Historical information

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

In the first half of the 20th century women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping off flies and insects from food.

Physical description

Small square milk jug cover that has been hand crocheted with crown, flag and date patterned into centre. It has a red, white and blue beaded fringe.