In the 18th and 19th centuries, the item called a housewife (“hussif”) is one that had multiple uses. It could be a container for small personal items, a wallet, a sewing kit, or a combination of these. This housewife kit is a simple design based off period examples. It has been lovingly assembled in two versions, both containing everything you need to make your own.
The Leota kit features cotton prints and silk taffetas in black, green, purple, and slate*. Each pocket is individually bound in black petersham, and the whole piece is finished with a black silk ribbon.
Due to the nature of upcycled kits, the configuration of your pieces may vary, but all kits will contain the same fabrics unless otherwise noted.
*In some kits, the purple & black stripe will be substituted with black silk taffeta.
Complete versions of this kit include a small wax bat.
Complete Kit:
- Instructions
- Pre-cut fabric
- binding/ties
- Full spool of thread
- Wood threadwinder
- Pins
- Needle
- Beeswax bat
Essentials Kit:
- Instructions
- Pre-cut fabric
- binding/ties
Photos are the property of Willoughby & Rose.
For more help with making your own housewife check out my video on the subject.