mixed bag

This is a mixed bag of a post really. First thank you to all that sent good wishes for my mum. She seems to be on the mend. I must also thank Colette at Poppy Cottage for the lovely bundle of goodies she sent to me, it was much appreciated, thank you. As you can see I got some funky wool and a pattern for a 'quick bag' some lovely gingham ribbon-might have to think 'Christmas' there. Also a fab poppy felt brooch and a little notebook decorated with herb paintings. I do love blogland!!

Another book I rescued from the skip at school is a large A5 book with a tatty ripped cover called News Chronicle Housewife's Handy Book. I have been looking through it and have scanned some pages here for you. There are not many illustrations (and no dates) but I think it must be 1920's or 30's. Some things are so funny.

Chapters include such gems as-

Sweet making at home

Jobs about the house

How to dance

Beauty for the housewife

Stitch craft made easy

Everyday Etiquette

'Have you among your bag of bargains a square piece of cream cashmere? if so, it will prove the handiest possible thing to convert into a bright Italian shawl. Italian shawls are becoming even more popular than Spanish ones.'

The 'Letter Writing section' is hilarious! with examples of letter to servants, neighbours complaining about the noise, the bank manager, the baker and to the father of the girl you want to marry! my favourite one though is this from a girl accepting a proposal of marriage-

My dearest Harry,

I have read your sweet letter over and over again-and kissed it too! Of course I remember our first meeting a year ago to-day-just as though I should forget it! -and our walks, and the dances, and the cinemas, and the motor-bike rides. And I remember,too, the dearest old boy in the world and how day by day and week by week my interest in him grew until love itself was born.....

Those were the days!