 1800s,but nylon wasn’t invented until the 1930s. This skirt has sunray pleating, which was advertised on skirts for sale in the 1890s, and 1909, and was part of a fashionable bridal gown train in the 1930s. The mourning of death was part of both family and community life, particularly in rural and remote areas. People were bonded through work, religion, disasters, tragedy and social activities, supporting one another. They came together from near and far on such an occasion, giving each other the care that was needed and showing respect for the member who had passed away.This three-piece silk Edwardian mourning outfit is significant historically for its connection with rural Victoria and the social and religious customs surrounding the death of a family or community member. The high-quality outfit is also significant for representing the financial management of the times, being tailored by a dressmaker for a person of means and then adjusted to fit at least one different-sized person. The black silk tailor-made jacket is one of three pieces of a ladies’ Edwardian mourning outfit. It has long sleeves, a stand-up collar trimmed with appliqued black crochet lace, and pleated sashes on the left and right sides from front to back fastened at the shoulder and waist. The jacket has a peplum or flounce below the waistline. The front of the jacket has brass hooks and fabric eye fastenings. The back of the jacket has two tails. The jacket is lined and the shoulders are padded. It has been machine sewn and finished with hand stitching. A white card is tied with a ribbon inside and has an inscription. The poplin skirt on the jacket has been cut up to the waist at the side seams. There is an attached card with an inscription, handwritten in ballpoint pen.“Jenny” and “Mrs Sheila Handscombe, Wallaura, Jenny”flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, edwardian era, tailor-made, dressmaker, mourning outfit, handmade garment, mourning dress, death mourning, sunray pleats, sunburst pleats, western district victoria, mourning jacket

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donator Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980s 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 technichian, 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 trhe 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 stretchGreen knee length skirt with button and zip back. Has two pockets, and two darts in both front and back.Label 1 - Barcelona 1992 Official Uniform supplied by Australian Wool Corporation Label 2 - Fletcher Jones Australia 141992 barcelona olympics, australian wool corporation, wool, olympic games official occasions

Apparel and fashion in Poland has been influenced by the resources available, climate, and also by the other cultures. There are German, Czech, Russian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Austrian and other influences in the traditional dress of each region. Because of these diverse influences, each region of Poland has its own local traditional dress. There are roughly 60 unique costumes attributed to the different areas in Poland.one of a few items of this kind which has survived to present dayswhite top, apron, colorful skirt, vest, garlandtraditional dress, outfit, poland

Apparel and fashion in Poland has been influenced by the resources available, climate, and also by the other cultures. There are German, Czech, Russian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Austrian and other influences in the traditional dress of each region. Because of these diverse influences, each region of Poland has its own local traditional dress. There are roughly 60 unique costumes attributed to the different areas in Poland.one of a few items of this kind which has survived to present dayswhite top, apron, colorful skirt, vest, garlandoutfit, poland

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Multicoloured patchwork waisted dress featuring a full skirt.grace james, women's clothing, australian fashion 1969-1988, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), fashion design, fashion -- 1980s

Black cotton skirt with ruffle hem; elastic waist.

A set of laminated A3 sketchbook pages depicting designs for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Official Occasions Uniform designed by Wendy Powitt. On the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- 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 Official Uniform was used for both travel and official functions. This included a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt set (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones in pure olive green faille fabric by Foster Valley, a cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, a printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy.8116.1 - A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Official Occasions Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a green skirt and green woollen vest over a yellow button up shirt with printed neck tie. Three smaller drawings on the left side of the page show the details of the vest, necktie and shirt. 8116.2 - A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Official Occasions Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a black skirt and printed scoop neck, button up blouse, cinched at the waist with a black belt. Around the central drawing are smaller drawings showing the details of the skirt, belt and shoes. 8116.3 - A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Official Occasions Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a black skirt and black blazer with detailed striping across the right front and right arm. There is a small detailed drawing of the blazer to the right of the main figure which includes the design of a scarf. 8116.4 - A laminated A3 sketchbook page depicting a design for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Women's Official Occasions Uniform. The main drawing shows the design for a green skirt, a yellow printed, sleeveless shirt, yellow gloves, along with a matching headband and scarf.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, artwork, drawing, uniform

In the words of the donor, Betty Stone, "This gown was originally made by my great grandmother Sarah Ellis (nee Chamberlain) Lees of Wangoom, Warrnambool. Later, the gown was altered by her daughter Ann (nee Lees) Dale who also used it for the christenings of her five children in the 1890's, and later still, for some of her grandchildren. Sarah Ellis Chamberlain, born in Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, England on 31 July 1844, sixth child of Joshua and Susan Chamberlain, was ten years old when she arrived in Australia with her parents and siblings in January 1855. Ten years later, in 1864, Sarah Chamberlain married Lees Lees, a skilled stonemason who had migrated from Saddleworth, Yorkshire. Lees Lees purchased land in McGregors Road, Wangoom, Warrnambool where he operated a successful stonemasonry, contracting business until his death in 1912. The Lees farm, which eventually consisted of about fifty acres, was situated adjacent to both the Chamberlain and Dale farms. Sarah Lees was a meticulous homemaker who also fashioned and sewed clothes for her seven children. A photograph of the eldest child, Anne, taken in 1868, depicts her wearing a dress and pantaloons sewn by her mother. Sarah also crocheted lace curtains for her home in addition to large tablecloths and other articles. According to family legend, the skirt of this christening gown was part of the original gown hand-sewn by Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees which was used for the christening of her children. The gown was later passed on to her daughter Anne (nee Lees) Dale who, also an expert needlewoman, replaced the bodice and used it for the christening of her five children born between the years 1890 and 1899. Still, later, at least two children of the third generation (Sarah Lees' great-grandchildren) also wore this gown when christened at Christ Church Warrnambool. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees died in 1932, aged 87 years, at her daughter Anne Dale's home in Latrigg. Anne (nee Lees) Dale died in 1948 aged 83 years, at her home in Latrigg." (Note: For additional information please refer to Betty Stone’s book “Pioneers and Places - A History of three Warrnambool Pioneering Families” ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees Families)This item is associated with the families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the "Pioneers' Register" for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of late-19th-century needlework and handmade domestic items.Christening gown made by Sarah Ellis. White with unusual Broderie Anglaise yoke. The long-sleeved garment has a gathered waist and a long skirt. The front centre of the skirt has a floral Broderie Anglaise and cut work panel insert.Circa 1860's. From the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection’, donated by Betty Stoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, sarah ellis, hand sewn, christening gown, baby wear, clothing, 19th century

Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red wide ribbed pleated skirt with a plain yoke, navy blue band at bottom edge and elasticated waistband. A purple x is located inside to mark centre back of skirt.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

Item has been passed down Susan Erey's family from her grandmother 1880 -1950 to her mother 1909 - 2011 Female skirt or kilt pin made with hand wrought wire.costume accessory

Milk Jug cover featuring doll figurine with net skirt crochet around edges and little coloured plastic beads on the outer edge. (Skirt has been remade by Frances Warren)domestic items, food preparation