113. To Prevent Ripping
When hemming table cloths, sheets, etc., on the
machine, try the following plan: Sew the hem as you always do, but when
you come to the end, instead of leaving a long thread to tie it, to keep
from ripping, simply lift the presser-foot, turn the goods around, place
the presser-foot down again and sew back over the same seam again, and sew
about half an inch more. It makes a neat finish and no danger of the hem
ever fraying out.
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1. Charcoal to Prevent Rust
Charcoal absorbs all dampness, for which reason it should be kept in boxes with silverware to prevent rust. ... 10. To Remove White Spots from Tables
Wring cloths out of very hot water, lay them over spot and remove quickly. Repeat if necessary. When dry, rub the furniture with some of the good polish. ... 100. Needle Sharpener
I know a woman who always keeps a small piece of whetstone in her machine drawer for sharpening needles when they become blunted. It is a great scheme, and saves a lot of needles, as I have proved to my own satisfaction. ... 101. Burned Kettles
If you have had the misfortune to burn your kettle it may be made smooth and clean by filling it with ashes and water, leaving it for an hour or so, then washing with clear water. ... 102. Children's Petticoats
When making washable petticoats for her small daughters, a mother whom I know attaches two skirts to one belt, which in turn is sewed to a little lace trimmed waist. The lower skirt is made of white cambric, and the top skirt is of swiss embroidery. Thi... 103. Systematic Housekeeping
A friend of mine who has a six-room apartment delights in taking care of it in sections, one room a day. On each of the six days in the week one room is thoroughly cleaned and put in order. She plans, if possible, to add some little touch of adornment, ... 104. To Keep Grape Fruit After Cutting
When half a grapefruit or melon is left from a meal, place it cut side down on a china or agate plate, so that no air can reach it, and the fruit will keep as though it had not been cut. ... 105. How to Freshen Nuts
We had a lot of nuts that became too dry to be good, and were about to throw them away, when a friend told us of a very easy and practical way to freshen them. It was this: to let them stand over night in a solution of equal parts of milk and water, the... 106. Measure the Eggs
Try measuring the whites of eggs for angel food instead of counting them, for best results. ... 107. Kerosene Lamps
A neighbor who has to use kerosene for lighting purposes told me the secret of her bright lights. After cleansing the lamps well and trimming the wick she fills the oil chamber, and drops into it a piece of camphor gum about as large as a marble. It is ... 108. Baking Help
When creaming butter and sugar for cake or cookies, add two tablespoonfuls of boiling water, then deduct this amount from the other liquid used. Beat hard with a spoon, and the mixture will become a light creamy mass in one-third of the time it otherwis... 109. To Destroy Disagreeable Odors
The cooking of onions, cabbage, or frying articles always leaves a disagreeable odor in our house. To get rid of this I place an old tin over a lighted burner and sprinkle some ground cinnamon on it. When the tin is very hot I carry it through the house... 11. To Clean Mirrors
To clean a French mirror which has grown dull, rub with a cloth soaked in alcohol; follow this by rubbing with a dry cloth. The dullness will vanish, and the mirror will look like new. This method is used for cut glass with excellent result. ... 110. The Last Step
A great many times last winter I had to go into the cellar to tend to the furnace when it was too light to light a lamp, and too dark to enable one to see easily. Almost every time I had to feel around to be sure that I was on the bottom step. One day m... 112. Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes should be served as soon as they are cooled. To make them dryer, drain off the water quickly, shake them in a strong draught of air and do not put back the lid of the kettle. ... 113. To Prevent Ripping
When hemming table cloths, sheets, etc., on the machine, try the following plan: Sew the hem as you always do, but when you come to the end, instead of leaving a long thread to tie it, to keep from ripping, simply lift the presser-foot, turn the goods a... 114. To Mix Corn Bread
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Save all the empty spools, and when any dyeing is done in the household, drop the spools into the fluid for a few minutes, and they will make fine playthings for the children on a rainy day. ... 117. To Keep Coffee From Boiling Over
To keep coffee from boiling over add a lump of butter about the size of a small marble. ... 118. Sour Milk Pancakes
We are very fond of sour milk pancakes, and have often had to go without any in the winter when the weather was cold, just because the milk would not sour. I have learned to put a teaspoonful of vinegar in a pan of milk, that I wanted to use for the cak... 119. When the Wooden Scrub Bucket Leaks
When the wooden scrub bucket leaks pour sealing wax into the crevice and paint on the outside. This will make it last for a longer period. ... 12. To Whiten Linen
If you want your table linen to last do not use bleaching preparations. Use only clean soap and soft water. If the water is not soft, add a little ammonia. ... 120. Rust Spots on Clothes
Many rust spots on clothes are caused by bits of soap adhering to the latter when they come in contact with the bluing water. The discovery has been of great help to me because I can now easily avoid having these unsightly marks. I merely cut the soap i... 121. Cleaning Stoves
Before blacking my stove I rub soap on my hands, as if washing them, letting the soap dry on. When washing my hands after the work is done, the blacking and the soap come off together easily, leaving no stain on the hands. ... 122. Left-Over Peaches
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Soak cauliflower an hour before cooking. Put into boiling water to which a tablespoonful of salt is added. Boil from twenty to thirty minutes according to size of the head. ... 125. Uses for Child's Broom
A child's broom should find place in the bath room. It can be kept in the clothes hamper, and will be useful in sweeping under the bath-tub. ... 126. Dish Cloths
Dish cloths are often neglected. They should be kept scrupulously clean, and in order that they may be so they should be washed out carefully with soap, and well rinsed each time they have been used. After this has been done they may be hung in the air ...