Nylon became a very popular dressmaking material in City of Moorabbin c1960 as the new settlers established their families in the new estates post World War 11 in Ormond, Bentleigh, Moorabbin These Baby feeding Bibs x 2 with ribbon ties were made by a local resident of City of Moorabbin for her child c 1960 Women in City of Moorabbin were accomplished knitters, dressmakers and craft workers who made the clothes for their families while settling in to the new estates that opened up in Ormond, Bentleigh,and Moorabbin after World War 11 Baby Bibs, x 2 made by a local resident for her children. a) towel, nylon, lace trim, with an appliqued flower and ribbon ties b) flannel, nylon, lace trim and ribbon ties clothing, baby, nylon, machine pressed designs, layette, knitting,craftwork, wool, early settlers, city of moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, post war settlers, world war 11 1939-40 sharp valma,

Child's cream silk dress with lace inserts and hand sewn flowers and press stud fasteners made from 'bits and pieces' in 1937 by the family of Mrs Valma Sharp . This child's cream silk dress was made in the austere time after the Depression 1930 - 34 and shows the practical ingenuity of a mother to make a pretty dress for her child from 'bits and pieces' of material c1937 a child's cream silk dress made from ' bits and pieces' ,hand sewn flowers, with lace, press studs clothing, baby, nylon, machine pressed designs, layette, knitting,craftwork, wool, early settlers, city of moorabbin, bentleigh, ormond, moorabbin, post war settlers, world war 11 1939-40 sharp valma,

Photo Album, brown in colour, 'Hanro' on front cover. 10 photo's in album - 'winding room','knitting room', 'knitting room', 'section of knitting room', 'finishing room', 'cutting and pressing', 'raschel machines and lace machines' 'jacquard machines (sports wear Dept)', 'folding and boxing', 'part of shipping room', 'shipping room'. 1932 on inside of cover. 'Hanro'products and 'Benknit' brand of sports wear. 2 loose photo's 'staff and Management' Hanro. Bendigo Show Display, Nov. 1950. A stand with 2 women working it.organization, business, hanro knitting mills, bendigo knitting mills. hanro. benknit.

Event, Bendigo Y.M.C.A., Y's Workbox, Display & Demonstration of Hand Crafts, at The Y.M.C.A. Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo, Sunday October 27, 1985, 10am - 5pm. Admission: Adults $2.00 , Children 50c, Devonshire Teas $1.20. Crafts include: Plate Decorations, Wood Carving, Tatting, Bonsai, Filet Crochet, Patchwork, Jigsaws, Model Ships in Bottles, Knitting from Fleece, Soft Toys, Silversmithing, Christmas Decorations, Floral Art, Wood Turning, Pickled People, Padded Baskets, Machine Embroidery, Applique, Knitting, Overlocking, Latchhook Rugs, Make-Up (TV & Films), Bobbin Lace, Printing, Golden North Centre.event, exhibition, bendigo y.m.c.a.

This knitted layette including a bonnet, cardigan, and two booties was created by Mrs Lavinia Brown, a champion knitter who loved Churchill Island. Mrs Brown was born on 16 June 1913 in Regent, and she entered all of her knitting into the Royal Melbourne Show. Her daughter recalls that her knitting never won anything less than first prize, and was most often Champion. She remembers that once Mrs. Brown's work was disqualified as being 'machine knitted', and after an appeal in which she was required to knit a pattern in front of them, she was awarded the champion. Mrs Brown chose to use bicycle spokes with wax ends as she could not find needles small enough for use to make babies' clothing.Lavinia Brown loved Churchill Island, and this was donated by her daughter, A. Cattell. It represents a superb example of non-conventional hand knitting as well as being of the era for Churchill Island.Cream fine wool knitting sample on bicycle spoke needles with wax ends made for knitter by her husband. Ball of wool still attached knitting, lavinia josephine brown, churchill island, amess house

This knitted layette including a bonnet, cardigan, and two booties was created by Mrs Lavinia Brown, a champion knitter who loved Churchill Island. Mrs Brown was born on 16 June 1913 in Regent, and she entered all of her knitting into the Royal Melbourne Show. Her daughter recalls that her knitting never won anything less than first prize, and was most often Champion. She remembers that once Mrs. Brown's work was disqualified as being 'machine knitted', and after an appeal in which she was required to knit a pattern in front of them, she was awarded the champion. Mrs Brown chose to use bicycle spokes with wax ends as she could not find needles small enough for use to make babies' clothing.Lavinia Brown loved Churchill Island, and this was donated by her daughter, A. Cattell. It represents a superb example of non-conventional hand knitting as well as being of the era for Churchill Island.Cream fine wool knitted layette comprising of bonnet, cardigan, and two booties. layette, churchill island, lavinia brown

Black and white photograph of the interior of the Hanro Knitting Mills withing the centre of the photo is a group of 5 women working on sewing machine more women can be seen in the backgroundorganization, business, hanro, hanro, hanro knitting mills, knitting mills

Photograph. Black and White Photo of Women working at sewing machines within the Hanro Knitting Mills Factory, in Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.organization, business, hanro knitting mills, hanro

Photograph.Black and White Photo of the interior of the Hanro Knitting Mills, within the photos is a number of spooling machines and a man.organization, business, hanro knitting mills, hanro

Phortograph. Black and White photo of the interior of the Hanro Knitting Mills, within the picture numerous machines with spools on them, markings on rear of photo read 'Inside Hanro'.organization, business, hanro knitting mills, hanro

In 2020 during the period of lockdown due to COVID the National Wool Museum asked their volunteers to make and donate blocks made from a variety of materials found in their homes, for an ISO quilt. The NWM reached out to the patchwork and quilter community to find a local quilter to sew the donated blocks together. The quilt is sewn together and quilted by Judith Oke, 2020-2021. Judith is a local patchwork and quilter and a member of Geelong Patchwork & Quilters Guild. Through the process she was inspired by the tradition of wagga quilts, where bits and pieces are stitched together, sometimes lined with whatever the sewer found available, such as clothing and sacking, to provide warmth. In construction of the finished quilt the challenge was combining 10 inch blocks made from a variety of materials, with uneven sizing. The aim was to combine these very different blocks into a harmonious whole. To this end a light and dark pattern was planned, with the blocks to be sewn onto a blanket. The choice to layer the blocks over each other, rather than sew an even seam was aimed at emphasizing the make do nature of these ISO blocks. Due to the weight of the blanket a decision was made to sew the blocks onto a base before the whole was stitched onto the blanket. The blanket was sourced from NWM donations. The rich, red of the blanket provides a bright, warm background for the colourful squares. Some of the light weight blocks were backed with iron-on interfacing to strengthen them for sewing. The edges of two of the woven squares were blanket stitched with knitting wool. The 10 inch donated blocks/squares were machine sewn to a cotton sheet base, with liberal use of blanket stitching, as the blanket was too heavy to sew the blocks directly onto the blanket. The base with squares was then machine sewn onto the red blanket backing.Various multi coloured and designed patchwork squares sewn onto a red woollen blanket. isolation, covid, quilt, wool

The donor (Lynn Fitzpatrick) purchased these knitting needles 20 years ago from an opportunity shop. Aero Knitting Pins are a discontinued brand that were popular in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. They are made of smooth, aircraft-quality anodized aluminium. To this day, they are a popular and sort after knitting needle. Being a long-lasting product, they are often given as heirlooms. Abel Morrall was a major needle manufacturer from Studley, a town near Redditch. In 1785, Michael Morrall who was taught the art of needle making by a maternal uncle, moved to Studley. He founded the Abel Morrall company with his brother Abel, and another unnamed brother-in-law. Within five years the company was producing 40% of the 2.5 million needles that were made each week in the Redditch area. In 1811 the company introduced the concept of creating the eyes by using a stamping press. Additional machines were invented by them throughout the 19th century leading to major improvements in the way needles were produced. Abel Morrall demonstrated their needle making machinery at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and Queen Victoria personally inspected it. The company selected the demi-griffin for its trademark in 1861, which can be seen on older products produced by the company. Set of four knitting needles stored within paper packaging. Packaging features black, red, and white ink, detailing the selling points of the Aero Knitting Pins. The packaging folds with 3 main sections, each providing different insights into the knitting needles. Examples of this are " CANNOT SOIL LIGHT WOOL", "...SPECIALLY TAPERED POINTS WHICH WILL NOT INJURE THE FINGERS" and "RUSTLESS-NON-GLITTER FINISH". As the packaging unfolds, the grey knitting needles become visible. The needles can be removed from the packaging by sliding them through small bands of paper that hold the needles secure while in transportation. The four knitting needles are a “NEUTRAL” grey colour finished in a double point style.Printed. Orange, White and Black Ink Numerous, see multimediaabel morrall, knitting needles, knitting pins, 1960s home knitting

This cap spinner squeezes the thread under the stationary cap and winds them onto the bobbin. Spinning transforms tops into yarns. The tops are pulled out into fine strands known as rovings. They are then twisted to bind the thread together to give the yarn greater strength. The yarns are wound into differently shaped tools. They are then sent off for weaving and knitting.Cap spinning machine.weaving, knitting, cap spinning, cap spinner, machine, textile industry, factory

Date made approx early 1800'sTravelling Sewing Machine. G clamp. Spanner/Screwdriver. Darning Mushroom. Darning Needle [knitting needle converted to sewing tool. Tension Spring. Darning foot. Sewing foot. Embroidery Sample. NeedlebookW B Moore 51 Grafton St Dublin Patent 1870. VR and crown on plate screw. Underneath base Miss L Kenny.sewing machine, travel, sewing accesories

Two copies of the same small Ball & Welch knitting pattern booklets, c.1940's. The front cover depicts a man wearing a knitted balaclava. Inside are various patterns for clothing - caps, sleeveless pullover, waistcoat muffler, armlets, man's socks and mittens, kneecaps and scarves. The Wool Department at Ball and Welch in Melbourne offered free advice for knitting problems.non-fictionTwo knitting pattern booklets for home knitters, c.1940's. The Wool Department on the Ground Floor at Ball and Welch in Melbourne offered free advice for knitting problems. These booklets were collected over 15 years and were used for exhibition at Memo, Gallery Healesville Friday 23rdOct to 18th November 2015.knitting, knitting patterns, knitting equipment

A green covered paperback knitting book with the title printed in white letting at the top c.1940's. The front cover depicts three photographs - a child wearing a knitted jumper and cap holding a teddy bear, a person wearing knitted mittens putting on a knitted sock, and a pair of white cotton crocheted ladies prettily decorated gloves. Inside are various patterns for clothing - caps, sleeveless pullover, waistcoat muffler, armlets, man's socks and mittens, kneecaps and scarves. non-fictionTwo knitting pattern booklets for home knitters, c.1940's. The Wool Department on the Ground Floor at Ball and Welch in Melbourne offered free advice for knitting problems. These booklets were collected over 15 years and were used for exhibition at Memo, Gallery Healesville Friday 23rdOct to 18th November 2015.knitting, knitting patterns, knitting equipment

THE DOLL HOUSE _ Yvonne Fitzmaurice The ten room fully furnished American farmhouse was created from an idea by former Mitcham resident, Yvonne Fitzmaurice and was constructed between 1976 and 1978 as a birthday present for her daughter, Susan. The house is a unique interpretation of early American architecture and inferior design. It is also a representation of one woman's ability to create and complete a details snapshot of a lifestyle long gone and give pleasure to family, friends and now the community. Yvonne has had an interesting and full life, born in New Zealand where was a State Registered Nurse and she specialised in hospital theatre work. Later her curiosity bought her to Australia where she worked at the Sydney hospital and with the Australia Flying Doctors service flying in and out of Wilcannia, western New South Wales. On returning to New Zealand Yvonne acted as part of a Medical cover team for the different armed services. one session in the Nary involved pursuing submarines which she described as being very exciting. In 1958 she travelled by sea through the Suez Canal to England and as a member of British Services served in the post WWII Germany for three year in the QARANC and also worked at The London Clinic with some high-profile specialists. Yvonne was introduced to her husband-to-be at a tennis party and they lived in Cambridge, UK, where their two children, Alastair and Susan, were born. On coming to Australia in 1965 as "£10 poms" (Yvonne's words) she worked in casualty at the Box Hill hospital. Initially the family lived at Blackburn South before moving to Mitcham in 1968. To help establish a new life with her family in Australia, Yvonne worked in many different positions from nursing, machine knitting for a Prahran shop, making Christmas Cards and as a commercial traveller. As a hobby she also sold a number of pastel paintings. Following the publishing of her first family history in 1994, Yvonne became a member and volunteer at the Whitehorse Historical Society where she has contributed in producing local history publication, articles for the Newsletter and has improved access to the files by creating the detailed "green files". Her interests include art, crafts and writing. Yvonne has a great philosophy, 'each day I must achieve something - no matter how small'.Hand-made child's doll's house. Built by Mrs Yvonne Fitzmaurice and finished in 1979. This house was built as a 1:12 scale and is a model of a Californian house called Peppercorn farm. House was built by Yvonne and her family and took a period of three years. A lot of the furniture is handmade and the rest is collected from various shops. "Susan Fitzmaurice" name on front of building. Date on plaque on top of front wall.na5059, na5061, na5063, na5065, na5068, na5071, na5073, na5075, na5077, na5079, na5081, na5083

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This piece is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Ensemble consisting of sleeveless crop top (.1) and full length pants (.2). Bold floral print features blue and white flowers on a navy blue background. Top has a white Peter Pan collar. Swing tag attached.Swing tag: "SIZE 34 / STYLE 186/11 / PRICE $13.00".swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Backless lamé one-piece swimsuit (.1) with pattern of silver, blue and bronze circles in various sizes. Waist ties knotted at front for cinched-in waist. Built-in underwire bra. Sleeveless A-line jacket (.2) in same fabric, falling past hips. Front zip and close-fitting hood.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “32 / Unquestionable Bra”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Blue and white gingham one-piece swimsuit. Short overskirt. Two rows of white cutwork lace form a frill along neckline and down either side of back straps, which fasten with buttons. Inbuilt bra with label: "Miss Watersun", size T14.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the words “Miss Watersun” in red, above the text: “T14”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, miss watersun, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. No label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

This striking pool party ensemble from Australian swimwear company Watersun was designed by Carmela DiBernado, nee Savino, for the opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Pool party ensemble consisting of a swimsuit (.1) and robe dress (.2), both black with silver trim. Dress has a crossover front, fastening at side waist, with v-neck at front and plunging back. Swimsuit has a v-neck, with silver trim extending forming an X-shape across the body.Label (identical in both items), blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s, carmela savino, carmela dibernardo, sydney opera house

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. Labels inside bra and top.Label in bra (.1), blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “Unquestionable Bra / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 34”. Label in side of bikini top (.1): “BRI NYLON” Label in back collar of top (.3): blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “34”, with words “Unquestionable Bra” truncated. Appears to be a repurposed bra label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Gold lurex one-piece swimsuit (.1) with v-neck and built-in bra. Matching floor-length gold cape (.2) with high collar and yellow lining. Fastens at collar with hook.Label, blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s

Marina Couture was a luxe swimwear line produced by Watersun in the 1960s. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Silver lamé swimsuit featuring delicate brocade embellishment, an inbuilt underwire bra, a zippered back and elasticised edging on the legs and back.Label in bra, blue with gold crown logo and text: “MARINA COUTURE / 32”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, marina couture