This lacemaker was owned by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018) who was a skilled lacemaker from her youth and who used this lacemaker most of her life. It may have first belonged to her mother (Hettie Collett nee Thorn) who was a very talented milliner and from whom Beryl first learnt her handicraft skills. This lacemaker is part of a large and varied range of objects relating to Beryl which has been donated to the Museum. The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Much of Beryl's own handiwork held by the Museum was created by her following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980 and so epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.This hand operated lacemaker enabled women like Beryl and her mother to create beautiful lacework.This lacemaker consists of twelve bobbins which are a tool for carrying the thread which gradually uncoils from the bobbin as it is handled and is then interlocked manually with surrounding threads to create a lacy structure. The bobbins are thin wooden cylinders. At their top, the shaft has been carved away to leave an even thinner cylinder where thread can be stored to be gradually unwound.Inside bodice opening, hand-written: 'H. Collett' which has had a line struck through it. Underneath that inscription is hand-written 'Thorn' beryl collett, 1900s, hettie collett, lacemaker

This lacemaker instruction booklet together with the lacemaker was owned by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018) who was a skilled lacemaker from her youth and who used the lacemaker (and presumably this booklet) most of her life. Both of these may have first belonged to her mother (Hettie Collett nee Thorn) who was a very talented milliner and from whom Beryl first learnt her handicraft skills. This lacemaker and accompanying booklet are part of a large and varied range of objects relating to Beryl which has been donated to the Museum. The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Much of Beryl's own handiwork held by the Museum was created by her following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980 and so epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.This lacemaker and manual enabled women like Beryl and her mother before her to create beautiful lacework.This booklet has a maroon-color soft cover. Inside is mainly text with some black and white drawn illustrations.On front cover printed: 'Vol. 1 / The / Duchess / Lace Maker / Published by / The Duchess Torchon Lace Co. / 22 Royal Arcade / Melbourne' On back cover in bottom right corner: 'Wilke, Mitchell & Co. / Printers / 7 Flinders Court / Melbourne' beryl collett, 1900s, hettie collett, lacemaker, instruction booklet

This dress was created by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018). Beryl learnt handicraft skills as a young person from her mother Hettie Collett (Thorn) who was a skilled milliner. Beryl created many textile objects following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980. This dress appears to have been created to showcase Beryl's smocking skills. That much of Beryl's own handiwork was created following her retirement epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.This apron is an example of the handiwork of a skilled local dressmaker.Medium length light blue heavy cotton dress with extensive smocking on bodice and back of dress and collar and cuffs. Long sleeves. Front and back of dress appear identical and there are no buttons or other fasteners. Dress does not appear to be of a particular fashion style.beryl collett, clothing

This nightgown was owned by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018) who was a skilled lacemaker from her youth. It first belonged to her mother (Hettie Collett nee Thorn) who was a very talented milliner and from whom Beryl learnt handicraft skills as a young person. The nightgown is part of a large and varied range of objects relating to Beryl which has been donated to the Museum. The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Much of Beryl's own handiwork was created by her following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980 and so epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.This nightgown is a lovely example of women's sleepwear in the early 20th century.Long, white cotton nightgown. Empire line with round neckline, lace inserts in bodice and 4 concealed buttons at bodice. Buttons have been covered with white fabric. Three-quarter length sleeves with lace cuffs. Made with a sewing machine.Inside bodice opening, hand-written: 'H. Collett' which has had a line struck through it. Underneath that first inscription is hand-written 'Thorn' beryl collett, clothing, 1900s

This wall hanging was created by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018). Beryl learnt handicraft skills as a young person from her mother Hettie Collett (Thorn) who was a skilled milliner. Beryl created many textile objects following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980. She often won prizes in handicraft competitions, and she was generous in sharing her skills with others. This wall hanging was entered in a competition, possibly in the 1990s. The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. That much of Beryl's own handiwork was created following her retirement epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.This wall hanging is an exhibition of the maker's patchwork skills.Decorative patchwork quilt attached to a wooden dowel at the top so that it can be hung for display. Blue background. Green squares at each corner. A star pattern comprised of multiple small squares in the centre.Handwritten on paper attached to the top right front corner: 'Sunshine and Shadow' Handwritten on small white tag on bottom right front corner: 'B Collett' beryl collett, textile