Fashion Design Essentials

TECHNIQUE

48. Mend and Alter

"Make Do and Mend" was the name of a cam­

paign during World War II which encouraged the

repair and repurposing of everything that still

had the potential to be useful. Waste was the

enemy, and this movement set a creative chal­

lenge to women everywhere to do their part and

still be stylish. Booklets were distributed that in­

cluded techniques such as binding frayed edges,

darning, taking garments in and letting them out,

recutting a garment into a new style, unpicking a

knit, reknitting with the same yarn, and plain as

well as decorative patching. Necessity became

both the mother of invention and fashion.

Fixing imperfections is an exercise in finding the

beauty in flaws. Even altering perfectly good

garments can enhance the overall look and feel,

and in the end can create a unique design for

the wearer.

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Make Do and Mend booklet

102 Fashion Design Essentials