CARE OF THE HOME

Southland Times, Issue 18963, 9 June 1923, Page 14 (Supplement)

CARE OF THE HOME

OLD SHEETS. USES TO WHICH THEY MAY BE PUT. The uses for old linen sheets are legion. From sheets which have worn thin down the middle, leaving strips of good material, the thin portions should be removed; a strip of insertion can be put between the two pieces of sheet, and insertion can be added to the outside edges. A better plan is to take the four outer edges of a pair of linen sheets and join the strips together by means of linen-thread insertion, finish with a border of lace, and a linen bed-cover is then completed. The stripe from single bed sheet’s would be too narrow for making this cover; these can be cut up into excellent glasspolishing cloths and the best parts—at the corners—of good sheets will make duchesse mats when embroidered. Four square corner pieces can be joined by crochet insertion and will may a teacloth if bordered with lace, and, of course, pillow slips are easily fashioned from such good parts of old sheets. The side strips of. old cotton sheets can be used equally as well. They make excellent sun-linings for coloured window curtains. They may be dyed quite easily at home to make casement curtains, and if a border be embroidered or stencilled on them they will look like heavy-quality casement, cloth and will “hang” beautifully. Again, dyed brown or navy blue useful overalls and working aprons can be fashioned from them, and are well worth whilemaking up, for the unworn parts of a sheet are quite strong although the centre may be threadbare. Another useful device is a big bag made of old sheets with press-studs along the

top edges into which the careful woman can slip delicate frocks on a coat-hanger, so that they may not hang unprotected in the wardrobe. CANDLE LORE. SOME SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL HINTS. When a candle is too large for the holder it is a mistake to cut it. Place the end in a little warm water until the wax is soft and then press the candle into the opening. A strip of paper round the bottom of a candle that is too small keeps it firmly in the holder. When a candle is broken the wick generally remains intact. Fit the fractured parts together and run a hot knitting needle round the break; as soon as the wax sets the broken parts will join together. Candles will last much longer if they are stored for a while, preferably in a tin box, before being used, as the wax will have had time to set hard and will not be sp likely to run down the sides of the candle. If the candles that have been kept turn yellow, rub them with a little methylated spirit. It is quite a good idea to give candles a coat of clear varnish. Even in a draught they will not then burn unevenly, but will give a clear, steady light. To burn up candle ends, push three pins into the underside of the piece, thus forming a tiny tripod. This can be rested on the top of the holder. A candle may be turned into a night light by piling a little dry salt round the wick until only about a quarter of an inch of the wick is left exposed. ________