City of Armadale - History House > Records

PIN, CUSHION - WITH DOLL

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c. 1985

Overview

Round, doughnut shape, smooth white cloth to underside of cushion, upper material is white lace over the top. The cushion is divided into eight segments by strong thread tightened to produce a slight bulging effect. A plastic doll has been inserted to middle of the cushion and is dressed in white ribbon over shoulders and crossed in front, there is a wide lace flared skirt across the upper surface of the cushion. The doll is topped with a hat in the shape of a flower and has a pink bow to the small of the back.

Historical information

This pin cushion with doll was made by Evelyn Mills during a craft session held by the Kelmscott Hobby Club at the St Mary's Church Hall in Kelmscott. The item was displayed by Evelyn Mills at her home at 123 Railway Avenue Kelmscott.
The Kelmscott Hobby Club was started in the mid 1930 by local women and would meet at members houses where they would read poetry or tell short stories. Over time the club grew and moved to the St Mary in the Valley hall where on a Wednesday afternoon they would practice a variety of crafts. The club was designed for local women to meet up, learn a new craft and to socialise for a few hours. Many of the young mothers in the club would bring their children. Many members called the club a 'life saver' as it provided them a place to vent about their families and get advice about what was happening in their lives. In the late 1960s the club had around 30 members. Mrs Williams from Gosnells would come to the club and show the members how to do different crafts. The club would pat her a small fee and cover her bus fare. Members would pay two shillings for each session they attended and one shilling if they missed it. Supplies for the club were purchased from Gilberts on the corner of William and Hay Street in Perth.
Over time membership dropped off and the remaining members got older. The club closed down in the early 2000's

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-33-COA2009.74

Item type

Handcrafts

Themes

People
Social History

Material

Fabrics

Plastic

Width

127 mm

Height or length

89 mm

Depth

43 mm

Keywords

Made in COA

Railway Avenue 123 Kelmscott

MILLS Evelyn Mrs

Kelmscott Hobby Club

St Mary's Church Hall , Kelmscott

Year

c. 1985

Statement of significance

This object is part of a collection of items associated with a community organisation that played a significant social, economic and or spiritual role in a local or City wide community or was of a significant social, economic and or spiritual importance to that community. These organisations could have an impact through their influence on the communities religious, social, sporting, economic, welfare, educational, or community service activities and interests.

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Rare or representative

Well provenanced

City of Armadale - History House

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