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One of Julia Blondin's contributions to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Guernsey A History of the World event was a dress made by her mother during the occupation of the island by German forces from 1940 to 1945. The dress is made from parachute material that her mother was given.

In addition, Julia's father made her first shoes from an old handbag belonging to her mother, as it was not possible to buy new leather.

The 'make do and mend' philosophy being encouraged in mainland Britain was even more urgently required in the Channel Islands under occupation. Few clothing materials were available throughout the war, but the situation worsened considerably after the D-Day landings of June, 1944. The military invasion of occupied France by the allied forces prevented any further supplies from reaching the islands until the Red Cross ship, the SS Vega, arrived in late December of 1944.