Historical information

Ruth Woodward was the daughter of Alan Richardson a sawmiller at Tabbara. Richardson Helped build and held ticket for paddle steamer "Curlip".
Crochet covers for milk jugs, teacups and bowls were produced to repel the dreaded Australian blow fly. They were typically decorated with Australian flora and fauna and commemorative motifs and sometimes edged with beads, shells and other three dimensional forms, not only for appearance, but also to weigh down the crochet so it would stay safely in place on the jug. The three dimensional parts were stiffened with sugar syrup, or sometimes starch, paraffin or gelatine.
The main sources for crochet cover and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books.

Significance

This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.

Physical description

Small handmade star-shaped milk cover with a white tulle centre
and beading coming down to points off the centre. Beads are clear and black.