Golden Needles Trophy

item details

NameGolden Needles Trophy

ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); 1971; Unknown
NZ Woman Magazine; commissioner; 1971; New Zealand

Classificationtrophies, awards (objects)

Materialsmetal, plastic, aluminium, brass, paint, paper

DimensionsOverall: 167mm (width), 315mm (height), 163mm (depth)

Registration NumberGH024826

Credit lineGift of Jeanette Murrah, 2016

Overview

Jeanette Hirst (later Murrah) won this trophy in 1971. The Golden Needles contest, which was for a knitted or crocheted garment, was sponsored by NZ Woman (a magazine that later became NZ Woman and Stitch), and the New Zealand Wool Board. Jeanette won the award with a three women's piece outfit - a pair of flared pants, a sleeveless tunic and a jaunty cap - which she designed herself, and crocheted in bold purple wool.

Jeanette Hirst's award winning pattern was printed in the September 1971 issue of NZ Woman, along with the news that Mrs Hirst had recently remarried and was now living in California.Following Jeanette Hirst's success in The Golden Needles and the 1971 Benson & Hedges Awards, the New Zealand department for Industry and Commerce arranged for the budding Nelson-based designer to visit the United States with a collection of gowns.