This "Jigsaw" pattern decoration carried a message. The message was "This garment is not mass produced".
Labour intensive surface decoration such as this added cost to a garment and was conspicuous.Blouses with numerous fine tucks and lace inserts sent the same message.

It came as a reaction to the machine sewing shops which were producing ready to wear clothing for a mass market, at a price most women could afford.

Above photograph by H.J.Leeson of Northampton •   Inscribed on back G.E "