SEWING CIRCLE’S WORK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 226, 24 September 1945, Page 2

SEWING CIRCLE’S WORK

( LOTHING FOR U.N.R.R.A. When one sees the achievements of the members of a sewing circle out of used garments and unpromising scraps into children’s clothes, that are not only warm and serviceable hut charming to look at, one realises what useful work is being done in a most, practical manner to help the U.N.R.R.A. Appeal. This circle, which consists of about nine members, first started as a Friendly Aid for the exchange of ideas arid hints on sewing. Then came the urgent need for clothing for U.N.R.R.A., and the request for remaking servicemen's clothing into children's garments. The workers are a sewing group of the Westbourne Women’s Institute who meet once a week at the home of the convener, Mrs. M. H. Vinten, Wicksteed Street, where, as well as working diligently, they derive pleasure from meeting together and exchanging ideas, they bring in lhe work taken home from (he previous gathering. When a "Chronicle" reporter visited the circle's sewing room recently, workers were busy at their tasks of unripping and sewing. Sacks of military suits and clothing, all cleaned and fumigated have been dealt; with. After unpicking thev are made up into pants and suits, skirts and other garments. From discarded military underclothing singlets have been made for children the girls garments having a feminine touch with neck edgings. People interested in the work of the circle hand in garments and pieces of material from which the workers have turned out all kinds of garments —garments that anyone would be pleased to put on their children. From these materials have been dresses and kilted skirts for girls up to 10 Years of age. small boys suits and prints (some complete with suspenders) all perfectly tailored, lined land finished. Um materials in these

(’■arments briny of much better reality and greater durability than materials

of to-day. Little girls frocks are cut in dainty styles and embroidered, and much thought is put into the finishings of garments. Such things as buttons, bodice tops of girls’ skirts, all harmonise in colour. Much ingenuity is shown in contriving garments from seemingly useless pieces. For instance a lovely little flannel slip has been made from two sleeves of a shirt, twenty pairs of bloomers from bits and pieces, and the cover of a wool padded quilt was once a pair of curtains. Some of the garments handled in not suitable for sending away will be sold at a forthcoming shop day. for which members have made sugar bag articles. Among the gifts received by the circle for sending to U.N.R.R.A. Appeal are seven pairs of brand new black gym stockings from a businessman interested in the work. Two sewing machines arc in full use. one having been lent by a friend for the duration. The circle intends continuing this work for as long as it is needed.