Use: Domestic. Household trimmingBobbin motifs appliqued onto machine net

Fashion Item. Bonnet veils were very fashionable during the 19th century. At this time old lace was highly valued - in this case old Argentan needle lace motifs (mid 18th century) have been reclaimed and appliqued onto machine made cotton net to form this 19th century bonnet veil. Probably home-made.Mid 18th century Argentan needle lace motifs appliqued onto machine-made cotton net.lace veil, bonnet veil.

An excellent example of Australian ladies fashion of the time.Exceptional two piece dress with fitted and boned bodice and bustle skirt and train. Bodice features many panels and internal whaleboning with cotton lining. Waist tape to secure. Pointed waistband to the exterior, trimmed in panels of velvet and lace inserts. Pleated sleeves and high, stand up collar with white cotton insert. Row of metal hooks and eyes to secure at the centre front, covered with a row of small metal and enamel buttons with butterfly design (all present) and hand finished button holes. Another row of hooks and eyes over the top. Skirt is full with the gathers focused on the centre back with a row of cartridge pleats and metal hooks and eyes to secure at the waist. Row of cotton tape sits under the hips to be gathered into the desired fullness. Ornamental panels of velvet provide a faux wrap styling to the front. Underskirt of silk faille with a box pleated trim to the hem. Underneath is a third hem finished in a row of white cambric and lace trim. Train falls from the waist and displays the same hem treatments as the dress. The dress has been mostly machine sewn but with large amounts of hand sewn finishing.none

Five embroidery threads in skeins of shades of yellow (2) and green (3). One large wooden spool with small amount of brown thread. One Coats 60 thread bobbin lace white on a wooden reel. One Sylko 24 beige thread on wooden reel. One small wooden reel with no labels and pink thread. One ball of DMC 12 Perle thread in pale pinkCoats - J & P Coats 1000 Beste Qualitat meter vier fach Spezialertzeugnis fur fabrikanten 60. Dewhurst's Sylko Machine twist 24 Silk Substitute Shells. DMC Coton Perle 12 Made in France 10grams 141 yds. Anchor Soft Embroidery Fast Colour 110m/10.9 yd. Lesh & Handsley Perline Mercerised cottons . Sylko Trademark Embroidery Shade no 13 Made in England Silk Substitute J Dewhurst & Sons (Skipton) Size A color 334

This light woollen evening dress is made from Peppinella, a new fabric Norma Tullo introduced into her range in 1973. The fabric was used exclusively by Tullo, and came from the wool of Peppin Merino (first introduced into Australia in 1858 by the Peppin brothers). According to the papers of the day Tullo’s 1973 winter collection featured ‘St. Trinian’s styles to garments dripping lace, in bold plain colours to floral prints.” Shirley Lyle designed the floral fabric. Norma Tullo (1935-2019) was one of the leading fashion designers of her time, establishing her label in 1956. After establishing a business the Old Metropole Arcade in Melbourne in 1956, with three sewing machines, Tullo's ready to wear fashions for young women became sought after, and her business flourished. In 1966 the Japanese department store chain Isetan Co Ltd began to mass-produce her garments for their stores across Japan. Tullo closed her label in 1977, and later worked for Fletcher Jones. Ann Carew, 2020The dress is historically significant as a dress designed by Norma Tullo, a leading fashion designer of the 1960s and 1970s. During this period the Australian Wool Industry strove to promote wool, and to develop light woollen fabrics to compete with new synthetic fibres such as rayon. The garment is historically significant for the use of a merino wool showcasing its versatility for dress fabrics. Full length woman's dress with full skirt and long sleeves, collared with open neck and pleat work on bodice. Material is predominately red with a repeated pattern featuring posie of blue and mauve flowers.Inscribed, black label on back neck left of zip, 'TULLO/IN/PEPPINELLA/AUSTRALIA MERINO WOOL'; Inscribed, white satin label on back neck right of zip, 'DRY CLEAN ONLY'; Inscribed, white satin label underneath above label, 'SIZE 12/To Fit Bust 34"/To Fit Waistwool, rmit design archives, rmit university, woman's dress, textile design, australian fashion

A souvenir from Egypt. It contains a central image of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and man seated on camel. There are flags and images of military leaders. The date is unknown but assumed to be from the first World War period. Flags around the central image are from countries allied in World War One, clockwise from bottom left: Sultanate of Egypt (red flag used 1914-1918) ; flag of Belgium ; Russian flag and image of Tsar Nicholas II in top left ; a form of the UK flag with King George V ; French flag ; Italian flag ; and the Serbian flag in bottom right. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of a type of souvenir from Egypt at the end of World War I. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Square printed cloth (possibly silk) with gold lace outer edge, machine stitched possibly at a later date. Printed section contains central image of Egyptian Sphinx, pyramids and man seated on camel (facing right) Surrounding main picture is a series of portraits of leaders of various countries with respective national flags either side.Souvenir of Egyptsouvenir, world war one

A remnant of pin-tucked cotton and crochet lace fabric, cut from another article, cylindrical in shape with machine stitching joining the edges. There are two bands of crochet lace fabric, the lower one with scalloped edging.favaloro, pin-tucks

White cotton drawers with fine crochet and needlework lace on the legs. Lace edging 15 cms wide. The waistband fastens at the back with two buttons. A gathered section is detachable and fastens to the waistband with two buttons. This section has a machined center seam. At the front two darts are placed on either side of the central seam.cotton drawers, bloomers, early underwear, vintage underwear

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. White cotton machine made net bolero with tambour work and a chemical lace medallion inserted centre backfashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, lace, women's clothing

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Length of heavily embroidered tulle with a border detail on three edges and one cut side. The pattern is of flowers and leaves. Machine chain stitch onto net. The floral centres are hand madelace, embroidery, tulle

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Cream crocheted bodice with pearl buttons. A net band has been attached at the waistline to facilitate the garment being tucked in. There are some machine made elements hand tacked on but the garment is mainly hand made. Most of the garment is diamond mesh with picot. The yoke is crotchet mesh with applied daisy motifs. Large daffodils and daisy motifs are applied to the main body of the garmentlace, women's clothing

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Coffee coloured smaller and larger frills to wear at the neck. Chemical lace daisies sith the net cut away with a punch. The machine was set precisely to repeat the design with lock stitch and then satin stitch around the edgeslace, women's clothing, jabots

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Cream organdie collar. Machine embroidered with flowers and leaves at the edge of the collar. Trifoils embroidered at the neck edge of the collar. The collar is divided into three panels by two embroidered lines which open into a diamond shape at the outer edgewomen's clothing, lace, collars

The fashion and design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. The collection includes numerous fashion accessories including items of lace clothing.Machine embroidered broderie anglaise dress front with lace edging hanging from a shoulder to shoulder broderie anglaise panelwomen's clothing, lace, jabots

One of a group of items including lace and crochet collars and pelerines, a jabot, a chid's dress and a wedding dress donated by KHS member, Kathryn (Kate) Gwynne Reeve (nee Marx) that belonged to members of her family. Tape lace is either a hand made (with a bobbin) or a machine woven tape. The tape is folded into the required design and then fixed and embellished with connecting lace or embroidery stitches of various kinds.Tape lace collar. L 17 cm / W 39 cm / Circumference 98 cmaccessories, tape lace, lace collars

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. Di initiated many local projects, including the creation of a bike path along Nepean Highway and the first Brighton Festival, while balancing family life and a demanding ‘day job’ as personal assistant to Victorian Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation Brian Dixon. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.This dress has local historical significance for its association with Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, who wore it to a Mayoral Ball in 1976. The dress exemplifies her flamboyant reputation, modern outlook and willingness to break norms. At the time, the dress was a radical choice for a Mayoral Ball, where women typically wore formal evening gowns. With her choice of dress, Cr Lopez was making a public statement, breaking away from dated traditions and announcing her intention to bring the Mayor's office into the 1970s. In this way, the dress also points to the wider social and political changes taking place both in Brighton and across Australia during the mid-1970s.Three quarter length chamois dress circa 1974. Machine stitched with a v-neck and full length sleeves and an uneven raw hem, the dress is decorated with narrow thongs of chamois embellished with red beads and blue feathers. The open-fronted bodice is laced with red ribbon and the skirt is decorated with a large blue wool cross stitch and a combination of blue wool and purple ribbon cross stitch. Made in the style of an Indian 'Wild West Dress'.di lopez, chamois, brighton, brighton council, brighton technical school, mayoral ball, 1970s, feminism

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 and green plaid children's pinafore with green hem binding and in-built petticoat with lace edging.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

This photograph is showing a procedure performed by an RDNS Sister in the home of an elderly lady.Education was an integral part of Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) from its inception in 1885, later called Royal District Nursing Service, (RDNS). Only Trained Nurses were employed by the Society, and on visits to patients they taught the necessity of hygiene and cleanliness, as well as the need for a good diet, to bring about good health. Doctor’s lectures were later given at the MDNS home to instruct patients and their families on prevention of disease. Education to patients continued throughout the years regarding health care and the use of equipment in the home. In 1961 Education programs commenced at MDNS with Sisters receiving In-service education. Staff could also apply for scholarships to further their education outside of RDNS. At RDNS many programs were run, including: a Post Basic Course, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing, Haematology/Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care program, Diabetic Stabilization Program, Leg Ulcer Management Program, HIV/AIDS Nursing Care, Cystic Fibrosis Home Support, Veterans Home Care Program, Breast Cancer Support Program, Continence Management Program, Stomal Therapy Program, In-Home Lactation Support Program and a Community Nursing Education Program extended to student nurses from hospitals and to other nursing organizations. RDNS staff attended several hospitals to observe and learn special care needed to some clients, e.g. to the Austin Hospital to learn the care required for paraplegic and quadriplegic clients at home and to Mount Royal Hospital to observe the care of clients in the rehabilitation ward.This Black and white photograph is showing Sister Liddalow, of the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), linking up a home dialysis unit into the left arm of an elderly lady. The lady who wears glasses and has wavy hair, is wearing a white nightdress with lace at the neck and down the centre front. Her left arm is resting on top of a surgical cover and she is clenching her left fist and has a tourniquet above her elbow. She is sitting against a flower patterned pillow on her bed watching the procedure. Sister Liddalow has short dark hair and is wearing a white gown over her uniform. She has a glove on her right hand and a syringe in her hand. In the left rear IV apparatus, with two syringes and a trolley on which a machine can be seen.date of photographroyal district nursing service, rdns, patient care - home dialysis, sister liddalow,

Used for placing food on or ornaments on furniture.A rectangular ornamental machine made doiley made of white cotton with a cut out pattern for use under cakes or ornaments placed on furniture.table linen, lace, cotton, cotton thread, table accessories, soft furnishings

Brown grained leather. Decorative stitching and punching over toe with some scuffing of colour. Fine machine stitching on body of shoe. Leather pull up strap on back of foot well. 2 button hooks at top each side of instep. 4 shoe lace eyelets down each side instep with 2 pairs of short brown cotton laces on each instep. Nailed leather sole and built up heel slightly scuffed. Grained leather inner soleSize 5 stamped on sole near toe. Stamped circle with "ALL LEATHER .IHM(in calligraphy font) on mid sole.

This outfit was worn by Kate Dabb for her wedding to Alf Meyer on the 6th of June 1900 at the Maldon Wesleyan Church. Kate was the 3rd daughter of Samuel Dabb.This dress is in two parts, a bodice and a skirt. Made of cream satin, mostly machine sewn with some hand sewing. The bodice is finely worked with applique panels of scrolls, petals and leaves decorated with glass beads and sequins. The back panel and cuffs are trimmed with lace.wedding dress, samuel dabb, meyer, "dabb, catherine maud", "callow, phoebe"

Research suggests that this dress dates from the early 1920's when elastic was first used in clothing.Deep cream cotton muslin ladies tea dress. High waisted, square neckline, elbow length sleeves edged in cotton lace. Skirt has four panels of fabric - two side panels extending around front and back, and centre panels at front and back. French seams - some stitched in pink thread - machine stitched. Centre panels have two rectangular inserts of cotton lace. Each side panel has one rectangular insert of cotton lace. Lace inserts are edged on sides with six ball passementerie buttons. Neckline and sleeves edged with cream cotton lace. Soft gathering from neckline of centre front and back. Elastic casing around waist.costume, female, ladies tea dress

Calendar for 1992.White machine crochet calendar for 1992 with 'Bless This House' above image of a house and garden.Bless This House, 1992, calendaryear 1992, lace calendar

BHS CollectionWaist length dark green cotton bodice. Fabric has alternating stripes of pulled thread pattern and wider stripes of small dot pattern. Front opening with deep V to waist with lined lace insert extending from throat to waist. LHS of bodice fastened to lace insert with five press studs. Stand up collar of lined black lace (%cm) fastened with two hook and eyes. The bodice is made from five pieces. The two front sections have three knife pleats facing out and falling from the shoulder. The pleats are stitched down for twenty cms from the shoulders. On either side of the front opening is decorative embroidered black lace that extends across the shoulders to the back of the collar. There are two side panels from under the arm. The back section has three box pleats falling from the collars and tapering to the waist. The hem of the bodice is fastened with black cotton tape. Leg of mutton sleeves are trimmed with black embroidered brais at elbow and wrist. Lower sleeves have pintucks from elbow to wrist. The sleeves are lined with black cotton fabric. The back of the bodice is lined with black cotton fabric almost to the hem. A three cm piece of white and blue cotton tape is attached across the lower back with cotton ties at either end. The underarm panels are lined with brown cotton fabric and green satin inserted sections. The front has a separate lining with front opening and shaped with darts. Fastened with six buttons and buttonholes. Two shoulder pads on each side- one white piece under the shoulder and a green satin piece under the gathered section of each sleeve. Dark green full length skirt. Cotton fabric with alternating stripes of pulled thread pattern and wider stripe of small dot pattern. Skirt is made of three sections. Centre front panel widens slightly to hemline. Side panels continue around to join at centre back. Darts at both hips to shape sides. Panels widen to hemline. Inverted pleats at either side of back opening create fullness. Back opening(30cm) has insert of black satin joined to LHS of opening to enlarge the opening. Insert attached to waist band with two press studs. Two other press studs attach skirt to RHS of insert. Brown cotton waistband hand stitched to skirt. Ties attached to waistband at back opening- one cotton tape, one satin ribbon. Front centre panel has a piece of black satin stitched as lining from eighteen cm below waist (57cm deep). Stitched across and attached to side seams. Lower edge trimmed with black lace. Second piece of satin lining stitched to centre seam and stitched around the hip to partway across back.(Looks like a nylon petticoat cut in two pieces and stitched inside skirt as a lining). Hemline has fifteen cm piece of cotton lining attached and lower edge of hem has fringed cotton binding attached.. Side seams of front panel have decorative trim of embroidered braid extending seventy-six cms from waist. Braid then turned ninety degrees and continued in a horizontal zig zag line around to centre back seam (both sides) twenty cms above hem. Hand and machine stitched.costume, female, ladies dress- bodice.

An example of a pair of pillowcases from the early 1900s. The item is of significance socially as an example of decorative domestic objects in the early 1900s.Pair of pillowcases made from soft white cotton and machine stitched. Cotton ties are sewn into the back of each pillowcase. A combination of material and hand crocheted lace forms the edging of each pillowcase.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, pillowcase, decorative lace edging, domestic object, pair of pillowcases, cotton, crochet lace, warrnambool, textile

An example of a decorative domestic object from the early 1900s.The item is of significance socially as an example of decorative domestic objects in the early 1900s.Single pillowcase made from soft white cotton with a crochet lace edge. The pillowcase is machine stitched and on the front has three fine pintucks at each end. The lace edging has been handstitched on.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, pillowcase, cotton, crochet lace, domestic object, textile, decorative lace edging

This corset cover is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This corset cover is an excellent example of an everyday clothing item with the decorative trim favoured by women in the late Victorian era. Eliza Towns has added pintucks, embroidered feather stitch and a highly decorative hand crocheted lace trim to the neckline, sleeves and front of the bodice. Corset covers (sometimes called camisoles) began to appear in women's fashion around 1840 and continued through the late Victorian decades into the Edwardian era. The long chemise was considered too bulky to cover the corset and so the corset cover was developed to be short and light and was worn over the corset and under the bodice of the outer garment. A woman would dress into her chemise and drawers first, followed by her corset and finally her corset cover as a final layer under her dress. Corset covers served several purposes. They provided protection against sweat (and the need to regularly wash the corset), helped smooth the lines of the corset and increased a woman's modesty.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery and crochet to embellish an item of personal underclothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulty of hand washing a corset in the Victorian era.A short (waist length) corset cover of fine cotton. Short sleeves fall from a square neckline and are gathered into a wide crocheted lace trim with a band of embroidered feather stitch. The same crocheted lace design and feather stitching are also on the square neckline which is finished with a drawstring ribbon. The bodice has a front opening with five buttons and is bordered on each side with four pintucks. It has a drawstring ribbon at the waist and an extra layer of fine cotton lining has been added to strengthen the corset cover under the arms. The back has two bands of three pintucks running vertically from the neckline to the waist.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, nhill, wimmera, eliza towns, underclothing, corset cover, camisole, machine sewing, hand sewing, crocheted lace, pintucks, feather stitch, embroidery, underwear, victorian era underclothing, victorian era corset cover

This nightgown is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This nightgown is machine sewn by Eliza Towns and she has added a detailed design of pintucks and broderie anglaise lace to the front yoke and cuffs as a decorative element. The 1800's bought a shift in attitude towards modesty as the Victorian era progressed and by the mid to late 1800's it had become more acceptable ladies to wear simple, modest nightgowns. They tended to have a very loose fit and were usually made of linen, cotton or flannel, which had the advantage of providing warmth and also being easy to wash - a necessity for a garment worn next to the skin. Although the basic design of the nightgown was fairly simple, the wearer was free to add various types of trim e.g. lace, crochet, pintucks, embroidery etc.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a practical item of clothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulties that women of this era faced with regard to the washing of clothes and household linens.Lady's long, white, cotton nightgown with a V shaped bodice decorated with bands of nine pintucks alternating with strips of broderie anglaise lined with pink ribbon. The opening front placket and neckline are bordered with a simpler broderie anglaise lace. The long sleeves are gathered into cuffs with a matching V shape, pintuck and broderie anglaise design. The front placket fastens with three cream buttons although one is missing. The back of the nightgown has gathered fabric on a plain, narrow V shape yoke. A narrow gusset has been added to the both sides at the bottom of the nightgown.Noneflagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, victorian era clothing, victorian era nightgown, nightgown, nightdress, eliza towns, nhill, wimmera, textiles, clothing, machine sewing, hand sewing, pintucks, broderie anglaise, sewing

This chemise is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This chemise is machine sewn by Eliza Towns and she has added pintucks and broderie anglaise lace as a decorative element. A chemise was usually a sleeveless garment made of linen or cotton (so they could be easily washed) and its shape was much like a modern day nightgown. The name comes from the French word for "shirt" or "shift". Women wore chemises next to the skin (under the corset) to keep stains and odors away from the less washable corset and gown.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the mid to late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personlise and embellish an item of clothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulties of needing to regularly hand wash a bulky outer garment or gown in the Victorian era.A white cotton, short sleeved, knee length chemise. The fabric at the front is gathered on a yoke which is decorated with bands of five pintucks alternating with broderie anglaise lace and embroidered strips lined with pink ribbon. A different broderie anglaise design decorates the sleeve edges, neckline and center broderie anglaise strip. The back of the chemise is gathered on to the neckline. There are two bands of pintucks on each sleeve. The fabric around each armhole has been strengthened with another layer of cotton and a length of cotton has been added (from the left shoulder to the hem) to increase the width of chemise.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, south west victoria, victorian era, victorian era undergarments, chemise, victorian era chemise, undergarments, pintucks, victorian chemise, eliza towns, nhill, wimmera, home sewing, machine sewn, hand made