2024 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

thriftwizard

Thank you, @PipneyJane - that's given me a real moment of remembrance (not that I ever knew my great-uncle!) tinged with an earnest wish for lasting peace...

potplant

Thank you, Pip.  It's very moving.  My father survived the war -- he was in the Raiding Support Regiment  and fought in Anzio in Italy. There was a lot he didn't tell us children,  but  I remember him describing walking up to the observation post on the front line where he'd been sent, knowing that the two lieutenants there before him had both been killed.  He was a keen naturalist, and on the way saw a Purple Emperor butterfly, very rare- and told himself that if he died, at least he would have seen a Purple Emperor. 

Cherryfudge

Thanks Pip.

Lest we forget.

Nelliegrace

I bought 2 pairs of woolly socks from TKMaxx for a Christmas present. 
I have ordered a pair of sheepskin lined suede toggle boots, (5 coupons,) for Christmas. I can’t remember when I bought boots last. The soles of my old Clarke’s ones turned to dust leaving me in wet socks with flapping uppers. These are seconds with a slight scuff, from Jacobs and Dalton. With our dog, there will be more scuffs soon. £40 spent.
I remember when country women wore standard, warm suede short boots with a zip up the front. 



Coupons used,
6 on cotton yarn,
5 on a pair of shorts, in the sales, for next summer.
3 on 3 pairs of socks.
2 on 2 pairs of socks,
5 on sheepskin-lined, suede boots for Christmas.

21 coupons used. 

I wasn’t going to buy any new clothes this year.

Sarahspangles

I have a 2 coupon spend for yarn for a scarf, which I’m counting now* as I just blocked it to wear for a few days away. I’ll try to get a pic in daylight. I think that leaves me a balance of 23 coupons, and I could really do with a couple of long sleeve T shirts, maybe I will see some while we’re away.

I’m finding it very difficult to work out what to buy at the moment. I’ve got 20 weeks left with The Ministry - am I then returning to Civvies? It’s chilly piloting a desk but I’m sticking to basics as I’ll get wear from them.

Yesterday I took daughter posh charity shopping in Harrogate. She got a nice short padded Crew jacket, suitable for bus rides, very little worn. But Harrogate matrons seem to be petite and svelte so I didn’t see anything that would go near me.
 
* This is my ruse where I replenished my stash, but will only use a coupon when I actually finish something!

MrsCD

Thanks Pip.
My mam's dad was in the Durham Light Infantry at the Somme, and never spoke about it. We can only imagine what he saw. I went to see War Horse last week with my friend, and maybe because of the time of year, I found myself quite moved by the performance. 
We can only pray for peace in this uncertain world.

Nelliegrace

A poor memorial to a forgotten soldier. With thanks to Ian Hutson and Cardinal W. of The Diesel Electric Elephant Company. 

https://dieselelectricelephant.com/2024/11/10/fornever-autumn/

I found this photograph when I was researching family history. My grandfather was seriously injured nearby, on the same day as this was taken, near Cambrai in 1918. Everyone looks exhausted, both British and captured German soldiers have been carrying the wounded to this dressing station. For him it was part of a long journey home after three gruelling years. 

florianatwobob

@MrsCD Warhorse makes me very emotional everytime I see the film and when I saw it on stage. My Gt Grandad was at Gallipoli and the Somme we have his diaries. As a sometime farmer’s / horse and cattle dealer’s son in a wider family of farmers he had a great affection for the horses. And strong views about Continental farming techniques. 

MrsCD

@Nelliegrace, it brings it home, seeing just how worn out they all are. There's a lot to be said for each country choosing their best politician (😂😂😂😂 is there such a thing?) and making them fight it out.

Gem-gem

Good evening everyone. 

Was really pleased today, as I visited the second hand shop that I sometimes sell clothes in and they said that they had sold two of my jumpers. I walked away with £21.50. 😀 I will put that money aside towards my clothes budget for 2025. 

Does that mean that I can have some coupons back? 

Wearing a pair of second hand black trousers today that I got from my Mum. We did a swap she chose two of my merino wool jumpers that have shrunk in length. She is 6+ inches shorter than me. 

I also sold £5.50 worth of books. I also have four books that I am passing onto my friend. I am using the library more so have fewer books to sell/ pass on. I wonder if the libraries stayed open during the war? Cannot imagine that many books were published during this time.