This cotton baby's nightgown is and example of the dressmaking skills of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utnesils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A long, white cotton baby's nightgown with collar and bodice ties. Lace panel to bodice, and guipure frills and hand embroidery to collar and cuffs.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, cheltenham, market gardeners, oakleigh, clothing childrens, dressmakers home

A child (possibly Alison Watson b1948 in Murtoa, Victoria) standing next to a toy pedal car.pedal car, toys, toys mid 20th century, childrens' clothing mid 20th century

non-fictionThe history of the Cruse - Markham - Millane christening gowngowns, childrens clothing, baptisms

Child's lemon romper pants (size 18) with button holes and elastic at hem.childrens clothing

Unable to read date in photograph but children's clothing suggests early 1900ssepia photograph mounted fair conditionSt Kilda (Brighton Road)Primary School. (?) Thomeson (?). 721 South Road, Moorabbin. Donated to the Historical Society.

Used for darning clothing such as socks. This is a small one, possibly used for children's clothing.Small darning mushroom, turned wood, painted fawndarning mushrooms, darners

A branch of the large dressmaking and childrens' clothing manufacturer Latoof and Callil was established at Main Street Greensborough in June 1946. 2 p., printed in blue and black, photographslatoof and callil

Two small Supplements to the 'Australian Home Journal' knitting pattern booklets, c.1940's. 1. The front cover of 'Knitting for You and Yours' depicts a young girl sitting on a chair wearing a knitted dress. 2. 'Woollies for Toddlers' shows two young children winding wool into balls. Inside are various patterns for clothing for children and a mother. non-fictionTwo free knitting pattern booklets for home knitters, c.1940's or 50's. These booklets were a supplement to the Home Journal magazines of the time.knitting, knitting patterns, knitting equipment

This baby's dress is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire in mid 19th CThe skill and craftsmanship shown in this baby's dress is an example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils.Home-made, infant's short, long-sleeved, cream silk dress. With inset machine-made lace panels and ribbon inserts on bodice and on the sleeve cuffs. Small buttons down the back. .clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, crochet, bentleigh, early settlers, craftwork

Indicating fashions and homeware styles of the the early 1950'sPaper stapled catelogues all published in 1952. Rockman's - ladies clothing. Myer emporium - Mens, ladies, childrens clothing, beds, electrical appliances, shoes, makeup. Wakes - Ladies and men's clothing, beds, electrical appliances, wall paper, curtains, fabric, crockery, furnituresee photos

This baby's crocheted outfit is an example of the clothing made for their children by the families who had settled in the Moorabbin Shire c1900. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireThis baby's crocheted cape and dress aesethetically significant as an example of the skill of the women of the families who were pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire who made their own clothing for their families. It was made by a member of the early settler Blackburn family and passed down through the generations. This is a white cotton baby's two piece, cape and dress outfit, with extensive hand-crotchet lace trim.clothing, moorabbin, crochet, bentleigh, pioneer settlers, baby outfit

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.

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 apron is very similar in style to the other children's clothing which indicates it could have been made in the early - mid 1900's. It is preventative of aprons which little girls wore over their dresses at the time. This items has good historical significance because it shows the style of aprons which little girls wore over their dresses in the Kiewa Valley during the early to mid 1900's. This is part of the children's clothes in the KVHS collections which gives this item more interpretive capacity. Natural coloured linen with red binding around the edges. 2 white buttons. Would fit a small child.clothing. children. apron.

Primarily a painter, Mandy Nicholson also produces ceramics, carvings, murals, prints, designs and children’s clothing. Born in 1975, Nicholson was raised in Healesville and belongs to the Wurundjeri-willam (Woiwurrung language) clan of the Kulin Nation. Mandy’s paintings often represent important cultural rituals and are executed in her distinct graphic style. She uses the traditional motifs of her people blended with contemporary interpretation.

Primarily a painter, Mandy Nicholson also produces ceramics, carvings, murals, prints, designs and children’s clothing. Born in 1975, Nicholson was raised in Healesville and belongs to the Wurundjeri-willam (Woiwurrung language) clan of the Kulin Nation. Mandy’s paintings often represent important cultural rituals and are executed in her distinct graphic style using the traditional motifs of her people blended with contemporary interpretation. Cultural Map of Melbourne shows significant sites across Melbourne. These include scar trees, corroboree trees, stone quarries, bush tucker sites, significant rivers, fresh water wells and traditional campsites.

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

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico bag with yellow and blue graphic text on front.Front: COOK-WELL \ SELF- \ RAISING \ FLOUR \ PREPARED WITH \ PHOSHATE AERATOR \ HENRY BERRY & Co (A/S??Ltd) \ 568 580 COLLINS STREET \ MELBOURNE \ NET 7 LBSwagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico oat bag with graphic image on front showing three bears holding porridge bowls with yellow background and red, white and black text. Back of bag shows red and white graphic image of a woman wearing a dress and heeled shoes holding a coffee cup, with red and white text.Front: THREE BEARS \ PORRIDGE \ FLAKED \ OATMEAL \ SOMEBODYS BEEN TASTIN' MY PORRIDGE \ AN' THEY'VE EATEN IT ALL UP \ Jas. F. McKenzie & Co. Pty. Ltd. \ AUSTRALIA \ 7 LBS. NET. Back: MCKENZIES \ EXCELSIOR \ COFFEE \ ESSENCEwagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico oat bag with graphic image on front showing three bears holding porridge bowls with yellow background and white and black text.Front: THREE BEARS \ PORRIDGE \ ROLLED \ OATS \ SOMEBODYS BEEN TASTIN' MY PORRIDGE / AN' THEY'VE EATEN IT ALL UPwagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico oat bag with colour image and black text. Image shows a full length brown horse with bridle.Front: PARSONS FARM ANIMAL SERIES No.3 \ SUFFOLK \ The Suffolk, often known as the Suffolk Punch, originated in the County of Suffolk, England \ and is noted for its hardiness. From 15 to 16 hands in height. The Suffolk in general is smaller than \ the Clydesdale. The head is rather coarse, with the neck short. The body long deep and wide with \ a round full appearance. The croup is straight and legs short and free from leather. The invariable \ colour is chestnut, varying from light to dark.wagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico oat bag with graphic blue and yellow image and text on front. Image shows head and shoulders of person resting on forearms surrounded by flora. Back of bag shows blue and white image of a cube with text and star graphics.Front: HARPER'S \ STAR \ AVENA \ BRAND \ ROLLED OATS \ ??INCORPOR?? ??STORIA?? \ ????? \ AUSTRALIA Back: THE \ SILVER STAR \ RICE \ STARCH \ ROBERT HARPERS AND CO LIMITED \ AUSTRALIA \ THE \ BEST \ IN \ THE \ WORLD \ WONT \ STICK \ TO THE \ IRON \wagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

These domestic kitchen bags were donated to the National Wool Museum by Lila Gore. Lila donated Children’s Clothing (RGE 8324) to the museum in 2022 and at her time of donating, inquired as to whether the museum would also be interested in these bags she had been collecting. Lila said there was no reason as to why she was saving the bags, other than she liked the art works and thought they were too good to end up in landfill. She had thought perhaps she would make something out of the bags, or perhaps give the bags to a friend to make something. When Lila was donating the Children’s Clothing to the museum, she thought that the National Wool Museum would be the perfect home for the bags. Domestic kitchen bags such as these date from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. They were used at home, usually by women, containing household items which would not spoil, such as flour, sugar, animal feed, seeds, and other commodities. In modern times a trip to the supermarket is a daily chore, in the past however, these trips happened far less often, with big sacks such as these a large reason why. In the rural US and Canada, Feed sack dresses and Flour sack dresses, were an iconic part of rural life from the 1920s through the Great Depression, World War II, and post-World War II years. Australia also reused these sacks, typically for making wagga style blankets, but re-use for clothing was not unusual.Calico flour bag with red, blue, white and yellow graphic image and text. Image shows head and shoulders of a woman wearing a bakers hat. Reverse side shows same image with slightly different text.Front: O*SO*LITE \ SELF-RAISING \ FLOUR \ 25lb \ NET \ THE \ FINEST \ FLOUR \ O-SO-LITE \ PRODUCTS PTY. LTD. \ LENNON STREET, SOUTH KENSINGTON \ VICTORIA 13 0261 \ SELF RAISING \ SELF RAISING \ SELF RAISING Back: O*SO*LITE \ SELF-RAISING \ FLOUR \ PREPARED WITH PROSPHATE AERATOR \ 25lb \ NET \ THE \ FINEST \ FLOUR \ O-SO-LITE \ PRODUCTS PTY. LTD. \ LENNON STREET, SOUTH KENSINGTON \ VICTORIA 13 0261wagga, flour, oats, bag, calico, lila, gore, depression, war, kitchen

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl.  The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist.The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.Copy of a photograph of the owner of a 19th Century dress in the collectionPhotocopy of a photograph of Elizabeth Morrison (nee Fitzgerald) in c.1892. australian fashion - victorian era - 1890s, elizabeth morrison

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl. The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist. The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.The costume, which may have been used as a mourning dress is comprised of a matching heavy black silk skirt and top. The styling of the short bodice is accentuated by pleating and by the use of spirals of Parisian jet (black glass beads) on the bodice and cuffs. Chiffon lace is attached to the cuffs and is of the period. The dress is made of silk damask with a woven design of joined lines and circles. The rigidity of the fitted bodice is achieved by the use of baleen and by a heavy striped cotton fabric. The wide skirt, in contrast, has a stiffened brown cotton lining. There is a small insertion on the inside of the bodice that may have been used for a watch. The dress is in excellent condition. elizabeth morrison, australian fashion - 1890s, women's clothing

This image is one of several family group portraits taken by Stevenson and McNicoll on rural properties. This property has been identified as that of John Tilley at Parwan’s Creek. The people depicted are presumably members of the Tilley family. The dwelling has since been demolished. Tilleys Road in Maddingley is probably named for this family farm.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll. The property has been identified as that of John Tilley at Parwan’s Creek. This property has since been demolished. Presumably, the photo is of members of the Tilley family. The image shows a family group of four women and one young child. It is unclear if the child is a boy or a girl, due to the custom of clothing young male children in dresses. The women are sitting or standing in two groups. To the right stands an older woman in a starched white apron, perhaps indicating that she is the housekeeper. The group on the left is of one woman standing and two women seated, one reading a newspaper or magazine. The young child reaches out one arm to her, perhaps for reassurance. The dwelling consists of two structures, one single storeyed cottage, which is perhaps the older part, and an adjoining weatherboard house with a steeply pitched roof and a prominent chimney at the front. The cottage has a shingled verandah partially covered by corrugated iron, which also covers the roof. Trees, a climbing vine and shrubs form a rather unkempt garden. On the hill rising behind the farmhouse there can be seen animals, possibly sheep, grazing.On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, farmhouses, families, women bacchus marsh

The child's silk smocked dress with feather stitching is believed to have been worn by Mary Hodgetts, sister of the donor's mother. The dress is estimated to have been made in c.1919, but from its style it may date from the 1900s. This would not be uncommon as children's clothing was often 'passed-on' or reconfigured to fit a new wearer. Mary Hodgetts grew up in Kensington Park, Adelaide. As an adult, Mary enlisted in 1941 to the 1st AWAS camp. After six months she volunteers for the 58th AASL (Anti Aircraft Searchlight Battery). She was sent to Sydney where she attended Training School with 33 males and one other female. Mary was the first AWAS to receive a Commission in the RAA (Royal Australian Artillery). Mary Downer was one of many under Mary's command on returning to Adelaide. After a March through the streets of Adelaide, most of the unit transferred to Western Australia (Fremantle area) in 1943 and were scattered amongst the 55th and 65th AASL Batteries. At the conclusion of WW2, Mary travelled to Melbourne to be with her sister and studied Accountancy. She first lived in Mary Street, Hawthorn, and then bought a unit in Harcourt Street, East Hawthorn. During this period she worked as Bursar to St Catherine's Girls' School. On retirement, she purchased a house in Edgecombe Street, Kew, and lived there happily for many years. During this time she was active with the Kew Meals on Wheels, receiving her 10-years of service certificate. Mary Hodgetts died in 2018.Child's clothing associated with the history of a significant Australian woman who served with the 2nd AIFChild's silk smocked dress Shoulder width 26 cm / Length 52 cmmary hodgetts, 58th aasl (anti aircraft searchlight battery), children's clothing, women- ww2

This bed jacket was crocheted for Carmela Materia (1931-2018) by her mother, Giuseppa Auditore, around the time they emigrated from Italy to Melbourne. Both women were longtime Brighton locals, residing in the area from the 1950s until their deaths. Carmela Auditore was the first woman from her home village of Scaletta, Italy to emigrate to Australia. Setting sail alone in 1950 at the age of 19, she joined her brother John and uncle Frank in McCallum St, Brighton. Frank had arrived some years earlier and had spent the duration of the First World War in an internment camp. John worked at the Brighton Case Company, a box manufacturer on Nepean Highway, and paid for her passage. Carmela found a job sewing children's clothing at Drummonds, a small factory in Church St. Working eight hours a day, five days per week, netted her a weekly wage of three pounds. To earn a little extra, she washed dishes at a St Kilda Road restaurant for ten shillings a shift. Her parents, Salvatore and Giuseppa Auditore, joined her in Brighton in 1952. They rented a house behind an antique shop in Bay Street. Salvatore had been a fisherman in Scaletta, but quickly adapted to the job he found helping around the Garage at Brighton Motors in Male Street. On 14 February 1953, Carmela married her sweetheart, Salvatore Materia, at St James Catholic Church in Gardenvale. Salvatore had been living with his aunt in Well Street and worked on the wharves. Both Carmela and Salvatore were hard workers. They owned a fruit shop in Church Street where Woolworths now stands, and years later Carmela recalled the familiar 6am tap on her window each morning when her husband returned from the market. On dark winter mornings, she felt as if her hands would freeze as she helped Salvatore unload cold cabbages and cauliflowers from his truck. They later owned a shop in Ludstone Street in Hampton. After Salvatore died suddenly at the age of 48, Carmela returned to sewing, working at the Willow Fashions knitting mill in Gardenvale. She later went into partnership with her sister and brother-in-law, this time in the delicatessen business. Her parents, Giuseppa and Salvatore, spent the rest of their days with Brighton. Carmela recalled her father cheerfully walking the streets, greeting people by name. He knew everybody. He loved being in Australia and enjoyed life to the last, insisting on having bread and wine on the table at every meal.Cream crocheted wool bed jacket. Loose around bust with wide sleeves and open sides. Fastens at collar with thin braided ties, and at waist with two pearlescent plastic buttons.bed jacket, migration, 1950s, carmela auditore, carmela materia, giuseppa auditore

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.Forest Green Childrens jumper with geometric ‘alpine’ pattern with long sleeves and ribbed cuffs and round neck collar. Textured geometric pattern is created with purl stitches and extends both on the front and back of the jumper, as well as down the sleeves.[white label at back neck printed with blue ink] KATHRYN REGD SIZE 1 / LENGTH 84cm / WEIGHT 12kg / Made in Australia ACRYLIC/WOOLchildren's knitwear, knitwear, clothing, children's clothing, jumper, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting