Wednesday 13 May 2009

The Fabulous Forties

I'm having a 1940s moment! There's something about this decade that I've always loved. I'm fascinated by the Home Front and fashion on the ration in particular, as well as being rather partial to listening to Glenn Miller and watching films like 'Brief Encounter' and 'Mrs Miniver'. 

It's come to the time in my City and Guilds Embroidery course when we all have to start thinking about our textiles projects (we've been working on design modules since last September and I've been rediscovering my love of 'cutting and sticking'!) "We're going to start with a panel", my tutor announced last week, "start thinking about ideas and what your inspirations and themes could be". Well, I had no difficulty at all! 'Make Do and Mend' jumped into my head immediately and ever since then I've been collecting all sorts of bits and bobs for inspiration. Here are just some of the things I've gathered so far...

This was my Grandma's brooch. I love the colours. There's a safety pin on the back that's been attached with wonderfully wobbly hand sewn stitches. I often think I'd like to have a go at making a brooch of my own with felt flowers. I'll have to dig out my 1930's sewing book that has instructions on how to make different sorts of flowers and give it a go!

This is an original WWII Vogue pattern. Making clothes was a way of life then...no popping on to the high street every time a new outfit was needed! It was all coupons, restrictions and austerity...but recycling, re-using and eco-ness at its best.

There's something wonderful about 1940's fabric. The colours and designs really appeal to me. These glorious examples are from Donna Flower

I can't help but let out a whoop of delight when I find something with the Utility mark on it...there's just something about that little symbol! This label is inside a pair of rayon cami-knickers.

I think my next step in the name of research will be to re-watch 'Foyle's War'...with a nice cup of tea and some chocolate. Very tickety-boo!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I love that utility mark too, and have a wonderful pair of cricket boots,(which fit!) with it on the tongue and soles...love the fabrics too.
x Philippa

claire Maraldo said...

i love those shell pink knickers. very glam!

BusyLizzie said...

Hi Katie
Thanks for visiting my blog! I love yours.... and like you I am a bit potty about the 40's! I am just in the process of scanning some ace 40's photos that I am going to add to the blog in the next few days...
Lizzie x

Teena Vallerine said...

your course sounds like pure joy! I am in love with your gran's brooch! I've been playing a lot with recycled wool felt this week in just those faded colours! t.x

Redwoodhouse said...

Hi Katie, thanks for the comments on my blog, your blog is fab, I also love Donna's fabrics and would love to have made it to her sale, perhaps next time. Your Grandm's brooch is beautiful what a lovely thing to have.
Brief Encounter...the best..
Jan

Unknown said...

Hello-ee
Thanks for your comments...and do you know I'm not sure who the artist is...the signature looks like 'Atomian Shah', which I'm sure it's not! I've always felt it was a Northern beach though.Think I quite like the mystery!
x Philippa

noodleBubble said...

Chocolate darling? Where did you get your hands on that....you'll be wearing nylons not gravy browning next...


Lovely to find you X