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 great 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.
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"these nostalgic collections make a fascinating document of wartime austerity" -- The Lady, 18 September 2007
About the Author
Jill Norman is a well respected food writer and editor of various books and founded the Penguin cookery list.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
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.
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.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Trilliane
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.
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.
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Alison Rose
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!
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!
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
just right for school projects on WW2
great - just like the originals not updated or ammended - perfect for primary school Good advise for eco schools too much that can be used in a recession
Published 2 months ago by jennie hewitt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Make Do and Mend
A wonderful bit of history - reproductions of iconic Wartime information all together in one book. Interesting, informative and useful for today. Fascinating.
Published 6 months ago by Ginger
5.0 out of 5 stars
make do and mend in the war
This book is absolutely brilliant. I can see lots of idea's that have been passed to me from my mother. A must for this day and age of recycling. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Shirlgirl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure Nostalgia
I am now in my eightieth year and, as someone who experienced and remembers the second world war as a child, this book clearly reminded me of the ways in which we had to live and... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr. P. E. Gregory
5.0 out of 5 stars
Austerity? We've no idea!
Excellent little book, lots of useful information on repairing clothes - in today's financial climate this is really helpful. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2011 by Gardener
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ah! Just what I've been looking for!
My copy of Make Do and Mend arrived in the post last week.
One day I hope to read it, once I retrieve it from the friends and family who pounced on it with delight. Read more
One day I hope to read it, once I retrieve it from the friends and family who pounced on it with delight. Read more
Published on 23 Nov 2010 by LNT
5.0 out of 5 stars
Make do and mend
This is a fascinating little book, it goes into detail about how basically people "made" do during the war. Read more
Published on 10 Jun 2010 by J. A. Gomm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting!
This book was brilliant as an insight into how difficult people had it in the past but not very relevant for todays consumers. Could you imagine anyone under 30 darning socks? Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2009 by CMHAY
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but repetitive
Nice piece of social history, but many of the leaflets included in the book are reissues of the same information - for example there are several versions of exactly the same advice... Read more
Published on 9 Sep 2009 by T. Lawes
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