Economy in Children's Clothes

From the Brecon County Times, 4th February 1915.

DRESSMAKING AT HOME.

By SYLVIA.

A Baby Girl's Pelisse.
Whatever happens healthy little folk will outgrow or wear out their garments, and thrifty mothers, at these times especially, are kept very busy, either altering, lengthening, or making up something “to keep them tidy.”  As the war makes it necessary for most of us to economise, by making these small garments at home, considerable saving can be effected in the annual clothing bill, as odd lengths may be used with perfect success.

With these thoughts of economy in my mind, I have selected a little coat or pelisse for a small girl of four to six years of age in No. 1,855 as a pattern which seemed likely to useful just now.  It is quite an easy affair to make, and can be fashioned from odd lengths, as I have suggested.  The coat is designed especially for the purpose, that is, being composed of a bodice and skirt-part enables one to utilise somewhat short lengths to the best advantage.  Thus the bodice, which in the sketch is of the Magyar type, can be cut all in one, or have the sleeves added on, according to the pieces you have at your disposal, whilst the skirt part can be joined under the arms, or have a corner piece added at the back, just as may best suit the material.  The pattern thus enables you literally to carry out the proverb and “cut your coat according to your cloth.”

As to materials and colours, these I must of course leave to your discretion; also the pieces, seeing that it is intended purely for those who have to economise.

To Cut and Make. Having decided on your cloth, the next thing is the cutting out and making up. The question of a lining will be decided by the material, which, if rather thin, is necessary; at any rate, the bodice should be lined to make this as "comfy" as possible for the small wearer.  The lining should be cut a trifle larger than the coat, as woollen material is likely to stretch, and the lining, which is cotton, will not “give.”

The coat, too, had better be cut amply long and large, to allow for growth, which at this early age is apt to be very rapid.  ... [Making up instructions omitted.]  If you have any scraps left you might employ these in making the small bonnet. The coat, if not made of remnants, will take about one and a half yard of double-width goods.

[Details follow of how to obtain a paper pattern for 6½d post free.]