Make Do and Mend
I’ve seen adverts for this little booklet many times in vintage magazines and I’ve finally managed to get hold of my own copy.
It’s delightful. One of my favorite sections is on towels:
“Leave all the washing up, particularly china, to drain instead of drying it, so as to save wear on your tea towels. …
If you have to go away to stay take your towel with you.
If you are a billetee you must provide your own towels.
It isn’t fair to expect the housewife to be the only one who gives up her coupons. Everyone in the household must contribute coupons when new towels are needed. …
Take your towel with you to the office.
Take your towel with you to the hairdresser.
Buy a new towel only when absolutely necessary. Make do and Mend whenever you can.”
I can see Douglas Adams may have been inspired by such words; a towel is a vital asset.
Of course this wee booklet has much to say about knitting. “Wool is precious” and every ounce is to be valued and used. Knit and reknit. “You save every scrap of wool when you are unpicking, don’t you? A needleful of wool can be used for mending or sewing seams.”
We seem to think we know a lot about recycling these days and attach a sense of pride to any act we view as recycling but compared to wartime Britain (and other heavily rationed nations) we are mere amateurs methinks.
March 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
who knew there were so many ways to save $, what I have discovered whenever I read ‘how to save $’ guides, is my mother did most of them. the cold water wash, the take a towel with you,
Stella
March 31st, 2008 at 12:21 am
I am so jealous!
I have tried to get this little booklet but have had no sucsess!
April 5th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Copies of ‘Make Do and Mend’ are still available at amazon.co.uk, if you’re interested and don’t mind paying about £8 postage.
Best wishes
Jo