New Faces and New Frocks at our New Members' Tea Parties

Beautiful vintage sewing equipment from Mandy Jackson's personal collection

​We were delighted to welcome so many new members at our annual tea parties on the 7th and 14th February.  Great fun was had by all on both afternoons, as we got to know each other over tea, cakes and fruit.  Caroline Whiting, our Chair, introduced the committee and explained the work of the C&TA, and we all puzzled over a wide-ranging quiz which tested our knowledge of embroidery stitches, knitting abbreviations, weaving techniques and fashion designers - some of us were a little flummoxed, but there were also some terrific scores - and some lovely prizes!  

The association archivists had spent a long time preparing a wonderful display of recent acquisitions, and it was exciting to see some stunning new shawls and other vintage clothing that had been donated to our collection, as well as some beautiful miniature research exemplars and detailed notes to go with them.  

A stunning Jean Muir silk suit

A 1990s dress with 'bubble cut' skirt by IKK showing real Vivienne Westwood vibes!

CC41 Utility dress in purple wool c1949

Lovely exemplars and research materials showing the construction of period underwear

A 'smoker's cap' worn by Norwich hatter and cap-maker Rumsey Wells

A beautiful printed Norwich shawl

As always, it was amazing to discover the wealth of talent and varied experience amongst our new members, and to have some offers of help with our work and events.  We are really looking forward to getting to know all our new members better over the coming year, and hope that you will all be able to recognise a friendly face or too now when you come to events.

New members also had the opportunity to buy Stephen Worth's lovely cards and books to support the work of the C&TA