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This story was told to East Ayrshire Library Staff by Jean Hutcheson
during a People’s War Tea Party at the Dick Institute on 27th April 2005

Jean remembers having to make do and mend during the war because clothes were rationed.
She remembers soaking draughtsman paper – refilling the bucket lots of times – until a very soft material was left. This material was made into underskirts.
Jean also remembers using up one ration book point when she bought a new scarf – little realising her mother’s reaction when she got home.
She also remembers using a hank of wool to make a hat by twisting it several times and pinning it in place. She wore the “hat” until it was needed to knit a jumper.
They also tried to “liven up” gas masks so that they would match their outfits when they went out for the evening.

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