#29: Lessons From the 1940s

This is the second instalment of my mini series about the Make Do and Mend campaign. As I was reading and writing about that era, I couldn’t help but think about the situation we find ourselves in today with the climate crisis. There was so much relating to the use and reuse of materials that felt so familiar to what a lot of us have been thinking and talking about more recently. Many of us are trying to work out how to consume less and be more resourceful whilst continuing to make stuff and be creative. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why there’s currently insufficient action happening to address the climate crisis. I then explore the idea that there are lessons we can learn from the experiences of the second world war that might be applicable today. Things that can help us live and create in a way that limits our impact on climate change. 

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Hear more from Sophie (@so_so_sew) about the International Women's Day challenge HERE. Remember to use the hashtags #IWDsewchallenge and #breakthebias. 

Image source: English Heritage

The themes discussed in the episode are:

Community

Find out more about ‘Stitch it Don’t ditch it’ street mending sessions that take place around the world HERE. 

Swapping

The facts borrowed from Jen Gale @sustainableish can be found HERE.  

Pass on unwanted fabric and sewing supplies and raise money for an important cause via @destash_for_kids_with_cancer Instagram account HERE. 

Fabric-a-brac in New Zealand HERE. 

Alternative sources of fabric

Listen to Episode 26 with Eliu Hernandez HERE about reclaiming and reusing materials from unwanted jeans.

Wyatt and Jack make accessories from broken beach inflatables, bouncy castles and vintage deckchair canvas. Find their range HERE. 

Freitag make backs from recycled truck tarpaulins HERE. 

Image source: Freitag

Riccardo’s jackets made from the covering from a discarded leather sofa HERE and HERE.

Hear my conversation with Riccardo for Episode 7 HERE.