Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-07-14
u. S. DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
TAKES UP NEW LINE

Observation-Disclosures Sans depart
ment of agriculture does work Oof
many interesting. sorts, Its ramifica-
lions extend in divers directions, not
solely included under the subject of
and one Of the most help
full of these is aiding in the subjuga-
ton of the still high cost of clothing.
A recent publication of the. depart
ment declares hat the business girl,
with a reasonable amount of zeal and
talent, can use part of her spare time
to such effect that she can cut in half
her clothes bill.
In the first place, says the circular,
it must be granted that the important
way to. reduce costs is to eliminate as
far as possible the items of labor and
distribution. In other words, the
business girl should make her own
clothing. otherwise, unless she's a
wizard at nosing out bargains, she
stands little chance Of reducing her
clothing budget.
The business girl may claim, says
Uncle Sam, that she has not the time
or energy left after a strenuous days
work, but a skilled sewer who enjoys
sewing as an interesting and profitable
change of occupation always find
time and energy. In this connection,
the department /cites the cas- Of a
girl in a government department who,
with the aid of the circulars Inc ex-
tension. work of the agriculture de-
keeping her wardrobe supplied at
comparatively low cost, one-half in
fact, what the same clothing would
have cost ready made.
20 begin with, she got a depart
ment circular telling how to make a
dress form by FASTING layers Of
gummed bundle wrapping ape over
a tightly fitting vest on herself as a
model: When the paper casing was
a light, stiff and perfect reproduction
of her form. So it was not necessary
to purchase a store figure.
.. Saved Half.
The girl reported that her latest
wardrobe cost her only $108 for
clothing conservatively estimated to
be worth 1910 at store prices. With
the aid of her paper form h made,
for $24.61, a tan broadcloth winter
coat with good lining, such as she
saw priced at $50 in the shops. A
Guiding trimming. s11.o9. A tissue
bingham dress, with organdie for
trimming and also hemstitching. cost
$3.50; with scraps N a remnant she
made, another Bingham dress for ex-
actly As cents.
For SIG she bought materials to
make a pussy willow tafeta and
georgette crepe dress for social oc-
cas:ons. which. she said, she could not
duplicate in quality at a store for less
than S35. Her business dress Of serge
land crepe de chine would have been
priced at $40 or more if made of the
good fabrics she bought. for $3.50.
Her evening dress, also, of taffeta and
silver lace. cost only 1921. although it
was modelled after one seen at a shop
at a much higher price.
This wardrobe. augmented by two
dresses for which materials were
bought, brought the total up to
s1o8.34, is not elaborate, though suf-
ficient for the needs of the wearer, it
! was said, and, having a variety of
clothing, she was able to attend many
social functions she otherwise would
mot have. s
\ Without the dress form. the girl
) renr";cl. 1t was doubtful IL she could
hue duplicated her achievement in
dc tine at her disposal; but she not
ONLY had time left e for other ac-
stivities but also to make ten >such
forms, for other girls and to hold
classes to teach many Others