I found this page in an old book of mine the other day: 'Gifts to make', (published in 1974, Marshall Cavendish, London) and was intrigued by the idea of this 'sewing housewife' it featured. Well, not the idea of a long, fold-up case for keeping sewing supplies together, but rather the name of it. Why 'housewife'? Maybe because it's handy and useful and can hold it together in tough situations. And is a little bit old-fashioned, i suppose.
Anyway, I liked the idea of these housewives and so I made a couple myself. I like ot think of them as souped-up needlcases.
Like the book suggested, I used a length of vintage embroidered ribbon for the outside of the case. And then lined that, and included two pockets at either end of the roll. They're the perfect size for a small pair of scissors, a thimble and some embroidery threads. And there are some felt pages for needles and safety pins in the middle. Very handy. Especially if you like hand-sewing as much as I do.
Anyway, I liked the idea of these housewives and so I made a couple myself. I like ot think of them as souped-up needlcases.
Like the book suggested, I used a length of vintage embroidered ribbon for the outside of the case. And then lined that, and included two pockets at either end of the roll. They're the perfect size for a small pair of scissors, a thimble and some embroidery threads. And there are some felt pages for needles and safety pins in the middle. Very handy. Especially if you like hand-sewing as much as I do.
