The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient making their own clothes, tableware, bed coverings, furnishings and equipment.
The women were skilled dressmakers and craft workers.
| Item No. | Name of Item. | Description | Victorian Collections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wool Winder c. 1860s | A wooden wool winder, with extending arms for winding hanks of wool into balls prior to knitting. For ease of use the winder also rotates. Circa 1860s this winder was made in Ireland. | more information |
| 2 | ‘Singer’ Model 20 Sewing Machine c. 1920 | First marketed in 1910, this early version Singer No 20 was sold as both a toy and adult miniature. | more information |
| 3 | Wilcox & Gibbs Sewing machine c. 1870 | A single thread, chain stitch Sewing Machine with a special hand crank mechanism produced in England for the European market, and the glass tension discs which were used on domestic models until 1875. | more information |
| 4 | Child’s Sewing Machine c. 1940 | Child’s small tin-plate toy sewing machine. | more information |
| 5 | Handmade Pincushion | A foam rubber, cylindrical, pin-cushion decorated with lace ribbon. With steel dressmaking pins. c1950 | more information |
| 6 | Wooden Pin Tray c. 1920 | A polished wood tray used by women to hold pins when dressmaking, crocheting or mending clothes and linen | more information |
| 7 | Lusecor Fan Card of threads for hosiery. | A fine, smooth cotton thread used especially for stockings. | |
| 8 | Newy’s Spring hooks | Made by Newy Bros. Ltd, in Birmingham, England | |
| 9 | Darning Mushroom c. 1880 | Darning ‘mushrooms’ were used to repair any woollen garment, such as socks, jumpers and ladies cotton or Lyle stockings. | more information |
| 10 | Tape Measure c. 1880 | c1880 A tiny, retractable, tape measure, in Imperial measure, is made of polished timber with a brass winder and ivory handle. | more information |
| 11 | Sewing Container with threads and needles 20th C | These cotton and silk threads are examples of those used for dressmaking, crochet and needlework by the women of the early settler families who made, mended or darned the clothes and hosiery in Moorabbin Shire c1900 | more information |
| 12 | Buttons on Card c. 1900 | more information | |
| 13 | Needles packet | The case contains four paper packets each containing sewing needles of a different gauge. Each packet of needles is 3 1/2 cms long and 1 cm wide. | more information |
| 14 | Box of attachments for Singer Sewing Machine | Containing different feet for machine, screw driver, brush for cleaning machine, spare needles, tiny bobbin. | more information |