WWII 'Make Do and Mend' pantyhose repair kit in form of doll
c. 1940World War Two era 'Make Do and Mend' pantyhose repair kit in the form of a doll.
The doll is formed from 8 skin-tone shades of mercerised cotton thread on reels of varying sizes, and is balanced on a thread card labelled '11 Yards, Peri-Lusta, Fine Darning Thread, Made in England'.
There is a patent number printed on the end of one of the cotton reels used as an arm.
There is a circular sticker on the face of the doll which depicts a woman winking and has the words 'I'm here to darn your hose' written in black letters on a cream background.
The various components of the doll are held together with copper wire.
The "Make Do and Mend" campaign was a British government initiative introduced in 1940 to encourage people to make their clothes last as long as possible by reusing, repairing, and repurposing items. This was especially important during times of scarcity or rationing.
This particular doll was purchased from England and belonged to the grandmother of the seller, who was a seamstress. It is new old stock (NOS), having never been used. It has eight different shades of buff and brown to match the colours of pantyhose worn by women at the time.
Details
Details
On sticker on face of doll:
"I'M HERE TO
DARN YOUR HOSE"
"On end of cotton reel:
Patent No.
50129."
On either side of thread card at base:
"11 Yards
PERI-LUSTA
FINE
DARNING THREAD.
MADE IN ENGLAND"
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