This hem marker stand is a measuring tool for gauging the height of a hem, such as on a dress or curtain. The adjustable arm slides along the ruler and its snug fit ensures that it stays at the right height. The end of the arm has a metal pin inserted into it to hold a piece of chalk, which would be used to mark the fabric. The hem marker would be used by professional dressmakers, seamstresses, and tailors as well as by crafts people at home. The hem marker was made in Birmingham.The hem marking stand is an example of tools used during the 1900s in the garments and furnishings trades as well as for domestic purposes. Since that time the tool has evolved into a more efficient design that makes home sewing easier.Ham marking stand with a wooden ruler, stand and a sliding adjustable arm on a brass sleeve. The arm has a metal pin on the end. Measurements are marked on both sides, inches on one side and centimetres on the other. Inscriptions are stamped into the wood. Made in Birmingham."- - - - / - - - - - / -BIRMINGHAM" On end of arm "2*4'flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, hem marker, dressmaker, dressmaking, alterations, tailor, dressmaker's tool, sewing marker, sewing gauge, seamstress, domestic use, dress fitting, curtain hemming, birmingham, freestanding, chalk hem marker, stand, home craft

Woven wall hanging featuring 5 panels showing a country scene of rolling hills, sky and clouds. Woven in heavy wool of greys, geeens and pinks. The clouds feature fluffy tufts of wool. Hanging on white dowel curtain rod. Hem of each tapestry contains a heavy weight inserted in the seam.

Made and donated by Marjorie McKeown (nee Ford). This item is an example of a home-made item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the ffirst half of the 20th century when women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Two black curtains made of heavy material. One is a straight curtain with a pocket hem and the other is smaller, with a curved lower hem and a deep black fringe. Both curtains have been decorated with large appliqued flowers and birds.home-decoration womens-handcrafts

Banner with the Logo of the Northern District School of Nursing.Banner made from white cotton coated curtain fabric with the logo of the Northern District School of Nursing made with applique fabric and fabric paint in red and gold. The banner is supported top and bottom with lengths of dowel inserted into a hemmed section. The banner was made by Max Ellis for the five yearly reunion of the Northern District School of Nursing Graduates' association held in 2000.banner, reunion, northern district school of nursing, ndsn

The curtains are significant for their comparative rarity of survival, and at the same time, are highly representative of opulent colonial taste in interior decor in the boom period. The curtain panels are of high quality materials and in unusually good condition, indicating they were used in a window with relatively little sunlight shining on them. They can be imagined in a grand room with one or more matching dressed windows.7 curtain panels, all the same size, possibly to fit a 3-light bay window; or alternately, to fit 3 windows in the same room (or something else altogether, if this is not the original total number of panels). Fabric: silk-wool mix, sky blue ground with narrow vertical gold stripes. The fabric is a damask weave with a watered (moiré) finish; the large, woven motif depicts an urn filled with stylised flowers, leaves and curlicues; the spacing of the motifs is more 19thC than older styles using much the same motif. Each curtain drop is decorated with an applied band of narrow, colour-matched gimp braid around the sides and lower end. The bottom hems are weighted with what feels like lead shot. The curtains are lined with sturdy brown cotton. They are gathered at the top edge on drawstring tape; and hand-sewn with small metal hanging rings. Faded vertical bands of sun exposure are visible on most of the curtains, and one panel has a mended tear on a lower side. Otherwise they are in excellent, sound condition.interior decoration-19th century, curtains-19th century, colonial taste-victoria, gold boom melbourne