Linslade Knitting League

Mittens knitted to the official 1915 pattern

Saturday 1st April 1916: A meeting of the Linslade Knitting League has been held at Mrs. Labrum's to discuss ways in which the group could obtain more wool. During the last two months they have supplied 55 pairs of socks, together with mufflers, mittens, and so on. Some of these knitted articles were contributed by Linslade school children. The ladies of the League intend to carry on their activities through the summer months and will continue to send these woollen comforts to local men who are on active service. Any lady from Linslade or Leighton Buzzard who would like to join the League is welcome, and anyone who would like to knit for the troops at home will be supplied with wool.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 4th April 1916

Lacemaking Revival

  

Lacemaking class at Maulden School, 1915 

Thursday 16th December 1915: Efforts are being made to revive the traditional Bedfordshire industry of lacemaking in line with the suggestion of Mrs. W. P. Gordon. At Maulden classes are being held both in the Day Schools and the Evening School, an innovation which is appreciated not just by the girls, but also by the teachers and parents.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 17th December 1915

A Royal Command For Bedford

St Paul's Square, Bedford, 1909 [Z1306/10/58/14]

Sunday 28th November 1915: Earlier this month the Bedfordshire toy industry was honoured to have received a command from Buckingham Palace to send a selection of toys from which Queen Mary, Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria would make a choice. A number of models were sent and from these a Red Cross hospital, a coster cart with a tray of vegetables, a dancing Highlander, a little painted cradle, an alphabet, and “The old woman who lived in a shoe” were selected. Queen Mary ordered a very complimentary letter to be written expressing her pleasure with the toys she had seen; she was most impressed by the skill acquired in such a short time by the village women who are new to this craft. Many of the models now being produced have been on display at the Englishwoman’s Exhibition at Central Hall, Westminster. These are now to be displayed at Bedford at the Depot, 15a St Paul’s Square from Monday 13th December to Friday 17th December to give people in the local area the opportunity to view them. It is hoped that people will be able to buy Christmas presents for children without going further afield.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 26th November 1915

Official Knitting Pattern for Mittens

Thursday 25th November 1915: Mr. William Machin, the Honorable Secretary of the Bedford Borough Recreations Committee has received from the Office of the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations the following official specification for mittens for the troops. Anyone wishing to respond to the appeal for mittens made last week by the Mayoress of Bedford should follow the instructions below:

Required: Four No.12 needles.[1] Two ounces of Alloa wheeling [2] or other suitable wool in a drab shade.

Directions: Cast 16 stitches on to each of three needles making 48 in all. Knit 2 plain, 2 purl, until a ribbed cuff three inches deep is attained. Then knit all plain for another inch in length.

Commence the thumb on the first needle. For this knit 2; make 1 by knitting into the loop of wool between the stitches; knit 2; make 1; continue knitting to the end of this first row. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the fourth row; knit 2; make 1; knit four; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the seventh row; knit 2; make 1; knit 6; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the tenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 8; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the thirteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 10; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the sixteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 12; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the nineteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 14; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-second row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 16; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-fifth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 18; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows.

Take off the 18 stitches between the increasing stitches on a piece of wool and tie securely to prevent slipping. Knit around plainly, excluding these 18 stitches, until ½ inch in length is gained, then knit 2 plain, 2 purl, for another inch. Cast off very loosely. Take up the 18 stitches on three needles, 6 on each. Make 2 stitches at the inside of the thumb, giving eight stitches on the first needle. Knit plainly round for ½ inch, then 2 plain, 2 purl, for 1 inch. Cast off very loosely. The mitten when finished should measure 8 inches long and 7 inches wide across the top.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 26th November 1915

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[1] Metric size 2.75mm, US size 2.

[2] Wheeling is “a term applied to a distinctive material which, by reason of its early association with the town of that name, is often referred to as ‘Alloa Yarn’. The word ‘Alloa’ is, as a matter of fact, often used as a synonym for the thick woollen thread or ‘wheeling’ yarn which, for hand knitting purposes is generally sold in 3 ply and in a skein of 2 ozs., eight of which form a head of 1lb. Wheelings, as a class, when of good quality, fill a very useful place as producing warm woolly fabrics specially suitable for heavy socks, stockings and garments for outdoor wear, such as get softer and more comfortable the oftener they are washed.” [Woolcraft, J and  J Baldwin, 1914, from Just Call Me Ruby where First World War style scarf pattern in honour of Private John Herbert Ogden (1895-1917) can also be found.]

Bedford School Children Help the War Effort

Clapham Rd School, Bedford [Z1306/9/2/14/3]

Friday 15th October 1915: The Bedford Education Committee has received a report on the war work carried out by the pupils of the borough’s elementary schools. The children have so far collected £30.5s.6d to buy comforts for soldiers and sailors and between them have made:

• 1041 body belts
• 335 pairs of socks
• 64 shirts
• 430 pairs of mittens
• 6 pairs of gloves
• 156 scarves, mufflers and caps
• 12 wool helmets
• 12 chest protectors
• 6981 respirators
• 200 sun curtains
• 248 canvas bags for soldiers’ personal effects

In addition they had mended and darned socks, repaired shirts, and cut out 1400 circles of net. Their teachers had also collected over £100 towards the war funds.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 15th October 1915

Soldiers Grateful for their Socks

The Cross, Great Barford, 1913 [Z1130/5/13]

Friday 2nd July 1915: Mrs. Moor’s Knitting Class at Great Barford has stopped for the time being, but class members continue to receive grateful letters from soldiers for pairs of socks sent out to the Front. Private H. Russell of the 4th Middlesex Regiment wrote to Florrie Hart: “Just a line to thank you for those socks. Have just come out of a long spell in the trenches, 27 days to be accurate, and was marched down for a bath and a change, not before it was needed. I was the lucky fellow to get yours out of the bag, hence these few lines. I have had a few pairs since I have been out here, but these are the first with any note inside, and I wish you the best of luck, the same as you wish me.” Bessie Webb has heard from two more soldiers of the same Regiment who both received her carefully made socks. One of them, Sergeant Holyoak, wrote: “I was the lucky man to receive the pair of socks you sent to our brave Tommies at the front. They came very acceptable after being in the trenches for a period of 26 days. I am glad to think that some of our good ladies at home still think of us, especially as some of us have been right through, and been out here for 8 or 9 months. The weather out here is a bit warm and makes our feet sore after a lot of marching.”

Source: Bedfordshire Times 2nd July 1915

Progress of the Toy Industry

St Paul's Square, Bedford, 1909 [Z1306/10/58/14]

Friday 9th April 1915: Bedfordshire’s fledging toy industry is making good progress under the guiding hand of Mrs Trustram Eve. Toys are being produced in Bedford and a number of villages, mainly from three-ply wood. An exhibition held at the depot in St. Paul’s Square, Bedford over the past two days was attending by a large number of visitors. Although the workers are only beginners the quality of the toys they make is already remarkably high. Items on display included a watermill, Red Cross wagons and a model of Bedford Station made at Bedford; costermongers’ carts and country wagons from Dean, a doll’s house from Crawley, and school desks and log carts made at Clifton. Many orders were received from the visitors, giving further impetus to the industry. As the only cottage industry of any note in Bedfordshire is lace-making, there is plenty of scope for toy making to grow and flourish in the county.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 9th April 1915

A North Bedfordshire Knitting Frenzy

Submarine B11 [Wikimedia]

Thursday 14th January 1915: Mrs Wythes has sent a parcel of knitted articles from Ravensden to the Bedfordshire Regiment. This included:

·         1 helmet and 1 scarf from Mrs Harley

·         3 pairs of socks from Mrs Wythes

·         2 pairs of mittens from Mrs Jabez Mayes

·         4 body belts, 7 pairs of mittens, 1 pair of cuffs from the children of the day school

·         7 body belts, 2 scarves, 4 helmets, 5 pairs of mittens, 2 pairs of gloves from the Girls’ Friendly Society

The Girls’ Friendly Society of Colmworth has sent its first parcel of knitted comforts and garments to the Red Cross Society and is about to despatch a parcel of knitted scarves and other items for the crew of Submarine B 11.[1] Another parcel from the parish has been sent to the Red Cross Society.

Source: Bolnhurst, Colmworth, Roxton with Great Barford, Ravensden and Wilden Parish Magazine, January 1915 [P28/30/22]

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[1] On 13th December 1914 HMS B11 sank the Ottoman battleship Mesudiye in the Dardanelles, an action for which its commander Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook won the Victoria Cross. First Lieutenant Sydney Winn received the Distinguished Service Order and every other member of the crew was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

Knitting for Victory

Potton Schools, 1911 [Z1306/91/24/2]

Thursday 24th December 1914: A large number of Christmas gifts provided by Bedfordshire schoolchildren have been collected at the Shire Hall and are ready to be sent out to Bedfordshire men serving in the forces. Children throughout the county have been knitting scarves, mittens, body belts, socks, and shirts. Quite a few boys have been at work as well as the girls. Nearly all the socks contain a little present of tobacco, mints or sweets,  and letters and messages have been attached to their handiwork by the children. A youngster from Ravensden wrote “Dear Soldier, I hope this scarf will help to keep you warm this cold weather. Hoping you had a jolly Christmas, and wishing you good luck.”

The County Education Committee supplied 80lbs of wool for making body belts, 150lbs for socks, and 230 lbs for scarves and mittens. This was expected to provide around 410 belts, 470 pairs of socks, 570 scarves and 380 pairs of mittens. In addition to this some schools have also collected money to buy extra materials and have been making things for the men of their own villages or in response to other appeals. Potton School also made shirts for soldiers out of warm flannel. The original funds provided by the Education Committee are almost exhausted, but it is expected that they will continue this educational and patriotic scheme.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 1st January 1915.

Slipper Making

Whitlock and Co. General Drapers and Ladies Outfitters, 117 High Street, Bedford c.1906 [Z1306/10/33/74]

Saturday 28th November 1914 (Bedford): Today the window of Whitlock and Co. draper’s shop in Bedford High Street is carrying a special display of slippers, socks, invalid jackets and other items which are being made by the women of Bedford for wounded soldiers. Over 1,200 pairs of slippers have already been produced and examples can be seen in the shop window at various stages of construction. Demand for these is constantly increasing and new volunteers for the work are needed. The finished articles can be handed in at the Depot of the St.John Ambulance Association at 53, Harpur Street from where they will be sent to hospitals in England, France and Belgium. Gifts of jam, cakes, butter and eggs for wounded soldiers can also be taken here. 

The slippers are made of cloth, felt, flannel, and carpet, The uppers are made by the ladies, and the soles are cut out by shoemakers and members of the Fire Brigade and the Midland Railway Ambulance Brigade. Nearly 300 pairs of a special type which can be drawn over a bandaged limb have been sent to London in the last fortnight. The more brightly coloured slippers are sent for Indian troops, who are also receiving a supply of warm scarves. Mr Whitlock has given free use of his window for the display and a collection is being made at the shop door to raise funds to purchase more materials. 

Source: Ampthill and District News, 28th November 1914

A New Industry for Bedfordshire

Stock list for Bedfordshire Village Toy Depot, 1917 [Z720/209A/6]

Friday 27th November 1914 (Bedford): Now that toys cannot be imported from Germany attempts are being made to encourage toy-making as a new cottage industry for the villages of Bedfordshire. A Central Toy Depot has been set up in the headquarters of the Women’s Emergency Corps (formerly known as the Women’s Registration Bureau) at 15a St Paul’s Square, Bedford under the direction of Mrs Trustram Eve. This includes an office, a showroom and a workshop where women come from around Bedfordshire to learn and practise toy-making so that they can teach others in their towns and villages. We are told that it is not a difficult craft, and only a few simple tools and a fretsaw are needed. So far ten towns and villages have become involved in the project: Ampthill, Clophill, Cranfield, Haynes, Kempston, Marston, Old Warden, Pavenham, Southill and Wootton. The craft is being taught mainly to women, especially to lace-makers as an alternative line of work, but it is thought it will also make a good means of employment for disabled soldiers.

For two weeks an expert from London has been teaching at Mrs Eve’s house and some impressive toys have been produced which are of better quality than those imported from abroad. They are made from 3-ply wood containing a high proportion of sycamore and it is hoped that this will soon be sourced locally. The toys made so far are mainly vehicles, furniture and animals. Favourites are “ye olde pig of Pavenham” and an ambulance wagon with fittings for stretchers and a canvas cover with a Red Cross. There are also cradles, a toy bungalow, little Russian figures and Highland pipers among many other clever designs.

Source: Ampthill News 28th November 1914

Old Girls' Working Party at Luton Modern School

Vintage sewing machine [Wikimedia]

Wednesday 25th November 1914: A report has been received from the Old Girls’ Working Party which has been meeting at Luton Modern School. The Old Lutonions are busy making garments for both local children in need and for the troops, but it seems they are disappointed in the response and level of commitment of their members. 

“Up in the Needlework Room at the Modern School, on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30, the girls of the Club are meeting together and working hard to make warm clothing for the children of the town who are in distress on account of the War. Happily there is not much distress at present, but when the need for help does arise, as undoubtedly it will, we want to be able to place a store of clothing at the disposal of the relieving authorities. Meanwhile we have decided to turn our attention for a time to such things as warm gloves, scarves, caps, etc., which may lessen just a little the discomforts and hardships which our soldiers and sailors are enduring. “

“At the time of writing, 24^th November, we have made some fifty garments. These represent twelve weeks’ work, and about a dozen of them were made by friends who are non-members. Now this total is not a very creditable one for a club which contains at least forty girls, but it is not to be wondered at when one considers that the Meetings usually consist of five or six girls; only three times during the history of the Working Party has it reached the huge total of ten, and on one memorable evening we had fourteen! Now what is the explanation of this? Does it mean that, whilst all the boys of the Club who possibly can have placed themselves entirely at the disposal of their country, the majority of the girls cannot even spare one or two evenings a week? Surely not! We prefer to think that members do not know enough about the Working Party, and we issue an urgent appeal to all to come to the Meetings. Then, if you do not approve of what we are doing, say so – we shall be only too pleased to hear any fresh suggestions; and if you do approve, come and help. All we want to feel is that the work is receiving the whole-hearted approval and co-operation of all members.”

“The Secretary would like to take this opportunity of thanking most heartily those few to whose loyal support the Working Party owes its existence.”

Source: Luton Modern School Magazine December 1914 [SDLutonSFC2/7]

A Lassie O' The Vale

Weldon’s Practical Knitter: Men’s Socks and Women’s Stockings. Knitting pattern c.1914-1918. [Z160/60]

Thursday 24th September 1914 (Bedford): A consignment of knitted socks was received from Scotland this week and distributed to some of the Territorial soldiers. Inside one of the socks was this letter:

The hand that knitted these
Has also penned this note,
So keep your mind at ease,
In that foreign land remote. 

I know not who or where you are,
Don’t even know your name,
So whether you are near or far,
My feelings are the same. 

My heart goes out to every seed
Of Scotland’s noble sons,
Who in the hour of direst need
Have shouldered up their guns,

And sallied forth to meet the foe,
At home or yont the seas,
To whatever land you go,
Be sure, Remember me. 

Signed: “A Lassie o’ the Vale”

The letter was found by a Colour Sergeant. Unfortunately for the young lady author he was a married man!

Source: Beds Times 25/9/1914

National Day of Intercession

Knitted Soldier's Cap pattern [OR2343/8]

Friday 21st August 1914 (Sharnbrook): Today has been declared a National Day of Intercession to pray for the nation's soldiers and for a speedy end to the war. In Sharnbrook extra services are being held in the Church in the morning and evening. The village is intending to provide practical as well as spiritual aid for British soldiers. On Wednesday a meeting was held at the Church concerning Queen Mary’s Needlework Guild. As a result a working party has been set up which will meet in the Church Room to knit and sew items for soldiers and sailors, the sick and wounded and their families.

Source: St Peter’s Sharnbrook Parish Record Book, p.53-54 [P112/28/6]