31. Discarded Toys
My baby came in the other day hugging to his breast a
toy tin goat. It was evidently one of the discarded playthings of a
neighbor's child. On inquiry I found that the toy had been given to my
boy, and he has taken so much pleasure in this castoff plaything that I
have been saving his old toys and passing them on to other children of the
neighborhood. I have discovered that in their baby hearts these are as
good as new, because they have never played with them. It is nothing to
them that they are not just out of the store.
More
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296. How to Economize on Gas
More gas is wasted in the oven than elsewhere. Often one burner will suffice after the oven has been well heated. It is better to run one burner than to burn two low, as they frequently go out. ... 297. Less Noise in Washing Dishes
If your cook insists in washing the dishes in the pantry while the family is still at dessert, insist upon her placing the dishes to drain upon a heavy turkish towel. It will lessen much of the clatter. ... 298. A Useful Article in the Kitchen
A useful article in the kitchen is a small microscope. Show the cook how to use one. She will be so horrified if shown dates, prunes, or figs that are germ infested that she will take special pains in washing them. The microscope is also useful to exami... 299. To Restore Freshness to Vegetables
For the housewife who must practise strict economy, as well as for her who lives at a distance from the market, it is well to know that cabbage, celery or lettuce and their like which have lost the first freshness, may be restored by putting first into... 3. Care of a Scrubbing Brush
Scrubbing brushes should never be put away with their bristles upward, for thus the water would soak into the wooden part and the bristles would soon become loose. ... 30. Use of Old Linen Collars
Cut them up into narrow strips and use them for gas-lighting instead of using wax tapers. They make a steady flame and do not drip grease. ... 300. Worn Brooms or Whisks
Worn brooms or whisks may be dipped into hot water and uneven edges trimmed off with shears. This will make the straw harder, and the trimming makes the broom almost as good as new. ... 301. Making Over a Heatherbloom Petticoat
When you make over a heatherbloom petticoat, do not cut it off at the top and place the drawing string in again, and do not plait it to fit the band. Instead, place a band around the waist of the person being fitted, pin the petticoat to the band, then... 302. The Gingham Apron for the Housewife
The gingham apron for the housewife at her daily tasks, especially if the maid is out and she has any kitchen work to do, is imperative, and she will find the long apron that buttons over the shoulders the most acceptable. ... 303. After Cleaning the Sewing Machine
After cleaning the sewing machine, several yards of stitching must be accomplished before the machine runs smoothly and without leaving marks. If you have any long seams on dark material to sew up, sew them now before attempting any light work. ... 304. To Remove Tangled Threads
No doubt you often have stopped sewing and patiently picked the threads out of the bobbin under the machine plate, or around the wheels, for this often occurs, says the Woman's National Daily. Save time in the future by lighting a match and burning out... 305. Clothes Rack for Children
In one home, in the rear hall, is a low rack on which children can hang their coats, hats and mittens when they come in from school. The hanger was made with two stout steel brackets and a curtain pole fitted up with hooks on which the articles were hel... 306. To Remove Dust from Any White Fabric
To remove dust from any white fabric lay the spot over a tea-kettle of boiling water. Place a cut lemon over the spot, pressing firmly. Remove occasionally, in order to allow the juice to evaporate, and the stain will disappear before one's eyes, no ma... 307. Amateur Dressmakers
Amateur dressmakers will probably find it difficult to decide just how to finish the necks of the collarless frocks and waists that will be worn this summer. If the material is net, there is no prettier decoration than a band of the net piped with silk ... 308. To Prevent Marks on the Dining Table
If you have a highly polished dining table which you are afraid of spoiling, lay a piece of oilcloth on the table under the pad and you will have no trouble. ... 309. For Cupboard Shelves
Put a white oilcloth on kitchen shelves instead of paper. The cloth will not turn yellow as the paper does, and can be kept clean while washing dishes. ... 31. Discarded Toys
My baby came in the other day hugging to his breast a toy tin goat. It was evidently one of the discarded playthings of a neighbor's child. On inquiry I found that the toy had been given to my boy, and he has taken so much pleasure in this castoff playt... 310. Cleaning Gilt Frames
When gilt frames or mouldings of the rooms have specks of dirt on them they can be cleaned with white of an egg, rubbed on with a camel's hair brush. ... 311. To Clean Kid Gloves
Take a fine soft cloth, dip it into a little sweet milk, then rub it on a cake of soap, and rub the gloves with it. They will look like new. ... 312. Washing Fine Woolens
To keep baby's sacques and socks and your own shawls and scarfs as fluffy as when new, dry and put in oven of range, shaking often between the palms while drying. ... 313. To Wash Grained Woodwork
To wash grained woodwork take a half pail of hot water, add half a pound of soap chips, and boil until dissolved. Take from fire, add one pint kerosene, then boil for five minutes longer. Add one quarter of this to a half pailful of warm water. Wash woo... 314. Sewing on Buttons
How often the mother hears the complaint: "I do wish you wouldn't sew these buttons on so tightly that I can't button them." When you start to sew on a button, before you take a stitch, lay a pin across the face of the button, and sew over the pin. Fast... 315. Airing House After Meals
After each meal, there should be another thorough airing of the lower floor in the home. No matter how perfectly the system of ventilation, it is impossible to prevent cooking odors. This airing is doubly necessary should there be smokers in the family.... 316. House Cleaning Hints
For the last few days before house cleaning, ornaments and pictures can be washed at one's convenience. They need only be removed or covered when a room is cleaned. With these preparations, the actual cleaning can be done quickly and with much less dist... 317. Uses for Men's Old Silk Handkerchiefs
Men's old silk handkerchiefs should never be thrown away when worn thin. They are just the thing for dusting the polished surface of the piano, ornaments and fine china and glass and bric-a-brac. ... 318. Cleaning Fine Fabrics
In cleaning fabrics great care should be taken not to rub them roughly between the hands. The gentle rubbing on of the solvent with a fresh cloth is sufficient. ... 319. To Wash White Woolen Blankets
To wash white woolen blankets, dissolve four tablespoonfuls of good washing powder in a dipperful of boiling water and pour into a tub of warm water. Open the blanket out wide and put it in the tub and let it soak all over for a half an hour. Then rub ... 32. To Clean Silver
Try curdled milk for cleaning your silverware. Let the silver stand for several hours in the milk, and you will be surprised at the result. ... 320. To Take Out Wagon Grease
To take out wagon grease, which is of two kinds, that made from coal tar may be removed from cloth by an application of petroleum; the other, made from animal fat, responds to a sponging of ether. ... 321. Old Perspiration Stains
Old perspiration stains may be removed by applying oxalic acid and water in solution, one part of the former to twenty parts of the latter. ... 322. Eyelet Embroidery
Eyelet embroidery is one of the daintiest as well as the simplest of embroideries, and, best of all, with a little practice the work can be accomplished quite rapidly. Eyelet embroidery is equally effective done on sheer or heavy material; and neat sewi... 323. A Convenience for the Household
A convenience for the household, that will be appreciated by men as well as women, is a wire rack to hang in the closet. It has a series of projecting arms upon which coat hangers may be placed without interfering with each other. This greatly augments ...