The machine was most recently used by donor's father c2008 to knit socks, but had been used for many years earlier. According to family history, it is believed that the machine came to Australia with donor's grandparents in the early 20th century, and was created c1890-1900. It is still in working order and a demonstration was given by the donor during the acquisition process.Griswold stocking knitter machine. Black steel manual machine which clamps on to the edge of a table and is operated by turning a handle. Centre of machine is a cylinder which can be lined with pins to create the sock/stocking. Two detached parts of the machine include a bobbin holder and yarn feeder. Accompanying items include: 3 examples of incomplete attempted socks made by donor. 4 envelops containing instructions, pattersn, notes and advice on using the machine, created by donor's father and grandfather. 1 bobbin with grey yarn. 2 metal machinery pieces. 2 tins containing pins for the machine. 1 metal yarn feeder cone. 10 weights plus two weight stands. Stocking knitter machine has an identifier plate with patent numbers on the side.

The swift winder together with lace pieces was bought in Europe by Nan Warner, who was a retired school teacher and together with her husband Max travelled to Europe and China after they retired. Nan joined a lace making group in the late 1970s who until well into the 1980s and 1990s the group met in each others homes once a month in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne around the Vermont and Ringwood area. The group later became part of the Australian Lace Guild. The donor was also a lacemaker in the group. Hand turned spindle winders and swifts are also used by weavers and spinners.Hand turned wooden wool winder and swift and spindles. It has a wooden base with drawers with a vertical wheel, spindle with winder on an arm with rotating thread holders.spindles, winder, swift, yarn, spinners