It's a pretty pattern, isn't it? I scanned this pattern and started listing it in the shop (believe me, if I had been anything even close to a 32 bust, it would have stayed in my collection.) As I was tippitty typing away, copying the description on the back of the envelope into my listing, I noticed this:
"...made of scarves..." Amazing!
The pattern pieces for Style II were actually designed to be made from two 25" square scarves!
Rationing was in full effect in the US and Canada until 1946, and until 1954 in the UK, so it would only be logical that the pattern companies would come up with ways to ensure that women had new garments while staying within the very strict confines of rationing.
I've got a number of Forties patterns to list over the next little while and I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for some more that fit into the "Make Do and Mend" credo.
xo
Elle
Oh dear - I am not a 32 bust either but I just had to have this for my WWII pattern collection. My hands were placing the order before I knew what was happening. Sold! I'll have to have a go grading up and finding some enormous scarves to make it from.
Posted by: Caitlin Allen | 07/09/2011 at 05:37 PM
A WWII pattern collection? What a wonderful idea! I'm thrilled that it's going to such a great home - thanks so much Caitlin! (It shouldn't be too hard to grade - it doesn't seem to be a complicated piece. Good luck!)
Posted by: Elle | 07/11/2011 at 08:19 AM
Any of those blouses look like something that Katherine Hepburn would have worn, but especially the one with the tie.
Cute pattern for sure.
Posted by: carole | 01/10/2012 at 04:15 PM
Oh.my.gosh. I'm totally going to try this!! I have all these great scarves that I love that would be nice shirts (since I'm struggling to find vintage-y type shirts that fit me). Yay for make do and mend!!
Posted by: Juliana B | 01/14/2012 at 05:34 AM