In the name of the war effort, the sewing books of the 40s were big on that term that’s become so popular today: “repurposing.” Lots of instructions on how to turn men’s suits into kiddie coats and women’s wear.
Today we’re fighting legions of trash, back then they were fighting a few Fascists. Only you can decide whether or not the current environmental battle is worth the time and effort it’ll cost you to save a few scraps of (biodegradable) wool from the landfill. But from my (vast) experience, it is worth it: you can get some incredible fabrics in the men’s department of your local thrift store. I mean Harris Tweed, stuff that costs oodles of boodle per yard brand new. So if you know how to sew, check out your sports coat labels next time you go secondhand clothes shopping. You can turn a $4 investment into a nifty jacket that would cost $$$$ retail.
Use the shirt off his back for your next sewing project!
Page One, Issue Twelve
40s Sewing Books
