UPDATE: the blog that originally posted this booklets isn't available anymore. I found a website that does have it though, you can check it out at Archive.org



I don't know if any of my readers also read Cargo Cult Craft but if you don't, you really should! Susannah, the author is incredibly fashionable, crafty, inspiring and hilarious!
"The Sabotage Skirt" from Cargo Cult Craft

I am so sad that I just stumbled upon her blog today because her "Fashion on the Ration" challenge ended on Saturday! In this challenge, Susannah spent one year building her wardrobe on wartime rations imposed by the British government in 1941. She sewed a lot of 1940's garments, but of course, her fabric was rationed as well.


I'm really impressed (not only by her mad sewing skills) but by her commitment to this difficult challenge. Many of us vintage fashion enthusiasts today often forget what kind of life ladies had back then and I think a girl like Susannah makes us all think about how lucky we are to be living in 2011!


 Anyway, Susannah has kindly uploaded a -fabulous- copy of a wartime Make and Mend booklet. It's a wonderful book, detailing many 1940's crafts (sewing, crochet, knitting, hat-making, etc) with loads of patterns, instructions, 1940's illustrations and photos and much more. It also has a lot of great information on caring for your garments and making them last longer. For ladies who want to learn to sew, this book has instructions for basic clothing repairs and hand-sewing techniques. I particularly love the section on making a woman's suit from a man's suit. A home front gal could easily clothe herself and her kiddos in high style with this book.  Head over here to be directed to the two part, free download. Thank you, Susannah!!