Historical information

This dress was possibly manufactured by a local seamstress in the period circa early 1900.The quality of the dress suggests that the lady who wore it was from middle to upper range of the socio-economic structure within the Kiewa Valley

Significance

Historically this item dating in the early 1900s was made by a very competent seamstress (lack of manufacturer's label). It demonstrates that the conditions of relative isolation within the Kiewa Valley was not extreme and that local manufacture of clothing items were available and at a very high level of quality. This item demonstrates that the hand made era was alive and an essential part of community/social adhesion within the valley.

Physical description

Beige knitted dress, sleeveless ladies pin weaved running from waist to bottom. Fine pin weave from bust to waist. Two mother of pearl buttons fastening opening front neck 11cm from neck to upper breast

Inscriptions & markings

no manufacturer's label suggesting manufacturer was a very talented local seamstress