The Second World War influenced every part of life, including women’s fashion. With many materials in short supply and needed for the war effort, women were encouraged by the government to make their clothing last. Booklets like “Make and Mend for Victory” provided creative ways to maintain clothing and make new garments from unexpected sources. Children’s pajamas came from men’s shirts, undergarments from parachute silk, and even women’s suits from men’s civvies. Learn how women improvised and adapted to remain well-dressed and do their part for victory, even in the midst of total war. The presentation will include original artifacts and reproduction pieces made according to the suggestions and instructions in “Make and Mend for Victory.”

The lecture will be presented by Kara Gordon, a material culture and textile historian currently serving her second year as a Preserve WV AmeriCorps Member at Cockayne Farmstead. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Wheeling Jesuit University and a master’s degree in public history from West Virginia University. She also spent a summer in Colonial Williamsburg learning to study and recreate historical clothing. She loves stepping into the past’s shoes and bringing history to life through clothing and the textile arts.