This type of mob cap is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made lace cap is typical of a type of headwear worn by women inside the home in the early 19th century. Mob cap made of point d'esprit lace - a finely woven net lace - with a gathered lace trim. female, headwear, mob cap, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection

This type of chemise/camisole is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made cotton and lace camisole is typical of a type of undergarment worn by women inside the home in the early 19th century. Hand sewn, sleeveless fine woven cotton, loose-fitting garment detailed with deep cream coloured ribbon lace on armholes. The neckline is square-shaped and has a broad band of ribbon filled beneath lace detailing. The garment has 2 pearl coloured buttons on-top of the shoulders as openings.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, camisole

This lace collar would have been detachable for easier cleaning and would have been worn by a lady during the 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lace collar is an illustration of how 19th century women could embellish and vary their garments through the use of different detachable collars and cuffs.Two halves of a lace collar sewn from a cream-coloured lace. The collar pieces are in a boomerang shape. Each half depicts leaves, ferns, and flowers in intricate line patterns.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, clothing

This original owner of this lovely christening gown is unknown. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old which would date this gown at least late 19th century.This gown is a testament to women's sewing skills and to the value placed on the clothing of the infant at a Christening ceremony. Christening gowns were only worn on the day of the infant's Christening and were traditionally handed down within a family.Cream long line gown, embroidered bodice with short sleeves, round gathered neckline with drawstring tie at the back. Long gathered skirt with waist drawstring tie at back. Lace panel down the centre front of the skirt. Very fine cotton material.christening gown, lynne findlay collection, 19th century

This woolen sampler was of the type created by learners practicing their stitches, in this case Phoebe Lowell, a schoolgirl who made this in 1918 at St Michael's, St Kilda where she won the Form V Needlework Prize in that year. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old although that would not have been the case for this sampler.This sampler is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.Piece of cream-colored woolen fabric hemmed with herringbone stitching. A circle and a square have been cut out and a larger circle and square have been sewn with herringbone stitches as a backing.On small cardboard piece sewn to sampler: 'Phoebe Lewell / Form 5 R / Age 16'female, lynne findlay collection, sampler, phoebe lowell, 1918, st michael's

This hand-made doll's apron was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 10-year-old schoolgirl in 1913. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old although this would not have been the case for this doll's apron.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.Very small cream-colored doll's apron with waistband and buttonhole but no button. Pleat running along the width of the apron above the hemline. Decorative herringbone stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Age 10 / Form II'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, doll's apron, 1913

This baby bodice was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 13-year-old schoolgirl at St Michael's, St Kilda in 1916. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old although this baby bodice was made in the early 20th century.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.White sleeveless cotton bodice with a one-button opening at the neck. Neckline and front opening are finished with double rows of top stitching. Arm openings finished with single lines of top stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Form IV A / Age 13 years'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, baby bodice, 1916

This jacket which is possibly a bed jacket is believed to have been made by a schoolgirl Phoebe Lewell aged 15 in 1918 when she was attending St Michael's St Kilda and where she won the Form V Needlework Prize in 1918. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old. However, the date of this particular item is probably 1918.This lace lawn jacket is a lovely example of a decorative light jacket - possibly a bed jacket - worn in the early 20th century.Cream coloured lawn jacket, open front, lace trimmed with an open lace that ribbon could be passed through. Sleeves are half length and also trimmed with lace. The sailor-type collar is substantial and square shaped with satin stitched embroidery in the corners. The sleeves have bows in champagne coloured ribbon. This jacket may possibly be a bed jacket and it may originally have had a ribbon tie at the front.female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, clothing, 1918, st michael's

These cotton drawers are typical of the ones worn during the 19th century by women. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.These cotton drawers are typical of the ones worn by women during the 19th century. Their simple and open design were made for convenience when paired with the corsets and layers of chemises and other covers that were popular at the time.Cotton drawers with lace-trimmed (red ribbon inserted) at end of legs. The waist band had three buttonholes on the front and two buttonholes on the back. The back end front waist bands are separated.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, clothing

This handkerchief was a commonly carried item and is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made lace handkerchief was a typical everyday item carried by women in the early 19th century. Lawn hand-stitched handkerchief decorated with 3 lines of vertical and horizontal pleating which is hemmed and finished off with a lace border. female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, handkerchief

This child's cotton blouse was handmade by 15-year-old schoolgirl, Phoebe Lewell in 1918. She won the Form V Needlework Prize at the Speech Day for St Michael's, St Kilda in that year. This blouse was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This handmade child's blouse showcases the sewing skills of an early 20th century schoolgirl and recalls the importance of girls being taught how to make clothes at that time.Child's cotton blouse with short sleeves. Lace trimmed neckline and ends of sleeves. Dark cream satin ribbon inserted. Jacket has front opening with four buttons (pearl) - three of the buttons concealed by a band of lace. The base of the blouse has a band which the gathered top is sewn into.female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, 1918, st michael's

This lace modesty panel is believed to be late 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made modesty panel was typically worn by women to conceal a plunging neckline in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Ecru coloured, fine lace modesty panel. Rectangular in shape with handsewn satin binding on the two short ends and lacy edge on upper part and bound seam on the bottom edge.female, lynne findlay collection, modesty panel

This lace collar and matching cuffs could be attached to and detached from clothing as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as a collar and sleeve ends would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made handmade set of collar and cuffs enabled personalisation and variety of neckwear and sleeve ends as well as enabling more efficient cleaning of cumbersome clothes.Cream colored lace collar and a pair of matching cuffs with infilled needle stitching. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, collar, cuffs, lace

This cotton nightgown was worn by women in the 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This is a lovely example of a type of nightgown worn by women inside the home in the 9th century. Handstitched cotton nightgown which has a front opening yoke with 4 buttons and buttonholes. Embroidered trim on cuffs and edges of neckline and yoke. Cream white in colour with four pintucks on each side of front opening and trimmed with embroidery at base of tabs.female, lynne findlay collection, nightgown

This lace collar could be attached to and detached from clothing as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as a collar would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely handmade collar enabled more personalisation and variety of outfits as well as facilitating more efficient cleaning of clothes.Cream-colored lace collar with infilled needle stitching with a tape tie. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, collar, cuffs, lace

These matching cuffs could be attached to and detached from sleeves as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as cuffs would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. Their original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.These lovely handmade cuffs enabled more personalisation and variety of outfits as well as facilitating more efficient cleaning of clothes.A pair of cream-colored lace cuffs made of silk tapes with infilled needle stitching. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, cuffs, lace

These lace collar and cuffs could be attached to and detached from clothing as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as collars and cuffs would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. Their original owner is unknown, but they were purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely set of handmade collar and cuffs enabled more personalisation and variety in people's outfits as well as enabling more efficient cleaning of clothes.Pair of cream-colored lace cuffs. One side has a more rounded end than the other side. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, collar, cuffs, lace

This lace collar could be attached to and detached from clothing as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as collars would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made handmade collar enabled more personalisation and variety of outfits as well as facilitating more efficient cleaning of clothes.Lace collar. Cream color. Collar has a tape tie. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, collar, lace

This lace collar and matching cuffs could be attached to and detached from clothing as needed in order to embellish an outfit and for ease of cleaning as collars and sleeve ends would soil more quickly than the rest of an outfit. The original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely set of handmade collar and cuffs enabled more personalisation and variety of outfits as well as facilitating more efficient cleaning of clothes.Cream-colored lace collar and matching cuffs. Cream color. Collar has a tape tie. One of the cuffs has a more rounded end than the other. Hand-made.female, lynne findlay collection, collar, lace, cuffs