Showing 407 items matching "children's fashion"
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageLeisure object - Boudoir Doll, c. early 1900s
... ...children's fashion...fashion houses to advertise the latest styles, fabrics, trims, hairstyles and accessories. Dressmakers would show these dolls to their customers. Ladies would then place their order and the dressmakers would make the dress to their size. The dressmakers would learn the construction techniques from examining the dolls. Boudoir Dolls dolls usually had no maker's marks and were primarily used as bedroom decorations for ladies rather than as children's...It may also have been used as a decorative item in a lady's bedroom. warrnambool flagstaff hill maritime museum shipwreck coast flagstaff hill maritime village great ocean road doll boudoir doll female doll dressmaker's doll display doll late 1800s doll fashion doll antique doll 19th century doll children's fashion girl's fashion late 1800s children's fashion early 20th century doll composite doll french doll Female boudoir doll with silk face and body, and porcelain lower arms and legs. ...The donor was given this doll about 50 years ago by her grandfather (in the late 1960s). He used to be a handyman at a high rise building in St Kilda, Melbourne. He had been doing some work for one of the old ladies and she gave him the doll to give to his granddaughter, who collected dolls. The doll has spent a few years at the Nagambie museum until it closed down and returned to the donor The origins or age of the doll are unknown. Originally it was thought to be a Fashion Doll dating from around the 1880s but the painted face together with the bisque legs and gold painted shoes are similar to those found on Boudoir Dolls (also known as Bed Dolls, Sofa Dolls, Flapper Dolls and French Dolls) of the early 20th century. Fashion dolls were sent from fashion houses to advertise the latest styles, fabrics, trims, hairstyles and accessories. Dressmakers would show these dolls to their customers. Ladies would then place their order and the dressmakers would make the dress to their size. The dressmakers would learn the construction techniques from examining the dolls. Boudoir Dolls dolls usually had no maker's marks and were primarily used as bedroom decorations for ladies rather than as children's toys. This doll appears to date at about the early part of the 20th century, but the petticoats are much older - possibly from a child's christening gown. At the time that the donor received the doll, it had a coloured lace over-gown that was badly torn so her mother removed it to replace with more lace but this never eventuated. The pink silk dress also appears to have been remodelled into a 19th century style with gathered sleeves and a gathered skirt. This fashion or boudoir doll is significant for being a rare example of a doll made in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The doll is wearing clothing representing the fashion for young girls in that era. The doll is also significant as an item possibly used by fashion houses and dressmakers to advertise the latest fashions in clothing, trims, accessories and hairstyles. A doll such as this may have been found in a Victorian dressmaker's premises for use as a pattern and technique template and for a display to customers. It may also have been used as a decorative item in a lady's bedroom.Female boudoir doll with silk face and body, and porcelain lower arms and legs. She has plaited blonde silk hair. Her painted face has brown eyes and her shoes are painted gold. The doll is dressed in a long pink puffed-sleeve dress with a gathered waist and a ruffle at the hem. A pink ribbon around her waist is tied at the back. There are small silver balls hand-stitched around the neckline. She has a white, hand-embroidered lace petticoat and bloomers.warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, doll, boudoir doll, female doll, dressmaker's doll, display doll, late 1800s doll, fashion doll, antique doll, 19th century doll, children's fashion, girl's fashion, late 1800s children's fashion, early 20th century doll, composite doll, french doll -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Weigel's Pattern No. 1778 Girl's 4-year-old dress, Mme Weigel's, C 1950's
... ...Children's fashion...Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne Domestic sewing pattern Dressmaking Children's fashion Various, Commercial advertisement on rear of envelope C 1950's - Weigel's Pattern No 1778 for 4-year-old - Girl's dress. ...Domestic sewing patternC 1950's - Weigel's Pattern No 1778 for 4-year-old - Girl's dress. Plain and gathered sleeve ruffles - round or square neckline - waist tie, gathered skirtVarious, Commercial advertisement on rear of envelopedressmaking, children's fashion -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Butterick Pattern, The Butterick Publishing Co. Pty Ltd, C 1950s
... ...Children's fashion...Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne - Domestic dressmaking - Girls' fashion Dressmaking Home Children's fashion Butterick - Designed in New York C 1950 Butterick paper pattern No, 8251 Size 8 - Girls nightdress & pyjamas pattern - Pattern with 4 choices to make - Pattern sized to "Brest 26 inches, size 8" Domestic object Butterick Pattern The Butterick Publishing Co. ...- Domestic dressmaking - Girls' fashionC 1950 Butterick paper pattern No, 8251 Size 8 - Girls nightdress & pyjamas pattern - Pattern with 4 choices to make - Pattern sized to "Brest 26 inches, size 8"Butterick - Designed in New Yorkdressmaking, home, children's fashion -
National Wool MuseumEphemera - Clothing Tag, Fletcher Jones, 1960s
... ...Children's Fashion...This tag came with the donation of two children's kilts, and features a poem about the design of the kilt, which was fashioned to be able to be lengthened as children grew, by adjusting the hem of the bodice. ...The kilts were purchased by the children’s grandmother, most likely from Fletcher Jones in Geelong, and were highly valued by the family. Fletcher Jones Kilts Family Life Farming 1960s Fashion Children's Fashion Children's Clothing Tartan Clothing Tag centre: Mary had a little skirt / That fitted her so true / And sure as Mary grew and grew / The little skirt grew too. / Because of / Fletcher Jones / Cute / Length adjustment / (Patent pending) Back: FLETCHER JONES & STAFF PTY. ...This tag came with the donation of two children's kilts, and features a poem about the design of the kilt, which was fashioned to be able to be lengthened as children grew, by adjusting the hem of the bodice. The kilts were owned by Heather White and Sandra Hooker (nee White). The Fletcher Jones kilts were made in the 1960s and are in two different tartan designs. Three sisters, Sandra, Heather and Melinda, all had kilts as children growing up in the 1960s on a sheep farm near Torquay. The kilts were worn on special occasions, with woollen jumpers worn on top of the bodices. Photos show Heather (aged 8) and Sandra (aged 6) with their younger sister Melinda (aged 1), wearing the kilts at family farms “South Beach” and “Lambidgee”, both near Torquay, in 1965. The kilts were purchased by the children’s grandmother, most likely from Fletcher Jones in Geelong, and were highly valued by the family.White folded clothing tag with black printed text and graphics. Front features a black and white image of a child wearing a tartan skirt. Tag has a hole punched in top right corner. centre: Mary had a little skirt / That fitted her so true / And sure as Mary grew and grew / The little skirt grew too. / Because of / Fletcher Jones / Cute / Length adjustment / (Patent pending) Back: FLETCHER JONES & STAFF PTY. LTD. MELBOURNE, CHADSTONE, FOOTSCRAY, BALLARAT, GEELONG, / WARRNAMBOOL, MORWELL, LAUNCESTON, HOBART, ADELAIDE, CANBERRA, SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG. fletcher jones, kilts, family life, farming, 1960s, fashion, children's fashion, children's clothing, tartan, clothing tag -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children’s Kilt, Fletcher Jones, 1960s
... ...Children's Fashion... Children's Fashion Children's Clothing Tartan printed [label]: FLETCHER JONES AUSTRALIA / PURE WOOL / CREATED BY / Fletcher Jones / AUSTRALIA / F. ...One of two children’s kilts with bodices owned by Heather White and Sandra Hooker (nee White). The Fletcher Jones kilts were made in the 1960s and are in two different tartan designs. They were designed to be lengthened as the children grew by adjusting the hem of the bodice. An original clothing tag (NWM-9154) features a poem about this, which was greatly treasured by Sandra as a child. Three sisters, Sandra, Heather and Melinda, all had kilts as children growing up in the 1960s on a sheep farm near Torquay. The kilts were worn on special occasions, with woollen jumpers worn on top of the bodices. Photos show Heather (aged 8) and Sandra (aged 6) with their younger sister Melinda (aged 1), wearing the kilts at family farms “South Beach” and “Lambidgee”, both near Torquay, in 1965. The kilts were purchased by the children’s grandmother, most likely from Fletcher Jones in Geelong, and were highly valued by the family. This kilt belonged to Sandra.Woollen tartan kilt with cream coloured silk v necked sleeveless bodice attached. Kilt is green, red, yellow and cream. printed [label]: FLETCHER JONES AUSTRALIA / PURE WOOL / CREATED BY / Fletcher Jones / AUSTRALIA / F. J. DRY CLEANING & REPAIRS / SERVICE WILL CARE FOR / THIS GARMENT always fletcher jones, kilts, family life, farming, 1960s, fashion, children's fashion, children's clothing, tartan -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children’s Kilt, Fletcher Jones, 1960s
... ...Children's Fashion... Children's Fashion Children's Clothing Tartan printed [label]: FLETCHER JONES AUSTRALIA / PURE WOOL / CREATED BY / Fletcher Jones / AUSTRALIA / F. ...One of two children’s kilts with bodices owned by Heather White and Sandra Hooker (nee White). The Fletcher Jones kilts were made in the 1960s and are in two different tartan designs. They were designed to be lengthened as the children grew by adjusting the hem of the bodice. An original clothing tag (NWM-9154) features a poem about this, which was greatly treasured by Sandra as a child. Three sisters, Sandra, Heather and Melinda, all had kilts as children growing up in the 1960s on a sheep farm near Torquay. The kilts were worn on special occasions, with woollen jumpers worn on top of the bodices. Photos show Heather (aged 8) and Sandra (aged 6) with their younger sister Melinda (aged 1), wearing the kilts at family farms “South Beach” and “Lambidgee”, both near Torquay, in 1965. The kilts were purchased by the children’s grandmother, most likely from Fletcher Jones in Geelong, and were highly valued by the family. This kilt belonged to Heather.Woollen tartan kilt with cream coloured cotton v necked sleeveless bodice attached. Kilt is green, red and cream. printed [label]: FLETCHER JONES AUSTRALIA / PURE WOOL / CREATED BY / Fletcher Jones / AUSTRALIA / F. J. DRY CLEANING & REPAIRS / SERVICE WILL CARE FOR / THIS GARMENT always fletcher jones, kilts, family life, farming, 1960s, fashion, children's fashion, children's clothing, tartan -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Weigel's Dress pattern, Mme Weigel Australia, C 1950
... Domestic dressmaking pattern illustrating children's fashion of the day....Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne Domestic dressmaking pattern illustrating children's fashion of the day. Domestic dressmaking Various C 1950's - Girls (6-year-old) costume pattern - Paper pattern in paper sleeve - Instructions included Domestic object Weigel's Dress pattern Mme Weigel Australia ...Domestic dressmaking pattern illustrating children's fashion of the day.C 1950's - Girls (6-year-old) costume pattern - Paper pattern in paper sleeve - Instructions includedVariousdomestic dressmaking -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Weigel's Dress Pattern, Mme Weigel Australia
... - Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day....Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne - Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day. Domestic dressmaking C 1950's - Girls'(6-year-old) Dress Pattern - Paper pattern in paper sleeve - Instructions included Domestic object Weigel's Dress Pattern Mme Weigel Australia ...- Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day.C 1950's - Girls'(6-year-old) Dress Pattern - Paper pattern in paper sleeve - Instructions includeddomestic dressmaking -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Weigel's Dress Pattern, Mme Weigel Australia, C 1950
... Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day....Whitehorse Historical Society Inc. 2-10 Deep Creek Road Mitcham melbourne Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day. Clothing Home dressmaking Various C 1950s' - Girls (3-year-old) pleated skirt & bodice paper pattern - Instructions included Domestic object Weigel's Dress Pattern Mme Weigel Australia ...Domestic dressmaking pattern, illustrating children's fashion of the day.C 1950s' - Girls (3-year-old) pleated skirt & bodice paper pattern - Instructions includedVariousclothing, home dressmaking -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.Domestic object - Simplicity Sewing Pattern No 4626, Simplicity Patterns, C 1950's
... - Example of C1950's children fashion - Example of domestically produced clothing...- Example of C1950's children fashion - Example of domestically produced clothing Dressmaking Children's clothing C 1950's Various, some instructions, fabric requirements on reverse C 1050's - Child's one-piece dress - Princess line, front buttoning - View 1 : short gathered cuffed sleeves - View 2 : armhole ruffles - View 3 : scalloped on right front closing edges, short gathered sleves, contrasting collars and cuffs Domestic object Simplicity Sewing Pattern No 4626 Simplicity Patterns ...- Example of C1950's children fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1050's - Child's one-piece dress - Princess line, front buttoning - View 1 : short gathered cuffed sleeves - View 2 : armhole ruffles - View 3 : scalloped on right front closing edges, short gathered sleves, contrasting collars and cuffsVarious, some instructions, fabric requirements on reversedressmaking, children's clothing, c 1950's -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Jumper, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1962-1966
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set dog motif animal motif colourwork .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. ...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 -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Dress, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1960
... children's knitwear...manufacturing...fashion...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. ...Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history. clothing children's clothing knitwear children's knitwear manufacturing fashion textile production colourwork pom-pom pom poms [label stitched into back neck] KATHRYN 100% Orlon .2 [sample label] [Obverse] 802/F – BABIES ORLON FROCK. 16” – LENGTH 24/6 BLUE/WHT LEMON/WHT PINK/WHT WHT/BLUE WHT/LEMON WHT/PINK .3 [Obverse] KATHRYN Children’s Knitwear STYLE [handwritten] 802/F SIZE PRICE [reverse] KATHRYN Garments are •PRE-SHRUNK •STANDARD MEASUREMENTS •FIT EXACTLY •LAUNDER PERFECTLY Cream baby dress with long sleeves, blue stripe and cream faux cable textured details at yoke and hem. ...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. 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.Cream baby dress with long sleeves, blue stripe and cream faux cable textured details at yoke and hem. Body is gathered and attaches at yoke. Dress has a drawstring tie at neck accented with cream pompoms and closes at centre back with three pearlescent plastic buttons. Back opening is reinforced with grosgrain ribbon. .2 is a sample tag with manufacturing information, including sizes and colours available .3 is a retail tag with style, care instructions and brand marketing[label stitched into back neck] KATHRYN 100% Orlon .2 [sample label] [Obverse] 802/F – BABIES ORLON FROCK. 16” – LENGTH 24/6 BLUE/WHT LEMON/WHT PINK/WHT WHT/BLUE WHT/LEMON WHT/PINK .3 [Obverse] KATHRYN Children’s Knitwear STYLE [handwritten] 802/F SIZE PRICE [reverse] KATHRYN Garments are •PRE-SHRUNK •STANDARD MEASUREMENTS •FIT EXACTLY •LAUNDER PERFECTLYclothing, children's clothing, knitwear, children's knitwear, manufacturing, fashion textile production, colourwork, pom-pom, pom poms -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Clothing Set, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1962-1964
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set pom poms 1) [Label at back neck with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD ORLON / 20 /CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKE [sample label] [OBVERSE] STYLE LS/PWO – 3 PCS – LEGGING SUIT – PEARL PATT. – 80% ORLON 20% WOOL SIZE 18” 20” PRICE 48/6 51/6 COLOR BLUE. ...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. 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.Pink three piece legging suit, consisting of cardigan, lettings and beanie. Cardigan is knitted with textured stitch and has stocking stitch panel bordered with garter stitch at centre front. Two rows of buttons on garter stitch tab, with a fifth button under left collar. Leggings are plain garter stitch with an elastic waistband and a flap that extends onto the top of the foot with elastic to keep it held under the sole. Hat is in same patterned stitch as cardigan, has ear flaps with ties and a white pompom.1) [Label at back neck with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD ORLON / 20 /CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKE [sample label] [OBVERSE] STYLE LS/PWO – 3 PCS – LEGGING SUIT – PEARL PATT. – 80% ORLON 20% WOOL SIZE 18” 20” PRICE 48/6 51/6 COLOR BLUE. LEMON. PINK. WHITE. [REVERSE] KATHRYN Garments are • PRE-SHRUNK • STANDARD MEASUREMENTS • FIT EXACTLY • LAUNDER PERFECTLY Designed and Manufactured by ROBERT BLAKE, MELBOURNEknitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, pom poms -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Clothing Set, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1970
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set .1) [tag stitched into back neck of top] KATHRYN REGD 100% ACRYLIC FIBRE SIZE 0 WEIGHT 10 LENGTH 76 MADE IN AUSTRALIA .3) [blue sample label] STYLE 574/ Pop Top and B’tts S.26. ...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. 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.Children’s two-piece outfit set, consisting of a top and leggings. Knitted in colour blocks of navy, red and white. Top has ribbed navy bodice section with white stripe separating red skirt and closes at back neck with two navy plastic buttons. Leggings are primarily red, with a white stripe at the ankle and navy-blue feet. Leggings are constructed primarily as one piece and seamed up at centre back and inseam, with additional gusset piece..1) [tag stitched into back neck of top] KATHRYN REGD 100% ACRYLIC FIBRE SIZE 0 WEIGHT 10 LENGTH 76 MADE IN AUSTRALIA .3) [blue sample label] STYLE 574/ Pop Top and B’tts S.26. Acrylic. SIZES: 00 0 PRICE: $8.95 COLORS: Navy/Wht/Red Red/Wht/Navy P.Blue/Wht/Navy Dec on Del.knitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Clothing Set, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1965
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set pom poms wool .1 [Label at back neck of jumper with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD / 24 ALL WOOL CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKE Three-piece brown and yellow outfit consisting of jumper, pants and hat. ...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. 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.Three-piece brown and yellow outfit consisting of jumper, pants and hat. Jumper is long sleeved with a high crew neck and five yellow stripes above ribbing along bottom. Pants are brown with wide legs that dramatically taper into the ribbed cuff at bottom. Body of hat is brown and tapers into a long point and has a brown and yellow pompom at the tip. The hat is shaped with a tuck at the back neck near cuff..1 [Label at back neck of jumper with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD / 24 ALL WOOL CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKEknitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, pom poms, wool -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Clothing Set, Kathryn Knitwear, c.1953-1961
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set brushed wool wool fluffy .1) [label at back neck of cardigan] KATHRYN REGD. ...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 -
National Wool MuseumTextile - Children's Clothing Set, c.1980
... Children's clothing...Manufacturing...Fashion...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. ...Knitwear Clothing Children's Knitwear Children's clothing Manufacturing Fashion Textile Production Machine Knitting clothing set .1) [ label at neck of cardigan] SIZE 000 .2) [some letters cut off label] FIT AGE 0-3 MONTHS WEIGHT 6KG ACRYLIC HAND WASH OR GENTLE MACHINE WASH COLD RINSE [D]O NOT TUMBLE DRY WARM IRON [D]RY CLEANABLE (A) [MA]DE IN AUSTRALIA Two Piece pale blue suit, consisting of jumper and leggings with all-over pattern in double moss stitch and garter stitch border. ...Sample of Kathryn Knitwear Collection, Label style suggests it may not be manufactured by Kathryn Knitwear, but was retained as a sample. 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. 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.Two Piece pale blue suit, consisting of jumper and leggings with all-over pattern in double moss stitch and garter stitch border. Jumper opens down the back and closes with three pearlescent plastic buttons. Scalloped motif at bottom and cuff has white accent. Leggings have closed feet and decorative ties at ankle, and are constructed primarily as one piece and seamed up at centre back and inseam, with additional gusset piece.1) [ label at neck of cardigan] SIZE 000 .2) [some letters cut off label] FIT AGE 0-3 MONTHS WEIGHT 6KG ACRYLIC HAND WASH OR GENTLE MACHINE WASH COLD RINSE [D]O NOT TUMBLE DRY WARM IRON [D]RY CLEANABLE (A) [MA]DE IN AUSTRALIAknitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set -
Bialik CollegeArticle (item) - The Sun, 14 August 1969, 1969
... Newspaper article about a children's fashion parade held by the Bialik College Parent's Association, published in The Sun, 14 August 1969. ...Bialik College 429 Auburn Road Hawthorn East 3123 melbourne Newspaper article about a children's fashion parade held by the Bialik College Parent's Association, published in The Sun, 14 August 1969. ...Newspaper article about a children's fashion parade held by the Bialik College Parent's Association, published in The Sun, 14 August 1969. Please contact [email protected] to request access to this record.donors, fundraising, 1960s -
Eltham District Historical Society IncBook, Lenore Frost, Dating Family Photos 1850-1920, 1991
... This book is a wealth of useful information with respect to dating photographs focusing on women's, men's and children's fashions by the decades. It also provides an explanation of the variuos types of photographic prints and postcards available by date with reference to various photographers and their operating time frames and locations. ...This book is a wealth of useful information with respect to dating photographs focusing on women's, men's and children's fashions by the decades. It also provides an explanation of the variuos types of photographic prints and postcards available by date with reference to various photographers and their operating time frames and locations. ...Includes information on types of photographs, dating by costume and conservation, photographs, bibliography and index. This book is a wealth of useful information with respect to dating photographs focusing on women's, men's and children's fashions by the decades. It also provides an explanation of the variuos types of photographic prints and postcards available by date with reference to various photographers and their operating time frames and locations. It is essentially a bible to assist in the dating of vintage photographs.fashion, photographer, photography -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyPhoto - Family dressed in the fashion of the early 1900s
... Woollen jackets, shirts and ties were suitable attire for older boys. Children's fashion of this time was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. ...Woollen jackets, shirts and ties were suitable attire for older boys. Children's fashion of this time was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. ...During the early 1900s little girls' dresses were fashioned on the style worn by older women. Girls dresses were knee length with trimmings of lace and ribbon. Collars were often removable for ease of washing. Leather lace-up boots and woollen stocking or socks were usually worn with these dresses. A pinafore or apron would be worn over the dresses to help keep them clean. Girls' hair was kept long, with curls and tied with ribbons.Boys' clothing was fashioned on sailor suits, blouses/shirts with a collar and trousers or knickerbockers. Woollen jackets, shirts and ties were suitable attire for older boys. Children's fashion of this time was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. Because of the long distance to haberdashery stores, the majority of children's garments would have been hand made by a local seamstress, mother or relation.Black and white photo of a family with 5 children in the foreground with trees in the background.children's clothing -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.Book - Clan Tartans, Mid 19th Century
... Tartan clothing has been a favourite over many years used for fashion garments and children's clothing in addition to its use in traditional Highland dress. ...Tartan clothing has been a favourite over many years used for fashion garments and children's clothing in addition to its use in traditional Highland dress. ...This book containing tartan fabric samples belonged to the Warrnambool firm of Cramond and Dickson. It is presumed to have been brought from Scotland to Warrnambool by either John Glass Cramond or James Dickson Snr. for use in their Department Store where customers could choose which tartan they preferred. It is obvious that it has been well used as pieces have been cut from some samples. Tartan clothing has been a favourite over many years used for fashion garments and children's clothing in addition to its use in traditional Highland dress. The firm of Cramond and Dickson was established as a general store in 1855 and closed in 1974.This book is of considerable significance as it is our earliest memento (1850) of the prominent Warrnambool firm of Cramond and Dickson, a business that operated for 119 years.This is a hard cover book with a dark coloured leather cover with gold printing and a much damaged spine. Inside the cover is a mottled pattern. The pages contain some hand written information and swatches of tartan fabric pasted on separate pages. Some of the tartan samples have had pieces cut off. The pages have the name of the tartan and other annotations. There is one loose page.cramond and dickson warrnambool, tartan -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyScrap Book - C.W.A. Tawonga, C. W. A. Tawonga by Clare Roper, Dec. 1995
... children in the country. The book gives examples of all activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other CWA groups in the North East of Victoria. Through the photos it also gives a good example of women's fashions...children in the country. The book gives examples of all activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other CWA groups in the North East of Victoria. Through the photos it also gives a good example of women's fashions ...CWA Tawonga 1946 - 1988 collection of its written history. The C.W.A. aimed to improve the health, welfare and education of women and children in the country. The book gives examples of all activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other CWA groups in the North East of Victoria. Through the photos it also gives a good example of women's fashions over the years.History of CWA Tawonga by Clare Roper, President, founding member and local resident. Women in Tawonga were mostly on farms and in 1946 felt remote after WWII as it affected available workers and the well being of children. The Country Women's Association improved the living conditions and well being of members in the Kiewa Valley community.Scrap book with block handwritten and coloured heading. Cover: Centre middle has a coloured photo of 10 ladies standing below a CWA logo. Covered with clear plastic. Consists of photos, newspaper clippings and typed sheets."CWA Tawonga from 1946 collected by C. Roper" - top of front pagecountry women's association; clare roper; tawonga; -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyBaby's Bonnet
... fashion in that era. It has Christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early 1900s. It is hand made possibly by the mother of the child being christened. The bonnet was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening items were often worn buy several children ...This bonnet could have been part of a Christening outfit which matches the same style of "KVHS 0235" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, and is of the fashion in that era. It has Christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early 1900s. It is hand made possibly by the mother of the child being christened. The bonnet was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening items were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items that match this outfit are KVHS 0235. White crocheted baby's bonnet threaded with white ribbon. (Possibly for christening.) infant. baby. bonnet. crochet. christening. -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyBaby's Bonnet
... Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relative. This bonnet is very similar is style and fashion to other children's clothing in KVHS collection which indicates this was made during the early 1900's. ...Kiewa Valley Historical Society Mount Beauty Information Centre 31 Bogong High Plains Rd Mt Beauty high-country Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relative. This bonnet is very similar is style and fashion to other children's clothing in KVHS collection which indicates this was made during the early 1900's. ...Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relative. This bonnet is very similar is style and fashion to other children's clothing in KVHS collection which indicates this was made during the early 1900's. This has good historical significance because it shows the fashions during the early 1900's which baby bonnets were made by women of the Kiewa Valley. This item also has good interpretive capacity as it adds to the other babies clothing in the KVHS collection and therefore increases the interpretive capacity for the children's clothesCream muslin with 1 cm wide lace around the face and neck. Pin tucks threaded with fine string and 2 tape ties 13 cm long. Also string used to gather the neck edge.baby. bonnet. christening. clothing. infant. -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyScrapbook - C.W.A. Tawonga, C.W.A. Scrapbook Collected by C.Roper, 1945 to 1988
... children in the country. The book gives examples of all the activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other C.W.A. groups in North East Victoria and Victoria. There are many photos of members and their activities too. These photos give a good representation of what womens fashions...children in the country. The book gives examples of all the activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other C.W.A. groups in North East Victoria and Victoria. There are many photos of members and their activities too. These photos give a good representation of what womens fashions ...The Tawonga C.W.A. formed on 7th Feb. 1946. It was a very active group with 45 members in that year. Numbers fluctuated throughout the years and totalled 26 members in 1988. The Tawonga C.W.A. often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. The book gives examples of all the activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other C.W.A. groups in North East Victoria and Victoria. There are many photos of members and their activities too. These photos give a good representation of what womens fashions were during the mid part of the 20 century. Historical: Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children. This scrap book was complied by Claire Roper one of the founding members of the CWA. It traces the history of the Tawonga branch of the CWA, its members and what they did which improved the living conditions for their community. Large scrap book held together by 3 large staples originally with blank pages. The pages have been written on and newspaper articles have been pasted in. The book was covered with light brown paper, the heading has been handwritten using block letters coloured in green with black outline. Centre front of the book has a photo of ladies dated 1978. Their names are typed in underneath. The book has then been covered by clear plastic.The title: "C.W.A. / Tawonga / Scrap Book / Collected by C. Ropercountry women's association of victoria. tawonga. clare roper. -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyPhotos - Mills Family x 15
... children at Lakeside Ave. Mt Beauty. Brian was in the airforce. 4 photos were taken during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. 1. The "Mills Kids" beside the river - show the fashion ...Brian and Jill Mills lived with their children at Lakeside Ave. Mt Beauty. Brian was in the airforce.4 photos were taken during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. 1. The "Mills Kids" beside the river - show the fashion of the time and how families spent their recreational time. 2.& 3. The "70 Lakeside Ave" photos show the type of housing provided by the SECV and that the garden hadn't been created. 4. SEC marshalling yards, Mt Beauty c 1940s-50s. An historic photo of 1940s/50s buses used to transport KHES workers to their work sites, some of which were on the High Plains.15 large photos scanned in colour. 5 have labels written on the backOn the back "Brian Mills" (in airforce uniform); "Mills Kids / 78 L/side Ave"; "70 Lakeside Ave"; "70 L/side Ave" and "SEC Marshalling yards - Mt Beauty (and Donor's name and address.lakeside ave mt beauty, brian mills -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyApron, Hand Made, late 19th century to early 20th century
... fashion of the times and how these styles of aprons were made. All which is valuable for research on these topics. There are only a few of these aprons in the collection of the KVSH, and therefore would be very rare. The condition is good enough to display, therefore it has good interpretive capacity. clothing girls children ...This item is hand made possible by a mother for her daughters. It is hand and machine stitched. This style of aprons / pinafore is attached to the two brown dresses that are also in the collection. This item is very significant for the following reasons. Historic and social - it shows what little girls wore during the early 1900's of the Kiewa Valley. It also shows fashion of the times and how these styles of aprons were made. All which is valuable for research on these topics. There are only a few of these aprons in the collection of the KVSH, and therefore would be very rare. The condition is good enough to display, therefore it has good interpretive capacity.Girls apron or pinafore. White linen with crocheted lace around the edge which is continuous around the skirt, sleeve and neck. The shoulders flaps appears that they should be pinned to the dress beneath, and pinned together at the back of the waist. The apron is manual machine stitchedclothing, girls, children, pinafore, apron, kiewa-valley, alpine-shire -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyPetticoat Child
... Fashion in Australia and more so in areas with little or no access to overseas or city merchandise lacked "modern fashionable" clothes e.g. the latest from England and Paris. This region was and still is a rural backdrop of clothes that fit into the type of life and work of the society it holds. children's underwear female underwear dressmaking handcraft costume clothing Cotton petticoat, white, three buttons on top back, 8mm wide straps of cotton tape. ...This petticoat is demonstrative of home made infant undergarment clothing in the early 1900. Distance to and from commercial haberdashery store was too far to fit out young girls especially if the are undergarments. Mothers and other family members had the seamstress talent to make clothes that are not in full view of anyoneHistorically these undergarments have no fashion relevance for the younger fashion scene and this garment is an example of the self sufficient supply of home made articles. This was especially so within the Kiewa Valley and surrounds. Fashion in Australia and more so in areas with little or no access to overseas or city merchandise lacked "modern fashionable" clothes e.g. the latest from England and Paris. This region was and still is a rural backdrop of clothes that fit into the type of life and work of the society it holds.Cotton petticoat, white, three buttons on top back, 8mm wide straps of cotton tape. Gathered skirt with triple row of Rick Rack on the bottom edge and three pintucks, 17mm wide, on the lower edge of skirt. Garment is completely hand stitchedchildren's underwear, female underwear, dressmaking, handcraft, costume, clothing -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyDress Child
... children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. ...The dress was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening dresses were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. It has christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early1900s. Girl's white dress (christening event), fine cotton with lace border "broderie anglaise" with a row of lace flowers mid skirt "battenberg".This lace is also inserted in centre front panel and sleeves. Scolloped cotton is also on sleeves, neck and front. Pin tucked skirt. Opening back with drawstring fastening at neck and waist. Short sleeves and machine stitched children clothing, lace-battenberg and broderie anglaise, female clothing, dress, cotton, christening, dressmaking -
Kiewa Valley Historical SocietyDress
... Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relative Historical significant to the period circa 1900 to circa 1950 when fashion was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. ...made locally circa 1910. Due to relative long distance to haberdashery stores majority of children's garments were hand made by a local talented seamstress or mother/relativeHistorical significant to the period circa 1900 to circa 1950 when fashion was dictated by long lasting durability, local manufacture, earthy colours and ease of mobility. Photos in the KVHS collection show girls from Tawonga Primary School in a dress that could be this dress which is dated 1910. Dress brown cotton with long sleeves. Dress top and sleeves lined. Back of dress is open with metal hooks for fastening. Hand stitched eyelets and decorative strip down centre front bodice and around hips. Gathered skirt is joined at hip. One pocket on left side 6cm from waist band.Decorative strip at bottom of dress with a pleated hand and machine stitched frill.no inscriptions or markings suggesting locally made.dress, clothing, girl's dress, home made
