The Omaha guide., 1942-08-08
Conservation begins at home

= AMERICAN WOMEN TAKE TO
THEIR NEEDLES TO FREE
MATERIALS AND MACHINERY
FOR THE WAR EFFORT
In times like these, we want more
than ever to keep bright and cheer
full, look our prettiest and maintain
the charm and dignity of our homes.
Yet. we are not going to spend as
much money on clothes and home
furnishings as we have done in sea-
m past. We want to buy more
and more War Bonds. we want to
leave materials and machinery free
to turn out the articles that are
needed for war purposes.
The civilian sacrifice Of cutting
down on little luxuries and comforts
is a small one and we are all anx-
ious to do our part. Yet, we real
ize the Importance of maintaining
moraie-both for the individual and
in the home-and we welcome all
those suggestions which will help
boost morale. The use Of clever,
ingenious touches can do much 10
brighten up our wardrobes and bur
homes. There are many articles OF
beauty and utility which we can
make ourselves which do not inter
fere with war production efforts.
Many women who have never re-
fore welded a needle or crochet hook
are discovering the many lovely
fashion and household adornments
which they can make themselves.
Besides turning out attractive and
useful articles and conserving the
use of machinery and vital mater
ials. they are, at the same time, de-
veloping worthwhile, creative hob
bies-an important factor in main
tanning civilian health and morale.
History shows that women have al
ways turned to thei rsewing, knit
ing and crochet needles in times OF
great national crisis. Today, Am
erica needs those women who keep
their fingers ~flying-make every
busy moment count. Beautiful,
home-sewn, crocheted, knitted and
tatted household and fashion items
can do much to reflect our confid-
ent, courageous and cheerful atti-
tude.
Because of it's economy and adapt
ability to many uses, crochet is ex-
pected to become more and more i'm
portant as the need for conservat-
ion and economy in materials for
civilian use increases. 1t has been
shown that crochet and knit wear
can successfully take the place Of
wool, felt silk and cotton in hats,
bags, gloves, blouses, dresses, slip
pers, collars and scarfs. Even met
al and wood can be replaced by cro-
chet for costume jewelry, buttons.
and shoe and hair ornaments.
If you are not an expert needle
woman, you will probably want to
start your sewing and crochet hand
work with simple clothing aces
series or small household decorat-
i've items which are useful as well
as pretty-doilies, table ~scarfs, pot
holders, lamp shades, glass protect
ors, and hot plate mats.
Once you have realized the pleas
ure, satisfaction and economies as
sociated wit hmaking these useful
and decorative articles for yourself
and your home you will probably
want to undertake something q
little more ambitious-an equisite
crocheted tablecloth or a charming
bedspread, combining crochet and
dainty hand sewn chintz ruffles,
draperies for the living room, slil
covers to protect your furniture,
dresses for yourself and the child.
rem. These are all surprisingly
easy to make. Many of the stores
have sewing services which help the
beginner over her uncertain first
steps. If you don't find this help
available. there are simple step-by.
step leaflets and patterns available,
so clearly illustrated and detaiad
that you will need no more aid then
your own ability to follow simple
instructions.
Use your leisure moments 20
create a little extra ~loveliness for
yourself, your family and your home
It's not only pretty and practical
hint natriotin 80