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Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
From the collection of Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
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Clothing - Childs cotton blouse with short sleeves, Phoebe Lewell, 1918

  • Lace-trimmed cream-colored child's blouse laid flat.

    Image of lace-trimmed child's blouse laid flat

  • Child's lace trimmed, cream-colored blouse laid flat and opened at the front.

    Image of child's blouse laid flat and opened at the front.

  • Child's blouse laid flat. Cream-colored with lace trim at sleeves and neck.

    Back view of child's blouse laid flat.

  • Lace-trimmed cream-colored child's blouse laid flat.
  • Child's lace trimmed, cream-colored blouse laid flat and opened at the front.
  • Child's blouse laid flat. Cream-colored with lace trim at sleeves and neck.

Historical information

This child's cotton blouse was handmade by 15-year-old schoolgirl, Phoebe Lewell in 1918. She won the Form V Needlework Prize at the Speech Day for St Michael's, St Kilda in that year. This blouse was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.

Significance

This handmade child's blouse showcases the sewing skills of an early 20th century schoolgirl and recalls the importance of girls being taught how to make clothes at that time.

Physical description

Child's cotton blouse with short sleeves. Lace trimmed neckline and ends of sleeves. Dark cream satin ribbon inserted. Jacket has front opening with four buttons (pearl) - three of the buttons concealed by a band of lace. The base of the blouse has a band which the gathered top is sewn into.

Subjects

References

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