Historical information

Sewing kit, often referred to as a sewing necessaire, contained items which were seen as necessary to complete basic needlework tasks. They were portable so could easily be carried by a lady when she was travelling away from home. Fitted in a velvet and silk lined box, it included a selection of needles ranging from darning needles to smaller sharps, as well as a button hook, a small pocket knife.

The sewing needles in this kit were manufactured by John James Redditch, Worcestershire, England. The business was formed in 1840 and first appeared in the region’s business directory in 1860. John James initially specialised in industrial needles and tools and in particular in sail making needles before branching out into embroidery and domestic use. The brand continues to be manufactured in 2026 by the English Needle and Fishing Tackle Company – ENTACO.

Significance

This item is significant because it is an example of domestic items used by women in the late 19th and early 20th century throughout the Wodonga district and beyond.

Physical description

A velvet lined wood box containing a range of basic sewing items.