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 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 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

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