Embedded Files
The seating ‘ Humpty or Pouffe ‘ (left) was made several years ago as part of a group of items relating to some research of ‘Make-Do-and-Mend’ from WWII.
Certain criteria was used as a basic theme/element for all items made, the main ones being:
Black was to represent the ‘Blackout’
All fabric & thread should be ‘left-over’ or remnants to reflect the ‘1941 Make-Do-and-Mend Scheme’
All items should have more than one use to represent the WWII propaganda ‘Squander Bug’
Background / Techniques used
Reference to several craft books of the period was made of ‘how to make a pouffe’ – the best of these were 2 below (see bibliography). Although not using exactly the same pattern, a variation was adapted from both books and ultimately consisted of an inner ‘core’ body, a loose ‘bag’ cover and a detachable outer ‘wrap’.
The upper ‘insert’ panel of the bag was made from a selection of 1930 & 1940 cotton and linen embroidered mats (not in perfect condition) in my personal collection. Around a dozen were worn and/or badly stained and in line with ‘Make-Do-and-Mend’, it was decided to use them with techniques popular during the period – patchwork and smocking being ideally suitable.
As the Humpty would be used for seating, a detachable outer ‘wrap’ cover was made for laundering purposes. The Humpty would also have an outer ‘wrap’ that would be laced together over the main cover - it could easily be removed for cleaning but would also allow the Humpty to adapt to its underlying stuffed shape (almost hour-glass!). For my own use and to change its appearance, I would also have the option to use the Humpty with or without this outer additional cover for either a less or more conventional option.
Various styles of lacings were depicted in imagery from the period and for this reason, it was chosen as another technique for use. Eyelets were a popular theme among sewing and craft magazines from the period - brass rings were likely uses for blackout and/or curtain hanging.
Methods
The inner ‘core’ body used heavyweight cotton calico – 2 pieces of shaped fabric stitched together with a central seam. The original Humpty pattern suggested using ‘10lbs. of ruggings’ (left-over pieces of rug wool available for purchase pre-war) to fill the shape. Now unavailable, an ideal substitute would now be cut-up up scraps of fabric, tights & pop-socks as well as a few old T-shirts – all in small pieces about 1” x 0.5”. My Humpty ‘devoured’ 20lbs of this mixed filling and resulted in a substantially weighted and firm seating item.
The loose ‘bag’ cover was a large zippered square (made from 2 pieces of fabric) into which the ‘Humpty body’ centrally fitted. The upper side of this bag had a central smocked panel (inserted prior to stitching) – this being made from various small embroidered mats. As these mats were in a state of ‘deterioration’, it was vital to back them to prevent any further stitching making them worse. An old cotton sheet was first used for this and the mats were initially tacked on in a patchwork manner – they were then machine 'utility' stitched in place (and around any thin areas) to hold them flat. A layer of fine nylon curtain net was then marked using an original 1940s smocking transfer - this was tacked onto the ‘new patchworked’ panel. 2 different smocking stithcing was then worked - as the fabric was quite thick, a buttonhole gimp was used for both types.
The detachable outer ‘wrap’ had 4 sides – each one tucked horizontally, pressed and then re-stitched vertically in different directions. When laced together, this had the effect of providing a degree of elasticity for shaping to the ‘core’ waistline.
A square base panel was made to lace together the 4 sides and upper panel of the ‘bag’ (using the attached rings around the panel edge - see image above right).
Bibliography (for Humpty - Pouffe original details etc)
Modern Needlecraft, A Practical Guide – Davide C. Minter (1934)
Pearson’s Complete Needlecraft – Agnes M. Miall (1949)
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