Australian Dress Register

The Clarke Family of Murrumbateman were considered innovators in the development and production of superfine wool.

Wollondilly residents, Jim and Judy Rudd, donated 4 items owned and or made by Amy Florence Mary Clarke. Amy's talents were varied as those of a pioneering family often were known to be. She excelled in dressmaking, crochet, embroidery, cooking, preserving, gardening and was a master at recycling. Amy's parents died when she was young and she was raised by her maternal grandparents, William and Mary Lawton.

Amy was born on 17th October, 1908 and died at Yass on 13th December, 2007. She married Donald Neville Clarke in 1939. Amy was generous in her service to the community; often utilising her talents in dressmaking, craftwork and cooking. She was a Patron of the Yass District Hospital Auxillary and a Life member of the Yass Show Society.

Author: Sue Davis taken from Pam Browne notes., 02/12/2011.

Double faced knitted wool (superfine?)

Striped beige and black one piece over attached black knitted wool pant which gives modesty skirt.

High neck with plastic rings that hold plaited beige and black strap that comes from side back crossed at back through loops and fastened with 2 nickel hooks and eyes at back of neck.

Centre front and back seams chevroned.

Waist loops (black wool) at each side that hold plaited belt (made from same coloured beige and black).

Elastic is scooped back to hold in place and cord used to adjust to fit.

Note: Most likely commercially made because-

1. Very industrial knitted stitches.

2. Trim(strap and belt) absolutely matched in colour. This suggests a manufactured garment as it is unlikely a home maker would be able to access knitted fabric and trims in same wool.

3. Two different types of knitting machines have been used ie it is not hand knitted.