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,...Read more
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.
- ISBN10 1843172658
- ISBN13 9781843172659
- Publish Date 6 September 2007
- Publish Status Inactive
- Out of Print 29 August 2013
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 160
- Language English
