Sub-subseries

This sub-subseries contains print publications with a few handwritten notes about knitting and needlework. Composed largely of knitting guides and patterns published during the Second World War, it offers information about the clothes worn by Canadian soldiers and helps document women's involvement in the war effort.

The sub-subseries notably includes four brochures from the Canadian Red Cross Society, covering three different editions of the publication entitled Knitting Instructions for War Work. These booklets contain detailed instructions for making knitted clothing for Canadian soldiers. The pieces in question are organized by section: What the Army Needs, What the Navy Needs and What the Air Force Needs. Among the items are socks, knee caps, sweaters, mittens—including those designed especially for firing a rifle—scarves and helmets (hats). The revised edition of November 1940 added another section—Hospital Needs—to meet the needs of hospitalized soldiers. This included instructions for amputation covers. The content of this edition was divided into two brochures, one for women's clothing. Typewritten leaflets, some of them annotated, come from the Montreal Henry Morgan & Co. store and the Canadian Red Cross Society, providing instructions for making socks, stockings, gloves, mittens, caps, helmets and sweaters.

Knitting guides entitled How to Knit for Soldiers & Sailors and Service Woollies were written in the same spirit by companies like Patons & Baldwins Limited, the manufacturer of Beehive wool yarn. These guides include the "Quebec" helmet, a head covering with an attached dickey. Tricots Lux, a knitting book published by Lever Brothers in 1942, takes a similar approach by proposing "23 garments to knit for the Services," including an "air force" sweater and various accessories for soldiers. This publication does not ignore women either, suggesting several models of knitted pieces as well as advice on current fashion trends: "In these dark days, bright colours are more popular than ever. Even 'neutral' tones can seem animated. […] However, just make sure that the colours you choose do not overshadow the person wearing them!" 

In addition, the sub-subseries contains the pattern for a child's sweater with an "outer space" design from Miss Mary Maxim Ltd.; two copies of the brochure Hand Knit Socks by Regent, published by Regent Knitting Mills Limited; and several additional leaflets from Henry Morgan & Co. with instructions for making baby clothes. Finally, a book entitled Needle & Brush, published in New York in 1889 by the Butterick Publishing Company, completes the sub-subseries. This volume presents various needlework techniques and patterns for decorative objects to create.