Product Description

The rationing period during World War II is often described as a difficult time and yet also remembered nostalgically as a time of unity and good sacrifice. In fact, many of its rules and guidelines could still be applied today. "Make Do and Mend" focuses on clothes rationing, which was introduced in June 1940. With the nation's industrial output concentrated on the war effort, basic clothes were in short supply and high fashion was an unknown commodity. Adults were issued as little as 36 coupons a year to spend on clothes. But a man's suit could cost 22 coupons, a coat 16 and a lady's dress 11, so the need to recycle and be inventive with other materials became more and more necessary. The government issued the leaflets included in "Make Do and Mend" to advise on how best to avoid wasting valuable resources by recycling curtains into dresses and old sheets into underwear; in short how to 'make do and mend' rather than buying new clothes. Produced from original material held in archives, the leaflets are also a nostalgic showcase of 1940s' style, which makes them the perfect gift.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8982 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

The Lady, 18 September 2007
"these nostalgic collections make a fascinating document of wartime austerity"

Customer Reviews

My mantra for 2008 Make Do and Mend
I have now edited my score up to five star having again referred to this booklet and learned how to restyle my blouses that no longer fit by using fabric from two and creating a new garment.

In the current financial climate of negative equity and rising prices, we all need to make do and mend. There really is no need to keep buying new stuff when there is a bit of life left in something older and this books will help you.

Featuring reproductions of wartime pamphlets, some of the print quality is not perfect. A little sewing experience would be a good thing, but not vital.

In the war years fabric, ready made clothes were rationed and in short supply, and so was cash! So if you had a good dress but needed a larger one, this book tells you how to insert strips of fabric to bring new life to old garments.

We can buy cheap clothes nowadays but there is great satisfaction in "make do and mend" and reducing waste and, anyway, it is fun reading this book.

Still so true for 2008 and beyond
I bought the pair for my mum a year ago and they have ended up going round the whole family, young and old. Yes they have a nostalgic feel to them and it's food that nana used to make but thats what makes them so good, we are now having to live as if things are rationed, the meals that were made back then weren't full of e numbers and other nasty things (lets face it, we've all become alergic to them all anyway), they were wholesome and filling with no waste, after all I'm sure it's not only me that loves bubble and squeek on a monday with the sunday roast left overs. It has made me realize how lucky I am to have everything I want but I can survive on next to nothing.
Also the Make do and Mend is also full of cleaning tips and a definate must for anyone living in a period house and trying to keep things going, I live in a stone cottage and in a preservation area, with a house full of original things like Arga'sand stone floors I found good tips on how to care for these items without using chemical cleaners that corrode them away.

A Delight!
I purchased this after seeing it on BBC Breakfast news - its just lovely.
Has such an old fashioned feel but the information is as relevant today as it was back then.
Will make a lovely Xmas gift for older relatives.
Very good value for money - its full colour!