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. This style of “brushed wool leginette suit” was produced by Kathryn from at least 1953-1964, though this example likely dates from before 1962. In the winter of 1961, the brand sold 4376 suits of this style. It came with an included nylon brush in order to keep the brushed finish of the garments, which can be found under NWM-09016 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. 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. This style of “brushed wool leginette suit” was produced by Kathryn from at least 1953-1964, though this example likely dates from before 1962. In the winter of 1961, the brand sold 4376 suits of this style.Four-piece legging suit consisting of cardigan, leggings, hat and mittens in fuzzy yellow brushed wool. Cardigan is double breasted and closes with two rows of yellow plastic buttons, with a fifth button under the collar. Fold-over collar and cuffs are not brushed wool and provide contrasting texture. Leggings have elastic at waist and ankle to go under foot. Bottom of leg has foot flap. Hat is in a bonnet style and has turnback around face and ties under neck. Mittens are each construced in one piece with no additional thumb pocket, and tie at wrists..1) [label at back neck of cardigan] KATHRYN REGD. CREATED BY PURE WOOL / 20 / ROBERT BLAKE .5) [sample label] [OBVERSE] STYLE: LS/W. LEGGING SUIT – BRUSHED WOOL SIZE: 18” 20” PRICE: 39/9 42/6 3 PCE: 42/9 45/6 4 PCE: COLOR: BLUE. LEMON. PINK. WHITE.knitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, brushed wool, wool, fluffy

Sample of Kathryn Knitwear Collection. This brush was included with a brushed wool leginette suit (NWM-08916), in order to maintain the fluffy finish of the garment after wear and washing. 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. 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.Transleucent nylon brush with rows of thin bristles mounted in an offset pattern[Printed on plastic packaging] CARE OF BRUSHED FABRICS To obtain original condition brush garment frequently between wearing and after washing. Follow laundering instructions on swing ticket.brush, garment brush, brushed wool, laundry, garment care, nylon brush, accessory

This was knitted by Marjorie Burton during WW11 in England. She used to knit while in an air raid shelter escaping the bombing with her young daughter. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from a middle-class, working, church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who mademany of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Her father served in Civil Defence during the war. Marjorie was in Birmingham during the war and remembered sheltering with her young daughter, Anne (Quaadgras) in the air raid shelter during bombing. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women necessary during WW11 when clothing became scarce. Clothes rationing began on June 1, 1941, two years after food rationing started. Clothes rationing ended on 15 March 1949.A narrow, detachable hand-knitted lady's collar. It is hand-knitted in white brushed wool.women's -clothing accessory burton-marjorie

Designed and made by Linda Worthington for the Guild's Wool Exhibition 2010, and sold to the donor Joan Lefroy.Baby owl, couched brushed wool, some emu feathers. Glass eye. Owl is on tree, of constructed fabric. Threads of wool fibres, black sheer, free machine stitched and hand stitched. Recessed frame. embroidery, picture, owl, wool, emu fathers, exhibition 2010

Four page knitting pattern booklet featuring black and white printed graphics and text. The colour cover shows two women in lace knitted tops eating ice cream.front: [printed] THOROBRED / scheepjeswol / No. 136 / 75-95 cm / Pure Wool Brushedknitting, pattern, fashion, knitwear, women, thorobred scheepjeswol

Hoover Model 0212 was advertised in Australia 1951 - 1956. Model 0212 enabled Hoover to diversify their floor care range as they turned their attention to non carpeted floors. It came with polishing brushes, lambs wool polishing pads for furniture, and with optional scrubbing brushes. Used over wood, lino, tiles, rubber and cork.Used by a resident of the Kiewa ValleyMaroon long steel handle missing a cover at the top end. There is a long electric cord attached as the cord is wound onto the handle. The handle is fixed to a barrel which moves along the surface of the floor being cleaned. The motor rotates 2 round rotary brushes which clean the floor. There is a strip of rubber around the base. "The Hoover Electric Polisher - Model 0212 ..""Hoover Ltd. Great Britain"hoover floor polisher, electric polisher

Hand knitted by Valda Arrowsmith for herself in the 1970s and worn for many years. Knitted to the original pattern (see Supplementary file) with a wide turn back cuff and altered by Betty Tickell to a turn under narrow cuff in 1980s.Pale green (eau de nil) mohair jumper knitted in lattice pattern. It has long sleeves and a round neck. Wool is brushed Carissa.costume, female, handcrafts, knitting

Pair of child's leather boots. Fawn leather on upper, brushed cotton lined, wool rubber sole and heel. Decorative tan leather and stitching around upper. Silver coloured zip on arch with decorative stitching to toe. Stiff toe puffs and heel supportsOn sole ink stamped 'LEATHER UPPER COTTON LINED FIBER INNER SOLE WOOL RUBBER SOLE' Under decorative tan leather on upper Ink stamped '2 585 SIZE 9' On inner sole Ink stamped 'WRAY'S NATURAL FORM FOOTWEAR MADE IN ENGLAND"

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

After scouring, the wool fibres are still tangled together. Carding untangles the fibres by brushing and straightening. The wool moves through a series of wire brush rollers that revolve at different speeds and in different directions to tease apart the wool. The fibres emerge from the machine as a continuous filmy web - called a sliver. The sliver must be thinned and divided into strands before the next process. Carding machines constantly require tuning. A highly skilled technician maintained and adjusted the speed of the rollers on the machine. This machine was developed by the CSIRO in the 1960s as a small-scale experimental machine. Industrial carding machines were four times the size of this one. Gold plaque on display with machine until 2018 read: G.H. Mitchell & Son, Adelaide have celebrated 125 Years of involvement with the Australian Wool Processing Industry by contributing the funds necessary to restore The Carding Machine, Noble Comb & The Gill Box. Also another gold plaque read: Experimental Carding Machine donated to The National Wool Museum by C.S.I.R.O Ryde has been rebuilt by Nick Sokolov of Comb Research & Development with the help of Bernard Tolan.Carder with small roller missing at coiling end. Driven by three horse power motor. Wooden slated feed table synchronised to overall gearing.carding machine, machines, wool industry, manufacturing, wool processing

John Glass Cramond 1829 and James Dickson 1831-1910 were founders of a large drapery store. Both were Scots and both came separately to Australia in 1852. Cramond initially came for gold but soon opened a store in St Kilda with a post Office attached and he was the first post master there. Dickson was a farmer’s son but became a draper and while he was unsuccessful on the Bendigo diggings and then returned to Melbourne where he met Cramond and soon after they opened a store on Lonsdale Street. They opened their business in Warrnambool in 1855 as a general store with groceries, drapery and ironmongery. Both partners were involved with the community and James Dickson was an original director of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill 1909 and the Warrnambool Cheese and butter factory. He also served on the committee of management of Warrnambool Base Hospital. This case was a wedding gift from James Dickson Jnr to his wife Mary Glass Cramond on the occasion of their wedding. This item has significance on a number of levels. It belonged to a member of one of Warrnambool’s earliest pioneering families and it marks the occasion when the two families of Cramond and Dickson were linked through the marriage of James Dickson jnr and Mary Glass Cramond. The firm played a significant part in the development of the city and traded for nearly 150 years. It therefore has social significance to Warrnambool. The item is well provenance with the case initialed and items within the case monogrammed. The case and its items are aesthetically quite beautiful as well as being typical of travelling or dressing cases of the more well to do, of the time. Mappin & Webb were manufacturers of some standing with the Mappin name appearing in manufacturing as early as 1775.The company has held a royal warrant as silversmiths since 1897 to the present day and as crown jeweler since 2012. Throughout this time, they have manufactured quality items for the luxury market. It provides an insight into the way ladies travelled and the items which they considered essential. This consists of a black leather with leather handle attached with brass fittings. Middle opening with side pocket on one side with metal catches. Inside has removable sections for holding the numerous containers and items belonging to the case. Interior of the case is dark blue satin. The items contained within the case are as follows: 321.1 Luggage case 321.2 Glass bottle rectangular, silver monogrammed lid, empty. 321.3 Tall round glass bottle, silver monogrammed lid, empty. 321.4 Small glass bottle with pink powder, silver monogrammed lid. 321.5 Small multi sided bottle with stopper and brass hinged lid. 321.6 Tall round bottle with silver monogrammed lid. 321.7 Tall thin multi sided bottle with brass lid. 321.8 Cream coloured monogrammed jar cotton wool inside. 321.9 Clothes brush rectangular cream back. 321.10.1Glove stretcher bone coloured .10.2 Case black leather. 321.11.1 hair comb cream with silver edge .11.2 Case black leather 321.12 Hair brush cream handle 321.13Spatula cream monogrammed 321.14 Mirror, silver round with handle. 321.15 Writing compendium .1 Case black leather .2 Pen with nib .3 Lead pencil .4 Navy satin covered blotting book 321.16 Inkwell glass bottle in small black leather case. 321.17 Match striker in leather case. 321.18 Mirror in black leather case rectangular 321.19 Small case for visiting cards. 321.20Sewing kit rectangular, contains threads and needles pkts x 3 321.21Container, small, hinged tortoise shell patterned. 321.22.1 Manicure set .2 Scissors small .3 Scissors large .4Corkscrew with Mother of pearl handle .5 Pocket knife with Mother of pearl handle .6Tweezers with Mother of pearl handle .7 File with Mother of pearl handle .8 Fine hook Mother of pearl handle .9 Bodkin .10 Bodkin 321.23 Hairbrush oval silver backed 321.24 Mirror silver handled hand mirror. 321.25 Hairbrush wooden handled with Mother of pearl inlay. 321.26 Cylinder, silver with removable lid and small phial of iodine labelled Felton’s pocket iodine. 321.27 Phial small glass with gold decorations. 321.28 Inhaler with insert 321.29 Thimble, metal. 321.30 Silver backed hair brush 321.31 silver backed clothes brushEngraved on side pocket: M.G.D. Mappin and Webb Sheffield and London. Some of the items are monogrammed as per the list above. A number of the glass bottles have lids hallmarked Mappin & Webb London and Sheffield makers stamped inside lid with hall marks history of warrnambool, cramond and dickson, mary glass cramond, dressing bag, woman's toiletry bag 1880

The 1908 pattern was used during WWI, made from woven cotton & water proofed. The kit is used for school groups.Webbing kit complete including 1908 pattern webbing, gas mask haversack, personnel items, rations. Refer attached sheet. .1) Waist belt with brass buckles & keepers. .2) Braces x 2, connects to waist belt & large pack. .3) Bayonet. .4) Bayonet carrier. .5) Bayonet scabbard. .6) Entrenching tool carrier [fits to .5)]. .7) Entrenching tool handle, wood & metal [fits to .6)]. .8) Entrenching tool, metal, combination shovel & pick. .9) Entrenching tool carrier [fits inside .8)]. .10) Cartridge carriers x 2, 1 left hand, 1 right hand. .11) Water bottle, metal, blue colour. .12) Water bottle cover, khaki wool. .13) Water bottle carrier. .14) Pack, large. .15) Great coat, wool, [inside .14)]. .16) Helmet, steel with inside liner & chin strap. .17) Mess tin carrier, replica. .18) Haversack, side pack. .19) Carry all, white cotton, for personnel hygiene items [inside .18)]. .20) Razor, cut throat [inside .19)]. .21) Comb [inside .19)]. .22) Toothbrush [inside .19)]. .23) Shaving brush [inside .19)]. .24) Laces, leather, not original, [inside .19)]. .25) Soap [inside .19)]. .26) Tin bully beef x 2, replicas, [inside .18)]. .27) Tin stew, replica, [inside .18)]. .28) Pair socks, khaki wool, not original, [inside .18)]. .29) Field dressing, WWII issue, [inside .18)]. .30) Towel, brown colour, not original, [inside .18)]. .31) Gas mask carrier bag & straps. (Cowley) .32) Water bottle, metal, blue colour, [inside .31)].Items 1 - 13, there are numerous markings all stamped on from, “A.A.O.D”, “L”, “R”, “S”, “M.E.C.O”, “49th INF”, Years examples, “8.12”, “1.13”, “1911”military history - equipment / army, medicine-first aid, personal effects - containers, toilet requisites - shaving

This was probably used by the Powell family. Selena Powell came from Eden to Orbost at the age of 18. She met and married Henry James Powell in Orbost.This item is an excellent local example of the type of hand made tea cosies which were used in an Australian domestic setting during the 1920's through to the 1960's. Fawn coloured hand-knitted tea cosy. The wool has been brushed to resemble the fur. It has brown button eyes and the nose and mouth are sewn in black yarn. The feet are embroidered in black and it has a narrow green velvet ribbon around the neck.tea-cosy domestic-item tableware handcraft knitting powell-selena

various 1893 company letterhead receipts2403.86 (A to G) Abbott Collection: Jan to Jun 1893: records and receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott & Co. from a wide range of generally Melbourne based companies 2043.86A 40 records held by J.H. Abbott & Co. Jan to Jun 1893: for purchases (or sales) 2403.86B 10 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott & Co. from Thomas P. Power, Saddlers, Ironmongers & Manufacturers398-400 Little Bourke St Melbourne 2403.86C 10 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott from The India Rubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works Co. 106 Cannon St London 2403.86D 4 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott & Co. from Cashel, Baxter & Co., 508 Collins Str Melbourne 2403.86E 7 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott from Ullathorne & Co., 269 Lonsdale St Melbourne 2403.86F 5 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott from Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co, Tanners, Curriers & Leather Merchants, Importers of Grindery, 382-384 Lonsdale St Melbourne 2403.86G 14 receipts for purchases by J.H. Abbott from a variety of companies: Nobel's Hamburg Dynamite Co. Ltd. - gelignite Thomas Mitchell, Paint & General Brush Manufacturers357 Lonsdale St Melbourne R.M. Watson & Co. 345 Flinders Lane Melbourne; Paper Makers, Agents, Stationers and Importers (two receipts) Wm Dodgshun & Sons, 258 &260 Flinders Lane, East Melbourne; Importers & Warehousemen (two receipts) The New Zealand Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited, Collins Street West, Melbourne; Melbourne Wool & Grain Warehouses Walter H. Carwardine, Bendigo Soap, Soda Crystal & candle Works, near the Municipal Cattle Yards J. Kitchen & Sons & Apollo Company; 326 Flinders Lane, Melbourne J. Kennon & Sons, Tanners, Curriers & Leather Merchants; Tannery, River St., near Hawthorn Bridge Innes - Noad V. Halfden (!!!), Tea Merchants & Importers; 201 1to 205 William Street, Melbourne The Indian Company, Lubricating Oil Merchants; Normanby Road, South Melbourne; 375 Flinders Lane, corner Queen Street, Melbourne A. Spooner Manufacturer of Improved Harness Composition, Improved Black Oil, Harness Liquid, Waterproof Harness Blacking, saddle Soap, Boot Top Powder (all colours), Polishing Cream, Breeches Paste, Universal Cream and Embrocations. Australian Asbestos Mfg Co. 266 Flinders St Easttrade company purchases 1893

Made by H E Barry and Son, Brunswick, the soldiers housewife was a portable sewing kit that allowed soldiers to complete running repairs on their uniforms. It included, needles, thread, wool, buttons etc. Barry's also were contracted to provide shorts, shirts and trousers for the army.Soldier's housewife kit in calico bag. The kit comprises: a spoon, a sawing kit wrapped in its own cloth with nine needles and three different colours threads (red, white, brown), a razor in its box on the outside Invicta razor manufactured by E. M. Dickinson Sheffield England, a shaving brush and a band made of leather for sharpening the razor.5th comp. 40th Regtarmy survival kit, housewife kit, army

A cardboard Red Cross Gift Box used by Australian Red Cross in WW11 to send comfort parcel to POW in Germany. This particular box belonged to VX34767 Private T.H. AndersonLeft top of Box: POW Food Parcel/Germany/same size 8lbs. Centre: Red Cross Symbol/A Gift/on behalf of your Next-of-Kin with the best/ wishes of the London Committee/ Australian Red Cross Society. Top right of Box: Postage label/Mrs (torn)?olls/149 (torn off) Street Geelong West Australia./ Below this is the contents list: Chocolate/Chewing Gum/ Dentifrice/ 4 hankerchiefs/ mail brush/ pullover/ pencil/ razor blades/ 2 safety pins/ shirts/ soap/ 3 prs sox/ shaving soap/ towel/mending wool. Left hand side lower down: Despatched 18/5/44/ VX 34767 Private T.H. Anderson/ Australian Prisoner Of War No 125514/ Stalag V11 A Germany/ C/O International Red Cross Society/ Geneva Switzerland.australian, cross, ww11, red, pow, t h, anderson

This knitting pattern book was published by the Villawood Textile Company, Sydney and contains knitting patterns for womens and mens knitted garments.BOOK 99 / LLAMA (looped mohair) AND / MOHAIR (brushed) DESIGNS / FOR LADIES AND MEN / BY / Villawool / 3'3knitting handicrafts - history, villawood textile company, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.No. 608 PATONS MOHAIR BRUSHED KNITTING YARN / Patons / KNITTING BOOK 608 / WITH T.V. DESIGNS / 2'-knitting handicrafts - history, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for children.Knitting book, 20pp. Cover depicts a young girl wearing a knitted twin set holding a paint brush. Contains patterns and some photos.Patons / KNITTING BOOK / NO. 244 / 7d. / "ANNA" / See page 9handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting, fashion, style, knitwear, wool

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for women's garments.No. 576 PATONS MOHAIR BRUSHED KNITTING YARN / Patons / KNITTING BOOK 576 / WITH T.V. DESIGNS / 2'-handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

Brush used at Collins Bros Mill.collins bros mill pty ltd

The quilt was purchased from the Wool Quilt exhibition held at the National Wool Museum in 1995. It was subsequently exhibited in the Expressions 2000: The Wool Quilt Prize exhibition in the 'Invited exhibitors' section of the show. (Jan Irvine wrote the catalogue essay for this exhibition.) The quilt is part of the "Running Stitch" Collection. This quilt is titled "Sure as Night follows Day" and was made by Jan Irvine from worn and recycled woollen blankets with wool batting. The quilt has been crazy pieced, air brush dyed and hand quilted. The quilt was exhibited in the Running Stitch Contemporary Wool Quilt Exhibition held at the National Wool Museum in 1995 and was purchased for $1800 from this exhibition. The quilt was catalogue entry no. 18. It was later exhibited in "Expressions 2000: the wool quilt prize" from 16 Sept. to 3 Dec. 2000 (extended until 2/2/2001, catalogue entry no. 26).Catalogue entry from "Expressions 2000" Catalogue, held 16th September to 3 December 2000. Introduction to exhibition "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 1 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 2 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 3 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 4 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 5 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 6 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 7 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 8 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 9 Essay by Glenda King from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 10 Biographical notes from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 1 Biographical notes from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 2 Biographical notes from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 3 Biographical notes from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 4 Biographical notes from exhibition catalogue "fragility & endurance - textiles by Jan Irvine-Nealie", held at The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, page 5SURE AS NIGHT FOLLOWS DAY DESIGNER + MAKER: JAN IRVINE NSW AUSTRALIA MADE:1995...quilting, handicrafts, textile art, running stitch group, blankets, running stitch collection, irvine-nealie, ms jan

Textile machine - Gill box. Combs and brushes driven by electric motor. Name plate of machine is missing.

When the fabric is removed from the loom it is often stiff, rough and uneven. There are a number of finishing processes, both mechanical and chemical that give wool fabrics their special look and feel. The fabric is often scoured again to remove oils and dirt picked up during manufacture. It is then pressed. For a soft and fluffy surface, the fabric is brushed. For a smooth surface, it is shorn. For centuries, machines similar to this teasle gig were used to finish fabrics. It uses the prickly flower head off the teasle plant (Dispsacus Fullonum) to do the delicate work to raise the surface, or nap, the woollen cloth. At least 1,500 teasle heads are needed for one gig. The teasel is a thistle like plant whose dried heads are used on the teasel gig. They are fixed to frames around the drum, or gig. The gig turns in the opposite direction to the flow of the cloth until the nap is raised. Also spelled as Teazel Gig.Large metal machine with wooden rollers and teasel covered drum.textile finishing, raising, raising machinery, teasel gig, fabric, wool processing, plants, thistle, drum

Twelve page knitting pattern book featuring black and white printed graphics and text. The colour cover shows four inset images each of a child wearing knitwear.front: [printed] VillaWOOL / 12785 / PRICE / CODE / F / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 8ply Machinewash / Tasman 8ply Brushed / Derwent 8ply / Tasman 8plyknitting, pattern, fashion, knitwear, women, villawool

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”. The colourwork dogs from this design are a very popular motif, and were available in both wool and Orlon in multiple styles from at least 1961-1972, including a cardigan and a pullover, selling 4346 of these in winter 1961. This example most likely dates from 1962-1966. An Illustration depicting this style is catalogued under NWM-09026. 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. Orlon was developed by DuPont in the 1940s and became the first commercially successful acrylic fibre in the 1950s and 1960s. The development of Orlon coincided with an increase in availability of washing machines in everyday Australian homes. The great appeal of Orlon was that while wool garments still had to be hand-washed, Orlon’s shrink-resistant nature made it machine washable and dryable. This was a very appealing prospect, especially for the seemingly unending task of cleaning active children’s clothing. Machine washable wool would not be available until the development of the ‘Superwash’ treatment by the Australian Wool Board and CSIRO in 1970. 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.Red children’s machine-knit jumper with white dog motif and green grass colourwork, closes with three red plastic buttons at left shoulder .2 and .3 are sample tags with manufacturing information, including sizes and colours available .4 is a swing tag with manufacturer care instructions.1) [label stitched at back neck] KATHRYN REGD. / 100% ORLON / 24 .2) STYLE: 44/OP – ORLON PULLOVER – ANIMAL MOTIF / SIZE: 18” 20” 22” 24”/ PRICE: 18/6 21/3 25/- 27/6 / COLOR: 18” PALE BLUE. LEMON. WHITE. / 20” – 24” SKY BLUE. LEMON. WHITE. REDCOAT. BOTANY BLUE. SULTRY GREEN. NUTTY BROWN. OATMEAL .3) STYLE: 44/PW – WOOL PULLOVER – ANIMAL MOTIF / SIZE: 18” 20” 22” 24”/ PRICE: 18/6 21/3 25/- 27/6 / COLOR: 18” PALE BLUE. LEMON. / 20” – 24” SKY BLUE. LEMON. REDCOAT. BOTANY BLUE. / SULTRY GREEN. NUTTY BROWN. NED KELLY GREEN. / .4) Obverse: [handwritten] 5/10 (unintelligible) Kathryn / ORLON KNITWEAR / Style : 44/OP / DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED BY / Robert Blake / MELBOURNE Reverse: STANDARD MEASUREMENTS / FIT EXACTLY / LAUNDER PERFECTLY / HOT WATER WILL DAMAGE / THIS GARMENT / WASHING INSTRUCTIONS / 1. Use lukewarm water and mild soap. / 2. Squeeze water out by hand – DO / NOT WRING. / 3. DO NOT ROLL. Hang on / Clothes hanger to dry. / To keep brushed garments like / new, brush frequently with / Nylon brush. / IRONING [m (handwritten)] ORLON garments require little / or no ironing if drip-dried. If / ironing is necessary, it may be done damp or dry, using / a warm iron. / DO NOT USE / STEAM IRON /knitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, dog motif, animal motif, colourwork

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. 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 short-sleeved jumper with all-over pattern of aqua blue diamonds. Blue floated threads slightly show through white on main body, leading to an overall pale blue effect on body, with white collar and cuffs. Closes with three pearlescent plastic buttons at back neck. .2 is a retail tag marked with the style code, and includes generic information on care for garments of different material composition..1) [label stitched into back neck of garment] KATHRYN REGD CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKE .2) [retail tag, intended to be folded in three, printed on both sides] [OBVERSE] KATHRYN Children’s Knitwear STYLE: [blue pen] S/35B SIZE: PRICE: / KATHRYN Garments are… • PRE-SHRUNK • STANDARD MEASUREMENTS • FIT EXACTLY • LAUNDER PERFECTLY / NOW .. KATHRYN GOES TO . . SCHOOL Ask your retailer for SCHOOL PULLOVERS by KATHRYN [REVERSE] WASHING INSTRUCTIONS WOOL Wash frequently to AVOID HEAVY SOILING Wash garment BY HAND, in lukewarm Velvet Soap suds. ON NO ACCOUNT RUB SOAP ON GARMENT. Squeeze suds gently through garment but DO NOT RUB. Rubbing will cause garment to thicken. RINSE AT LEAST TWICE IN CLEAN WATER TO REMOVE ALL SOAP. TO dry, roll garment in a towel to remove excess moisture, turn garment inside out and pull it lengthwise, DRY IN SHADE… AVOID SUNLIGHT. When dry, place brown paper or pressing cloth over garment and press with iron at correct heat. ORLON Wash as wool Lay flat to dry but DO NOT IRON. To keep brushed suits like new, brush frequently with nylon brush supplied. COTTON Wash by hand for preference in Velvet Soap suds. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and remove all excess water before drying on line. Please do not use any harsh detergent or bleach. Designed and manufactured by ROBERT BLAKE Pty. Ltd., MELB. (handwritten in pencil) S35 (untintelligible)/5 / NOW KATHRYN GOES TO SCHOOL Ask your retailer for SCHOOL PULLOVERS by KATHRYNknitwear, children's knitwear, clothing, children's clothing, jumper, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, colourwork