Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 201, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 September 1918 — Conservation of Children’s Clothing During Heated Period of Summer [ARTICLE]

Conservation of Children’s Clothing During Heated Period of Summer

By MRS. MAX WEST

of Children's Bureau. U. S. Department of Labor

Some sort” of war saving require special watchfulness on the mother s part to guard the children from possible harm. For instance, food substitutes must be made with great care in order that the children’s food may still contain all the elements necessary to growth. But with clothes in summer it is different. In hot summer weather it is a distinct advantage to the child’s health to be dressed lightly. And the saving of textiles and leather is an important consideration now. Wool must be saved, because it is needed for the blankets, underwear and uniforms of our fighting forces. Cotton is needed for hospitals and many other uses. The need to supply leather for’the army’s use is, of course, imperative. In selecting fabrics for clothing it is not entirely a matter of finding a cheaper and less needed substitute. Old goods must be brought again into service, turned, cleaned, washed, dyed and made over. When an old garment is returned to usefulness actual saving of wool or cotton is effected, and in addition manufacturers will be able to concentrate their output on goods for army uses because of the decreased demand for unnecessary materials. The purchasing of novelties, fancy fabrics and elaborate garments tends to withdraw from war uses not only needed materials but labor, especially skilled laborers needed for other branches of production. Now, in summer large savings of woolen materials of every sort, including fancy and light-colored wcfols used for knitting, can be accomplished. Children can be clothed practically entirely in cotton for several months in the year. Wise mothers will make children’s summer clothing as simply as possible, thus reducing the work required for washing .and ironing and increasing the. child’s comfort. Children like to wear barefoot sandals in summer. Their use saves leather and stockings. Half soling and mending makes shoes go much further. Further aaving of leather can be effected by using canvas shoes in summer.