Thought this might amuse some of you!

All I recall is the shirred swimsuit was a huge lot better than the woolly one.
Then when we had swim lessons those plain black ones with leg bits for decency's sake. And progress badges to sew on.

When I went to grammar school my mother made all of my uniform. Navy cardigan with yellow hoops round the cuffs, navy tunic, square necked blouses, black gym knickers with name across my tummy, green science overall.
There were no patterns, just sketches, so nothing of mine was exactly like the bought version.

I wonder how babies and children coped with woollen knitted clothes if they were allergic to wool or had eczema? When my second baby was born, in July, the nurses put a woolly vest on her. She reacted with a scarlet itchy rash.

watermeadow

I wonder how babies and children coped with woollen knitted clothes if they were allergic to wool or had eczema? When my second baby was born, in July, the nurses put a woolly vest on her. She reacted with a scarlet itchy rash.

I dare say there were patterns for cotton garments. In a novel set (and I think written) decades ago, 40s or 50s, there’s a mention of an adult cotton vest, derided by the main characters autocratic employer as useless for keeping oneself warm.
‘There is no warmth in cotton! One would hardly EXPECT to find warmth in cotton!’
The novel is Crampton Hodnet by Barbara Pym, in case anyone would like to know. A period piece now, but very funny!

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