Stitchers at work
Tatting, knotting, knitting, pin-tucking, crocheting, pinking, stitching, stuffing, embroidering … needles fly when Museums of History NSW Soft Furnishings volunteers converge twice a month at Elizabeth Bay House to create, re-create and maintain existing furnishings for our historic houses. This conversational session will demonstrate the deep knowledge and curatorial rationale underpinning the work of the group.
Drop-in and see the Soft Furnishings volunteers at work in the wonderful surrounds of Elizabeth Bay House. Hear spot talks by the coordinator of the group Joanna Nicholas and take the opportunity to see original sources from the Caroline Simpson Library: pattern books, household guides, trade catalogues, domestic and upholsterers’ manuals, along with a rich array of materials, silk, calico, moreen, glazed chintz, horsehair, holland, vellum, straw, even possum skin.
This program is an official event of Sydney Craft Week.
Related
![Detail of the four poster bed and beaded watch pockets in the Principal bedroom, Vaucluse House](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/09/a85dbe17e67945399aa6ebf0d97ed53b.jpg)
Watch pockets
Watch pockets hung on the head cloth of a four-post bedstead and originally served in place of bedside tables, which were uncommon in the 19th century
![EBH Volunteers shoot](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/08/eda7f991b1da43e5afdb68f30a5b8e20.jpg)
Stitching for our house museums
For almost 15 years, a dedicated group of volunteers has gathered to sew, crochet, knit, embroider and stuff historically authentic soft furnishings for our houses
![Matching wool colours using a late 19th-century pattern and unfinished Berlin wool work sample from the Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/08/35b2f46ac5f0403ab67b07438b99db8d.jpg)
A stitch in time
Tatting, knotting, knitting, pin-tucking, crocheting, pinking, stitching, stuffing, embroidering … needles fly at Elizabeth Bay House