Vintage Fashion during wartime, make do and mend

The history of the Make Do And Mend campaign from WW2. I really got into this! Discussing more than just Make Do and Mend: Graphic design, talking clothes! Fashion shows, Dig For Victory, Wings For Victory, the make do and mend community, visible mending, upcycling and The (nightmarish) Squander Bug

If you are enjoying my content and are keen to support me. You can buy me a coffee below!

My knitting/cross stitch patterns & handmade knitting project bags

Sources

[pattyb]

Another fun video Naomi! My husbands Uncle John was in World War II. When he came back from the war he was in the hospital with TB for about 18 months. To pass the time he learned about electronics and got an FCC broadcasting license which eventually led him to becoming a TV repair man. Yes, I grew up with the big black and white tube TV’s. Anyway, I referred to Uncle John as Macgyver as he was always making, fixing and repairing things that most people would throw away. Upon his passing we were getting his house ready to be sold. A light fixture needed washing so I took it down and upon inspection realized it was not the original fixture but rather a plastic condiment tray that he had retrofitted. Needless to say we have many stories and fond memories. Looking forward to N.

[susanpaquette]

Really love this one Naomi; I'm a history lover so it called to me. Now on to my very first sewing project: as an 18 year old girl and a sewing machine that took me countless hours of babysitting to buy. I had my new machine but no fabric and no did have a pretty flowered tablecloth and a "jiffy" pattern for a peasant blouse and a new mother in law. Yes, I made her a blouse with my tablecloth carefully placing the fabric so that a giant flower covered the front! I was proud, it looked like something you could wear and the poofy sleeves were on each think she found a place to store it away as not once did I see her wear still smile to think of it. The time I made do with a tablecloth.

[craftingthecracks]

This philosophy was definitely still around when I was a child in the 70s - I remember being expected to learn to sew & knit - not only within the family but at school too - not just a term limited module but throughout my schooling - I was taught to frog a sleeve or hem to keep up with a growing child, to darn, to mend electrical & non electrical items etc

[judys]

Great episode, Naomi. Really interesting topic. I remember reading once about people unravelling garments and reusing yarn when they couldn’t buy new. Often small amounts were used for colour work to eke out the amount needed for a full garment.
Love your podcast - so natural and I always have a laugh with you.

[valthorman]

Brilliant! I learned a lot - I try to make and mend as much as I am able . Thanks for all the research you did and the humorous way you put it across.

[insideRoseCottage]

Brilliant video, thank you. I really enjoyed it 😁

[craftingthecracks]

your humour & presentation is compelling - I love your channel!