Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Cotton is a common material for knitwear worn in the warmer months, as it is very breathable and absorbs moisture easily. While we mostly associate knitwear with keeping us warm in the cold, the market for Australian knitwear would be very limited without options to wear all year round. The decoration on this garment was embroidered by hand by a skilled worker at the Kathryn Knitwear factory. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.White diaper set. Short sleeved white top with two inverted box pleats along whole length, stitched at shoulder and mid chest. Embroidered in half cross stitch with two blue dogs on front. Closes in centre back with three plastic pearlescent buttons. White baby diaper shorts with ribbing at waist and leg holes .3 is a sample tag with manufacturing information, including price, size and colours available .4 is a swing tag with manufacturer care instructions.1 [label at back neck of top] Kathryn Reg’d / All Cotton / 18 .3 [sample label] [Obverse] STYLE: 314. Diaper Sat [sic] – Emb top. Combed Cotton. SIZE: 18” PRICE: 26/- COLOR: BLUE. LEMON. WHITE. [reverse] KATHRYN Garments are •PRE-SHRUNK •STANDARD MEASUREMENTS •FIT EXACTLY •LAUNDER PERFECTLY Designed and Manufactured by ROBERT BLAKE, MELBOURNE .4 [retail label] [obverse] Kathryn PRE-SHRUNK KNITWEAR Style: 314 [handwritten] DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED BY Robert Blake MELBOURNE [reverse] IMPORTANT. Special care should be taken with white and pastel shades. Rinse thoroughly. Do NOT dry in sunlight. WASHING INSTRUCTIONS 1.Wash frequently to AVOID HEAVY SOILING 2.Wash garment BY HAND, in lukewarm Velvet Soap suds. ON NO ACCOUNT RUB SOAP ON GARMENT. 3.Squeeze suds gently through garment but DO NOT RUB. Rubbing will cause garment to thicken. 4.RINSE AT LEAST TWICE IN CLEAN WATER TO REMOVE ALL SOAP. 5.To dry, roll garment in a towel to remove excess moisture, turn garment inside out and pull it lengthwise, then safety-pin to line through shoulder tape. 6.To keep Brushed Wool garments like new brush frequently with nylon brush.children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear, clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, embroidery, embroiderer, hand embroidery, dog embroidery, animal embroidery, animal motif, dog motif, dog, animal, baby clothes, baby knitwear, baby clothing

Originating in Sweden as early as the 17th century, Näversöm embroidery gets its name from a piece of birch bark that was used as a frame. Since the birch bark frame could be easily rolled up and carried to protect her work, the Shepherdess did her Näversöm embroidery while tending her animals. The Näversöm embroidery technique is unusual because it is entirely stitched from the back. The birch bark protected the front of the piece, and the final design was not revealed until the folk art was completely finished. This embroidery would have become extinct had it not been for a Swedish woman, who owned a needlework shop in Hudiksvall, Sweden, who studied the Näversöm stitchery and began teaching this specialized embroidery in the late 1800s. Näversöm had a revival in the 1960s and '70s in Sweden when several instructional articles were published. Näversöm was used as household linens, and in earlier times as lampshades that would display the beautiful artistry as the light shined through the needlework. Examples of new and old patterns are still available from Sweden. Swedish Näversöm MatCream mat in Swedish Näversöm technique. Mat design forms a diagonal cross.embroidery, mats, drawn thread

Dark green book with blue printing on the cover titled 'The Victorian Drawing Book'. Border around the edges. Has space on the front for name, class, commenced and finished on the front. Price sixpence. Pencil drawings in the book include some letters of the alphabet, people, animals and flowers. Three loose drawing in the book and a transfer of an iris and butterflies for embroidery. Supplement to Weldon's Ladies' Journal. Advertisement for Faudel's Embroidery Silks, Peacock & Squirrel Brands.drawing, pencil, drawing book, german heritage society collection - the victorian drawing book

24 pagesnon-fictionA wide variety of hand embroidery stiches were used, as well as machine embroidery on hand-painted fabric.Tree trunks were mainly appliqued but some some were cross-stiched; distant foliage is free machine embroidery on water-soluble fabric and closer foliage consists of individually embroidered leaves.All 55 embroideries of birds, animals, fish, insects, plants, fence posts, logs, rocks, etc. were worked by 15 people.312 residents, families and friends added their stiches to the canvaswork label panel. embroidery, cardinia flora, cardinia fauna

Label attached to record card states "Chinese Embroidery from the Royal Palace, Pekin J.M.S."Fine white satin edge with bright blue silk flower embroidery. A fine example of pekin knot stitchery outlined with gold thread showing traditional Chinese motifs and figures.embroidery, garments, silk embroidery, late 19th century, china, trees, animals, pagoda

Classical Chinese design, a wide band of pale green satin is partly decorated with a band of embroidery. Pekin knot stitch outlined with a very fine white cord is worked in shades of pink, blue, yellow and green. Subjects chosen are flower vase, bats, sea creatures and peony flowers.On reverse 438/4103embroidery, garments, china, silk embroidery, poeny, flower, vase, bat, animals

Sohrai embroidery is a traditional art form inspired by the, ritualistic, nature-based wall paintings of Jharkhand, India, created by tribal women, often during harvest seasons. This style features intricate, geometric, and figurative motifs—such as animals, birds, and plants—translated onto fabrics using techniques like Kantha stitch, embroidery, and sometimes mirror work.Tea cosy is probably Indian. It is of cream cotton fabric with a tamboured design of dragons in brown and black. Includes tea cloth and napkins.embroidery, tea cosy, india?, tambour work

This panel was made by the Hmong people of Laos/Cambodia, and given to the Guild when the donor spoke at the meeting.Embroidered and applique panel. Blue border with grey and white, grey and blue inner border and a centre square of naïve embroidery in the Hmong style with brightly coloured people and animals. Colours of red, pink, green, yellow and black.embroidery, laos, animal, bird, butterfly, pigs, animals

Said to be a requirement of the nomadic Persian family groups. Sugar made in thick blocks and rasped down when required, it was hung in these bags to keep it away from insects and animals. Part of the Iranian collection selected by Lady Amies when on a trip in 1976.Cherry silk embroidered in gold and coloured sequins in the classic pine cone motif. Chartreuse border edged on both sides with gold braid. Cord and tassels threaded through rod loops for hanging. Red cotton lining. Small sample of Coats Filosheen mending cottonembroidery, beading, 1960-80, middle east

Purchased by the donor in Athens in 1977.Modern Greek. Green linen with coloured design in surface stitchery. The pattern is a traditional design of a ship, people and animals.embroidery, surface stitchery, greece, 1960-80

Lorna Law (EGV) mounted pieces onto the backing fabric after children made the pieces in class. Inspired by hangings made by New Zealand embroiderers to hang in the new Globe Theatre in London. On the way to London they were hung in the Great Hall of the National Gallery in Melbourne.Brown cotton, edged in a shiny green cord. Birds, animals, fish etc. in a multitude of bright colours. Appliqued pieces sewn by children.embroidery, applique, children, class sampler, hanging

Edna Wark was a Foundation Member of The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria.Embroidered Felt Mouse embroidered with decorative stitches, couching and beads.Label attached " Embroideries by Edna Wark - 136 Prospect Hill Rd, Canterbury 3126"animals, felt

Drawn thread and surface embroidery. Natural coloured linen. Very open drawn ground. Bars are formed by drawing threads and cording. Fabric left, not drawn creating a design of animals and trees.embroidery, drawn thread, table cloths, surface stitchery, animals, animal

Square mat on ecru linen, embroidered in Assisi style, with a square centre and wide border of animals. Orange cross stitch outlined in black.Mable Carey 1960italy, assisi, embroidery, cross stitch

Mary and Joseph are wooden artist models, dressed in cream linen pulled/drawn thread robes. Mary has a blue linen head shawl. Baby Jesus lies in a wooden box, swathed in embroidered linen. There is also an embroidered lamb. Joseph has linen headpiece. Mary has silk petticoat. Mary 30 cms Joseph 32 cms Baby Jesus 12.5 cms (box) Lamb 10cmsembroidery, pulled thread, drawn thread, nativity set, animals

Narrow panel in bead embroidery. Four narrow bands form the design - floral, scrolls and flowers, fish and marine animals. Worked in very small beads. beading, china, birds, fish, flowers

Pink silk damask centre embroidered with flowers, birds and animals. Cream silk border edged in gold metal thread. Backed with blue cotton.textiles, mats, silk embroidery, oriental, china

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. The decoration on this garment was embroidered by hand by a skilled worker at the Kathryn Knitwear factory. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Wool has been renowned for its excellent properties for thousands of years, by people from all over the world. Not only good for thick winter woollens, it can help keep you cool in summer, as well as being durable and resistant to water, fire, ultraviolet light, stains and odour. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Brown children’s cardigan with embroidery of four baby chicks in yellow and red on green grass at bottom of front panels. Closes at centre front with three brown plastic buttons[Label at back neck with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD / 20 ALL WOOL CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKEchildren's knitwear, children's clothing, clothing, knitwear, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, embroidery, embroiderer, chickens, chicks, baby animals, cute animals

Originally framed by William Hayward, carver - gilder and picture frame manufacturer 54 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, EnglandFramed needlework sampler - five lines of alphabet and numbers worked in red cross stitch on a light brown material, followed by a verse, then a house, birds, boat, windmill, animals worked below. Cross stitch sampler. (See 'Other Information' for verse).Signed in cross stitch by the embroiderer, Sarah Moats, aged 10, 1836.handcrafts, embroidery

Traditional embroidery (chasu) in Korea has a history of more than 2,000 years. Since prehistoric times, the need for sewing led ancient Koreans to use needles made from fish or other animal bones to weave animal skin, tree bark and leaves. After society got more advanced, chasu was introduced as a method of adding colour and detail.Silk embroidery of a pair of peacocks under cherry blossom and peonies. Cream silk background with colourful satin stitch embroidery using silk threads.Four characters - Chinese 'Hanzi' or Korean 'Hanja'

Bought in Greece in 1961 from Attica near Athens.Antique design of small animals in cross stich on a natural linen with dark brown thread. embroidery, cross stitch, 17th century, greece

The needlepoint technique of Berlin work received its name from the German worsted wool that is an essential component in producing these pieces. Also referred to as canvas work, this form of pictorial embroidery became a craze during the mid-nineteenth century. Practiced by women of all ages, it consists of carefully arranged compositions with biblical, pastoral, or romantic scenes, floral arrangements, animals, and other pattern variations, which were largely distributed by German publishers. The tent stitch and cross-stitch were fundamental to these designs as canvas work patterns required the majority of the ground fabric to be covered with embroidery thread. https://raynhamhallmuseum.org/thehomeneedle/the-berlin-wool-work-craze/ Apart from framed pictures, Berlin work was seen as a way to adorn everyday objects and can be found in sewing tools, upholstered furniture and articles of dress, represented here by a pair of men’s slippers. Moreover, the practice of beadwork could be adapted to canvas work patterns by using one bead for every painted square, augmenting the ornamental quality of this type of craft.Berlin work (wool) picture of a bouquet of flowers in soft pinks, creams, fawns etc. on a background of dark cream felt or suede-like fabric.embroidery, picture, berlin work, wool

Donor believes it is Hungarian and over 100 years old (1872) worked by peasants.Square cloth with drawn ground and a design of stylized animals, finished with a crocheted edge echoing the main pattern. Technique resembles Sicilian drawn thread work.embroidery, table cloth, white work, drawn thread, sicily, hungary

Gifted by P.L.C. School Craft Dept. Melbourne by courtesy of Miss Lexie Luly, Art Mistress P.L.C. 1970. See attached letter.Cream even weave linen with cross stitched religious text, house, and ships, flowers and animals. Border of flowers. Pale wooden frame. "Tis religion that can give sweetest pleasures while we live tis religion must supply solid comfort when we die" Hannah Kefford Angell Aged 8 years 1843embroidery, samplers, mid 19th century, cross stitch

Beige linen, colours muted greens, browns, beige, blues. Large central rose and carnation. Religious text. Small animals and trees along base of design. Narrow black and gold frame.Leticia Luff 1823embroidery, cross stitch, samplers, early 19th century, england