Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. The decoration on this garment was embroidered by hand by a skilled worker at the Kathryn Knitwear factory. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Wool has been renowned for its excellent properties for thousands of years, by people from all over the world. Not only good for thick winter woollens, it can help keep you cool in summer, as well as being durable and resistant to water, fire, ultraviolet light, stains and odour. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Red cardigan embroidered with decorative tuck stitches and floral motifs on front panel, crochet around collar in blue, white and green. Closes at centre front with 5 plastic buttons[Label at back neck with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD ALL WOOL / 20 /CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKEchildren's knitwear, knitwear, children's clothing, clothing, cardigan, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, embroidery, hand embroidery, floral embroidery, floral motif, tuck stitch

This white, cotton child’s pinafore is an example of the dressmaking skills and craftsmanship of the women of the pioneer settlers families in Moorabbin Shire c1900Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the dressmaking skills and craftsmanship of the women of these familiesA white, cotton ,small child's pinafore with pin-tucking, feather stitch, lace and embroiderybrighton, moorabbin, pioneers, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, clothing dressmaking

This is a dress for a young girl aged about twelve. It seems to date from the late 19th century and would have been worn at a wedding or a family celebration. This dress is a fine example of vintage clothing and is a valued display item.The dress is made of fine muslin. It has a round neck with lace edging, the gathered skirt has pin tucks with a spoke stitched wide hem. There is lace insertion at the waist and on each shoulder. On the three quarter sleeves there is lace edging at the cuffs. The bodice has machine made embroidery, spoke stitching and tucks. The back has press studs and hooks and eyes .vintage clothing, warrnambool and district historical society collection

Possibly belonged to Elizabeth Jane Hartnell (1855-1922) whose descendants donated the Turner Collection. Slip found with clothing 'Grandmother Hartnell's shawl". Turner Collection.Clothing belonging to early Kilmore families.Yellow silk shawl, self-fringed on all four sides, floral embroidered borders, some staining present, approx. 1.2m sq. Two stitched "tucks" horizontal 15cm from edge of opposite sides approx. midway. Appears to cover stain /ink. A few small holes otherwise ood condition. hartnell, turner collection

This petticoat was donated along with other well kept items of women's clothing. the pin tucks and lace trim could have been made to give flexibility to the length. The clothing once belonged to members of a family who migrated from Faversham, Kent, England to Sydney, Australia in the late 19th - early 20th century and was passed down through the family. The items have been worn and have also been well cared for.This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries.Petticoat, ladies size, cotton, waist to floor, drawstring waist closure, bottom lace trim is lined, pin tucks in lower skirt. Machine made lace, machine stitched. C. 1900.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ladies garments 19th century, cotton garments 19th century, ladies undergarment, petticoat c 1900, ladies' clothing, ladies' fashion, underwear, petticoat

local manufacture either a seemstress or a mother. Time Circa 1920s to 1940s. Distance from towns with haberdasheries would force local manufacture of garments by highly skilled women.Historical period Circa 1920s to 1940s was before easy access to branded manufactured clothes. Majority of basic clothing was hand made either family or skilled friends and neighbours This is Garment is cross referenced to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0248 and details the growth of a young childGarment has sleeveless top attached to pantaloons at waist and open crotch and going down inner leg seam to 8cm from bottom. Bottom section of each leg adorned with crocheted lace and two pin tucks around bottom of the legs. Top back of garment has three "Mother of Pearl" buttons and narrow 8 mm wide shoulder cross reference to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0240 straps. Machine stitched cream in colourvest, underwear, child's clothing

The dress was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening dresses were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. It has christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early1900s. Girl's white dress (christening event), fine cotton with lace border "broderie anglaise" with a row of lace flowers mid skirt "battenberg".This lace is also inserted in centre front panel and sleeves. Scolloped cotton is also on sleeves, neck and front. Pin tucked skirt. Opening back with drawstring fastening at neck and waist. Short sleeves and machine stitched children clothing, lace-battenberg and broderie anglaise, female clothing, dress, cotton, christening, dressmaking

Lack of label suggest that this garment was produced in the Kiewa Valley Circa 1900 to 1940s. It would appear to be from a local seemstressThe time period indicates that the distances to the main centres of fashion was far too long for families to go to purchase such items from a retailer. Settlements in the Kiewa Valley would have more than one local seemstress. The relative rarity of the garment and the "Ric Rack" is unique.Garment has sleeveless top attached to pantaloons at waist and open crotch and going down inner leg seam to 8cm from bottom. Bottom section of each leg adorned with crotcheted lace and two pin tucks around bottom of legs. Top back of garmenthas three "Mother of Pearl" buttons and narrow 8mm wide shouldenilcross reference to KVHS 0249 and KVHS 0240 straps. Machine stitched cream in colour vest, undergarment, underwear, lingerie

Christening gowns are traditional outfits made just for baby’s baptism. They are almost always white and can be very ornate, highly decorated garments. Usually, the christening gown is quite long – much longer than the baby being christened, particularly when it is worn by a young or very small baby. Many families keep a “family” christening gown that has been passed down through various family members and is used for the baptism ceremony. This christening robe was probably used by the Cameron family.The christening gown was a late 18th century innovation usually made of white lawn, muslin or net, longer than the baby and fancier than a day gown. The design was a more moderate version of contemporary adult fashion. Most 19th century christening gowns featured lace. All, until the end of the century, had low necklines and short sleeves. This gown reflects the style of christening robes in the early 20th century. A high waisted, short-sleeved long white broderie anglaise christening robe made of fine cotton. It is hand made edged with machine stitched cut work lace. The bodice is pin tucked.christening-robe clothing-childhood

This white, cotton, baby's pinafore with hand crochet work is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A white cotton infant's pinafore, with hand crochet work around armholes, and lower edge of garment. Feather stitch embroidery, and pin-tucking on bodice. Waist ties.clothing, crochet work, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, dendy special survey, brighton pioneers

These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff

This cotton baby's nightgown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A long white cotton infant's Christening or 'walking-out' dress. The neckline and short sleeves have broderie anglais trim. Bodice has extensive cut-work and hand embroidered feather-stitching. There is further hand-embroidered feather-stitching around the waist band. The skirt of the garment has pin-tucking and lower borders of further cut-work The garment is in good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, baptism, dressmakers, craft work, maggs nance

Black silk-satin machine stitched dress. Dropped waist with bans 3.5 cm wide across front. Pleat from neckline to dropped waist, 2.5 cm wide and fastened down by four groupings of two one cm diameter buttons, mauve in colour. Four rows of narrow pin tucks each side of centre front and one tuck one cm wide on outer side of pintucks. Six press stud fasteners concealed under left hand tuck. Fold down collar, with two silk embroidered flowers appliquéd at collar fronts. Three quarter length sleeves slit at lower edge, and trimmed with two mauve buttons and two silk flowers appliquéd at each lower edge. Four knife pleats at each side of front skirt/ Back straight through from shoulders.garments from the Executors of the late Frieda Kahland 11400.122,11400.364, 11400.365, 11400.366.. Donated by A.L.Lienhop of Harcourt.costume, female, black silk-satin dress

Clothing. Nightdress, cream coloured lawn nightdress with 3/4 sleeves.Large yolk and lower sleeve edgings made from narrow strips of lace stitched together.Neck edge and lower sleeve edges with pink ribbon inserted. Front opening with three concealed button holes and three buttons. Pin tucking detail on either side of front opening. Hand made.costume, female, night gown

Clothing. Child's dress - pink silk trimmed with black lace, Pink silk, lined with muslin. Waisted - skirt gathered at back, 3 small pleats at either side of front. Small band at 3 '' pin tuck '' liked rows of fabric at waist. Smalloocket inserted in one at front seams. Five 1cm pleats at each side of centre bodice front. Square neckline banded with 3 rowa of narrow black velvet ribbon, and one row of 4 cm deep black lace. These rows of ribbon and lace repeated on the short sleeves, and at the lower hemline.Back bodice has boning on either side at centre back and eyelets for lacing (No lacing present). Bodice lined with cream calico. Hand and machine stitched.costume, children's, party dress

Clothing. Grey silk boned bodice, grey silk '' off the shoulder '' scooped neckline. Short cap sleeves finished with 5 tucks- middle tuck of a grey satin fabric. Sleeves set into bodice with a fine piping. Deep V shaping at front and back waist. Metal hook and hand stitched eyelets down front opening. Laced with silk ribbon at centre back. V shaped decorative yoke - 6 cms to peak, at neckline. Bodice fully lined with calico.costume, female, grey silk boned bodice

Long sleeved pink silk bodice lined with pink and mauve cotton fabric. Front of bodice made of pieces with a centre seam. Centre panel insert of cream coloured embroidered net narrowing from 28 cms across high neckline to 18 cms at waist. Five black velvet bows are attached vertically at centre front from below the throat, 6 cms apart. Velvet bows hand stitched to centre front. Front panel has rounded shape dipping below the waist. On either side of front insert are two wide vertical tucks Stand up collar of embroidered net (6 cms) has two pieces of wire inserted at LHS of back opening and in front of LH shoulder. Matching wire pieces on RHS are missing. Wire pieces are hand stitched in place. The bodice has a back opening fastened with six buttons and button holes plus a hook and eye at the top below the collar. One button is missing. Buttons are white with wheel spoke pattern. Strip of hemmed silk fabric is tied to the top buttonhole. Cotton lining consists of four pieces across the back and two pieces across the front with centre seam and two darts on either side. Full gathered set in sleeves from the shoulder are gathered into a tightly fitted 20 cm lower sleeve just below the elbow. The upper sleeve has a fitted lining of mauve cotton fabric shaped to the elbow and then forming the fitted sleeve along the lower arm. The fitted lower sleeves are covered with cream coloured embroidered net and have a 10 cm opening on outer edge fastened with three buttons and button holes. Hand and machine stitched.costume, female daywear, silk bodice

Full length cream synthetic fabric wedding dress with long sleeves and a train. Front and back have a yoke of lace. Three quarter length sleeves are made of the same lace with roulette trim at hem. Inner and outer edges of sleeves ruched for 3 cm. High round neck at back. V neckline at front. Front of bodice has two side darts and two under bust darts. Bodice at waist line has three decorative scallops at front and back. Synthetic fabric of bodice has woven fabric backing. Side opening on left hand side is fastened with nine press studs. Full length skirt of lighter weight opaque synthetic fabric has centre seams at front and back. Fabric is cut on the bias to form a 360? full circle skirt with a train at centre back. An additional section of fabric is attached at either side to complete the circle. At centre back of the skirt is an inverted pleat to create fullness for the train. Hemline is edged with lace with four rows of tucks above the hem, 1 cm apart. Separate petticoat of heavier woven synthetic fabric attached at waist. Petticoat cut on the bias to create 360? full circle skirt with inverted pleat at centre back to create fullness. Narrow turned over hem. Petticoat skirt dips to a V shape at centre front and back seams. Machine stitched.costume, female ceremonial, wedding dress

Clothing.Woman's cream coloured long sleeved silk bodice. High round neckline with 4 cm stand up collar. Semi-circular yoke front and back (13cm radius). Collar and yoke have embroidered net over silk fabric. Kimono cut long sleeves have cuffs of embroidered net over silk from shoulder to wrist along top of sleeve (33cm X 4 cm). Sleeves and front of bodice have all over vertical pin tucks. The front of the bodice has cotton tape ties stitched across from centre front to side seams at waist level gathering the fabric to form a peplum effect at the front. The tails of the cotton tapes tie across the back from the side seams. Full length front opening fastened with nine press-studs between collar and waist and a metal hook and eye at the waist. The back of the bodice has vertical pin tucks across the shoulders and below the yoke extending 9 cm below the yoke.costume, female, woman's cream coloured silk bodice

Clothing. Men's cream coloured cotton formal dress shirt. Stiffened bib front (27 cm X 38 cm) with pleats and pin tucks. Centre front placket (35 cm) with 7 cm button holed tab at lower end. Front opening fastened with three buttons and button holes (two buttons missing). Double button holes on 2 cm stand up collar. Body of shirt gathered into yoke at centre back. Long straight sleeves with 7 cm stiffened cuff with button holes for cuff links.Tag inside back neck. Coat of Arms, ''Fdad' Aluisio Napoli'' Red hand stitched laundry mark.costume, male, men's cream coloured dress shirt

Clothing. Wrist length, dark cream, machine stitched leather gloves. Machine stitching-two rows, gives the effect of pin-tucks, are sewn in a diagonal direction from the outer wrist, across the back of the hand. The shorter outer stitching, 4 cm long has two 6mm long leather stitches, at right angle to the machine stitching. The second diagonal stitching runs around the top of the glove, and 9.5 cms across the back of the hand. It is offset with three 6 mm stitches at right angles. There is a 3 cm long, bound slit at the outer side top of the gloves.costume accessories, female, dark cream wrist length leather gloves

Clothing. A concealed full length back opening reveals five tiny covered buttons, 7 mm in diameter and five hand-stitched button holes. This opening is bordered by two groups of five very fine pin tucks with a 3 cm spacing between the two groups. The blouse is made from very fine Swiss lawn cotton fabric, and is very soft to the feel. The front has a broad panel thirty cm wide of exquisite pintucks, crochet, lace and embroidery. The embroidery is white on white, and features flowers and leaves in a curved pattern. A crochet panel below the high neckline is 4 cm x 10 cms and is peaked at the lower edge. This is bordered by 1.5 cm wide cotton lace, and horizontal pintucks. Two panels, one on either side of three pintucks, 1.5 cm panel of lace, and then the central panel of embroidery, pintucks, lace, and crochet. Five pintucks, 1.5 cm panel of lace and five more pintucks run the length of the short sleeves. Sleeves are puffed, and gathered at the shoulder, and at the 1.5 cm deep cuff, which is also pintucked. A 1.5 cm deep 'stand-up' collar, spoke-stitched to the garment, as are the sleeves and shoulder seams. Front hemline is curved. Back hemline is straight.costume, female, a full length back opening blouse

Clothing. Fine white linen fabric. A .8 cm 'tuck' edged at top and bottom with a spoke-stitched border, marks the waistline. Below the waistline is a peplum, split at the centre front with 8 cm deep peaks. These peaks are repeated at the centre back. The peplum tapers to 7 cm deep at side seams. The camisole is trimmed at the top edge with a 4 cm deep band of cotton lace. The top edge of the linen fabric has a double row (off set) of cotton embroidered 'spots' 2 mm in diameter, and three rows of drawn thread work - one cm in width, 3.5 cm wide lace form the shoulder straps. The back opening fastens with six tiny 7cm pearl buttons, and hand-stitched button holes. The lower button fastens with a loop at the waistline 1880-90's. A 'fan' of pintucks, arched from 4 cm long at the ends, to 6 cm long at the centre, fans the midriff at the centre front, above the waistline - 28 tucks in total.costume, female, camisole.

Clothing. Ladies' collar. Net fabric, entirely sewn into 'pin-tucks' .5 cm deep in the high stand-up collar, and increasing to 7.5 cm at the lower edge of the jabot front. Opening at the back, the jabot is fastened by nine metal hooks, and hand-stitched loops. Collar has a tightly gathered double frill of the tulle fabric, at neck and is held up right by five 'covered' 'bones'. The lower edge of the front and back is edged with a 1.5 cm wide silk fabric frill. Centre lower edge of back has two 59 cm long silk ribbon ties. This ribbon is also attached to the lower edge of the jabot 58 cm and 60 cm long - presumably for the wearer to tie firmly in place. Neckline seam is re-inforced and neatened by an organdie type fabric, hand-stitched in place. Two fine elastic loops (now perished) one 52 cm, one 58 cm would once have helped to hold the jabot in place, with the arms passing through the loops, to keep the jabot in place. Detached sleeves. Net fabric, entirely sewn into .5 cm tucks. Reaching from the wrist to above the elbow. A double net frill edges the wrists, where a 6.5 cm opening, fastens with metal hooks and hand-stitched loops. A cotton tape, .5 cm wide neatens and re-infrces this seam, and a row of chain stitch, in silk thread embellishes the outer side of the seam. Upper edge of the sleeve has a fine binding of silk ribbon.costume, female, cream tucked net collar and jabot

Clothing. Light grey kid leather gloves, with a sueded 'chamois like' finish feel. A 12 cm long plackett at the wrist, fastens with three .7 mm, rounded pearl buttons. Six rows of fine machine stitching fan out across the back of the hand, giving the effect of three pin tucks. Top edge of the gloves is gently curved.costume accessories, female, light grey kid leather gloves

Clothing. Fine white cotton lawn nightgown. Round neck, with back opening. 12 cm deep yoke, and tiny cap sleeves of embroidered cotton. A V shaped panel of embroidered cotton at the centre front of the yoke. A drawstring in a casing fastens at the back neckline. A tiny .75 cm button, fastens the back yoke. Nightgown is machine stitched, with some hand stitched decorative stitching. The long skirt has two bands of narrow tucks-one tuck of 1.04 cm and six bands of .04 cm. This is edged with a band of hand stitched embroidery. This band of tucking is repeated, and edged with a 6 cm wide band of eyelet embroidery. This panel is repeated with the lower edge of embroidered cotton finished with a scalloped shaped edge. A scalloped braid edges the neckline. Skirt is two-tiered-top tier very finely gathered to yoke is 15 cm deep. Lower tier is 71 cm deep.costume, children's, toddlers nightgown.

Clothing. Cream coloured sleeveless silk baby's dress.Straight line dress gathered skirt sections on sides. Separate fabric pieces form shoulders.V shaped neckline back and front. Centre of front neckline has six pin tucks over sown with blue and pink embroidered cross stitch. Back opening to waist fastened by two press studs. Border of blue and pink flowers around lower edge of dress.costume, children's, baby's dress

Embroidered silk, with a swirl type embroidered pattern. Wide, and deep square neckline. Back opening with nine metal hook and eye fasteners. Seven 16cm long bones encased in ribbon - three in the front, and two either side of the back opening. The wide square neckline is edged with 4.5cm wide fine lace - (two narrower pieces stitched together). Five .5cm wide tucks border the front and back neckline. The sheer embroidered tulle sleeves have a silk panel under arm. Shoulders and sleeve cuff are trimmed with a feature of artificial roses and leaves - roses 2.5cm diameter. A 17cm frill extends from the back opening, passing under the armhole, across the tucked border at the neckline to the back opening of the left side. This frill is also trimmed with the artificial roses at 10cm intervals. The bands of lace that trim the neckline also border this frill. Stiffened circular shaped shields are stitched under the armhole, and on the adjoining under arm of the sleeve. Pink chenille type tufts interspersed on embroidered silk overlay. PART 0F WEDDING OUTFIT 11400.781; 782On the lining panels of the left sleeve is marked FLIRT, Made in U.S.A. 1 2 2.costume, female, cream silk wedding bodice