ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionHandmade cream silk crochet baby's booties with cream silk 13mm ties. There are rust marks and discolouration, and the ribbons are slightly damaged.CollectionChildhood DaysDate createdc1935Height (mm)125Width (mm)80Materialssilk crochet thread, silk 13mm ribbonHistorical details
These silk crochet booties were owned by the Joll family and were worn by Patricia Joll (nee Kenny) as a baby c1935. The Joll family, who were originally from Brisbane, moved to Perth in 1964 where they lived in Floreat, Wembley and Churchlands.
Booties (also bootees) are soft, knitted socks or shoes worn by babies to protect their feet and designed to keep them warm. Vintage baby booties were often handmade, using high-quality materials like intricate embroidery, delicate lace, or soft leather. Silk booties like these would have been worn for special occasions, such as christenings, weddings, or birthdays.
Clothing babies' feet for protection and warmth has existed as long as human civilisation. Archaeological evidence suggests that in cold regions, people would wrap animal skins and furs around a baby’s feet for warmth, whereas, in warmer climates, babies wore sandals made from woven grasses or palm leaves that were used to shield their little feet from burning on the hot ground.
