2025 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

MrsCD

I vote for the revised list too. It might keep me on my toes a bit more!
Agree with Pip re the DK yarn and 3mm needles. If you're not comfortable with DPNs, maybe try bamboo ones. I find they don't slide out as easily as metal ones.

kiwisavings

I vote for the new list too. The original list from June was only used for the first month of clothes rationing and then the revised July list was used for most of the war.
The Coupon Quiz from September 1941 is basically the July list with the addition of the 'non woollen briefs (no legs) at 2 coupons if that makes it easier to follow for people.

PipneyJane

OK, we’ll go with the new listing from 1st July.  

£100 is a reasonable ceiling for coupon-free secondhand items, so lets impose that too.  It’ll allow for inflation, too.  I don’t think I’ve paid more than £10 for anything from a charity shop.  The most expensive thing I’ve seen - a designer suit - was £40-ish, on the Oxfam website.

I’ll post the new thread once I’ve come up with a suitable story for the first post, something to include the change to coupon costs.

- Pip

Nelliegrace

That sounds sensible @PipneyJane. I have succeeded quite well against the Squander Bug this year by remembering the limited number of clothing coupons. I found that I had some gloves to match my coat, still with the tag on them, from the sales before clothes rationing.
My elder grandson asked for slippers for his birthday which we sent DD the money to buy, with their remaining coupons. 

Keep it under your hat, but I got some local venison this week through a friend. It is perfectly legal, and completely off ration. What a treat! I can’t face preparing another rabbit. 

Cherryfudge

PipneyJane said:

Your sock yarn is DK.  Use 3mm DPN’s and follow this formula:

Cast on 48st.  Join.
Work 10 rounds of K1 P1 rib.

Rounds 11-50 knit.

Heel work over 24 stitches.

Gusset pick up 15 st on each side.

Foot knit 30 rounds.

Toe work down to 8st on each side, then Kitchener Stitch.

This is the formula I use, which is based on a Regia leaflet I got years ago.  For more detail, follow the sock pattern.

HTH

- Pip

Thank you so much @PipneyJane! I posted at the same time as you and have only just seen your message, hence am only just replying.

I'd copied out the miniscule instructions on the pdf that came with the yarn via a QR code (Bletchley Park would have been proud of me) and there are precise counts for each size but I've not even looked at what size I am - short, wide feet never make for a good fit.

However, I got a couple of balls of yarn for myself and a couple for my sister as part of her Christmas present so I'll get her some size 3 needles and leave her to it. I doubt I'll start mine till all the palaver of Christmas prep is behind me, but I need to get over this 'fitting socks looks difficult' fear that I have! (I see from your instructions that I need to get past the thing I have about Kitchener stitch too - I've yet to get that to work, but in theory it looks straightforward).

P.S. I've saved a copy of your instructions!

maryb

Tip for Kitchener stitch.  If your needle is pointing outwards leave the stitch on.  If it's pointing into the middle slip the stitch off.  Works on both needles whether you go in purlwise ot knitwise

PipneyJane

MrsCD said:

I vote for the revised list too. It might keep me on my toes a bit more!
Agree with Pip re the DK yarn and 3mm needles. If you're not comfortable with DPNs, maybe try bamboo ones. I find they don't slide out as easily as metal ones.

Good point @MrsCD.  (No pun intended.).  I almost exclusively use wooden or bamboo needles now.  I do have some metal Addi Turbo DPN’s, from when I first started knitting socks, and while they’re lovely, they just aren’t as “grabby” as the wooden needles.  (Also, wooden/bamboo needles are quieter.  No “clack-clack” when you knit.)

Needle length is another important point when working with DPN’s.  I’d recommend using 6 inch (15cm) or 8 inch (20cm) needles.  Anything longer, you risk stabbing yourself every 5 minutes; anything shorter and your hands will cramp and your stitches fall off.

HTH @Cherryfudge

- Pip