This sewing machine, made in Germany in the 19th Century, was used extensively in Tatura Camp 3. Its owner; Mrs Elisabeth Hoffmann, was permitted to bring it with her from Palestine on condition that she would make it available to everyone who wanted to use it. There was a roster system and the machine was in constant use for five years. Because normal dress material was scarce, the internees made clothes out of some of the grey army blankets and burgundy overcoats issued to them. The coats were boiled to remove the burgundy dye, then re-dyed green, navy or black, and converted into various items of clothing. The sewing machine coped well with this heavy use. After release from the camp in 1946, Mrs. Hoffmann continued to use it until 1972.Hand operated, table top model sewing machine, with decorative pattern and lettering in gold, hinged to wooden caseGM Pfaff, Kaiserlauternsewing machine, pfaff, polacsek e, uhlherr h, camp 3, tatura, domestic, sewing

Black and white photograph showing Elaine Benton and Anne Mills receiving awards for their patchwork skills by Jane Martin of Pfaff Sewing Machines Lakes Entrance Victoriapeople, sports