The Needlework Tool Collectors Society of Australia (NTCSA) began in
1987 in Melbourne, growing from the enthusiasm and interests of two sisters,
Katrina and Jenny, who gathered together their friends and fellow collectors to form
the Society. When travelling interstate, they would arrange to have afternoon tea
with other collectors, inviting them to join. As numbers grew, it became possible to
hold larger events, the first of which was a Conference (then called The Corroboree to
give it an Australian flavour), and has been held continuously every second year
- the upcoming Conference in 2012 is our Twelfth Biennial Conference.
The rest is, as they say, history!
Another person who contributed to the growth in other States was Nerylla Taunton.
Nerylla's name is well known to the many who knew her, and to many others worldwide
from her wonderful publications that have become leading Reference works -
Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries (1997) and
Chatelaines: Utility to Glorious Extravagance( (1994)
- the latter co-authored with Genevieve Cummins.
Now, almost 25 years later, many others who share their delight have made it a Society
that reaches beyond its original geographic foundation and has members around Australia,
in New Zealand, in the USA and in the UK. All share an interest in needlework tools and other
associated areas that may have lead them to this field. Among us you'll find
embroiderers, lace makers, costumiers, history lovers, writers, and collectors who enjoy
other interests such as china, Christmas, silver - you name it, and someone likely has a
collection in that area.
Members' needlework tool interests cover a wide range that includes
antique, vintage, modern and handmade needlework tools. Some years ago, a series of
six postcards were produced and made available to NTCSA members. One is shown on
the Members page, and here are four of the others, leaving the elusive sixth one
still to track down and post later.
Here's some information on our previous Conference:
This replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge scissors was at the Sydney 2010 Conference
The 11th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
was held in Sydney, Australia on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th OCTOBER 2010
at the Harbourview Hotel, 17 Blue Street, North Sydney 2060
Phone: 02 9955 0499Toll free 1300 785 453 Fax: 02 9922 3689
www.viewhotels.com.auEmail: hotel.hv@viewhotels.com.au
The 2010 Sydney Conference of the Needlework Tool Collectors Society of Australia is over now, but there's another one in July 2012, this time in Victoria.
Programs are diverse and offer a variety of speakers and subjects which cater for the many varied interests of our Society’s members.
The Program at the 2010 Conference was:
Saturday 23rd October
8.30am Registration
9.00 am - 5.00 pm (interspersed with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
Conservation of needlework tools
A journey through a special dolls’ house
Needlework Tools in Western Art
A special presentation byThe Cavalcade of History and Fashion
Australian Thimbles
Ancient Thimbles
Sunday 24th October
Single Day registration 8.45am
9.00 am - 4.30 pm (interspersed with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)
Sales mall
Demonstrations of needlework tools in use
Raffle draw
Irish Crochet
Charles Horner
The Changi Quilt
Sewing Birds
For those arriving on Friday evening, an informal dinner was available at the hotel.
The Conference Dinner on Saturday evening was delighted to have Susannah Fullerton as the
After Dinner speaker on the subject of ‘Literary Travellers in Australia’.
Partners also attend and enjoy this interesting evening.
A souvenir ‘Goodies bag’ for each attendee is one of the delights of the Conferences, as are raffles of sewing paraphernalia and the Conference Commemorative item - 2010's was a Thread Holder (for five threads) with a Sydney Harbour Bridge design, made in copper by Ron Erratt.
( check back soon )
