DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 85 



Girls' dresses : 



a. Making of (lesigns to simplify : 



(1) The making and 



(2) The laundering problem 



b. To make more comfortable for wearer 



(1) Step-in dresses 



(2) Step-in underwear 



(3) Dresses with one or two practical front fastenings. 



Pants, waists and harnesses that are cheap, easy to make and 

 launder, distribute weight correctly, and cause no restriction. 



Outer garments to replace coat : 



a. One with detachable inner lining. 



b. One with leggings and scarf attached — (These garments sup- 

 ply th« needs of the coldest weather for outdoor play and 

 eliminate the separate leggings, sweater, scarf, etc., which 

 consume much time in dressing: the detachable inner lining- 

 makes it possible to wear tlio garment in milder weather). 



Equipment (demonstration frames) for teaching the manipulation of 

 fastenings such as snaps, hooks and eyes, buckles, etc., were made. Speed 

 tests were given on these and reports made. 



The laboratory procedure inicluded the compilation of questionnaires 

 which had been sent out to mothers of Michigan for data concerning cliil- 

 dren's clothing; personal interviews with Lansing and East Lansing 

 mothers to learn their problems; investigation of children's garments in 

 local stores, Detroit and other cities ; bibliography of available material 

 on children's clothing. Also, the making of dresses and suits according 

 to commercial patterns, materials used in these garments having been 

 carefully tested and recommended by Textile classes of 1920-21, subject- 

 ing these ganuents to test in the Merrill-Palmer school; the making of 

 duplicates of this first set of garments Avith the corrections recommended 

 by stiulents in residence at the Merrill-Palmer School. These corrections 

 were based upon the wearing test given the dresses and observations made 

 on the clothes children brought from home. 



The development of the following special projects was of economic and 

 social significance: 



Five and ten cent stores — investigation of store system, wages, articles 



of women's wear, etc., and compamsou Avith other stores. 

 Trade names — 'for ready to wear dresses and blouses. 

 Investigation of trade-anarked articles, demaud for them, value of 



trade name to manufacturer, retailer, and consumer. 

 House dress for fann house — investigation of those on market and 



designing and making of a suitable type. 

 Clothing shop for ehildren^ — investigation of children's clothing shops 



in Lansing, mail order business, and of most desirable lines to carry 



in such a shop. 



Purchasing habits in stockings — A study of purchasing habits gained 

 from college students and also from information from hosieiy depart- 

 ments in Lansing stores: Special emphasis on popularity of certain 



