The new lesson has been prepared by Hope Green. It is a departure from our normal lesson format. This time Hope has prepared step by step photos and written instructions on how to prepare a "housewife", or basic tatting kit (btk) for tatters. The photos have been posted offsite and arranged as a slide show.

The Tatter's Housewife for the class will be made of fabric with pockets to store the items from a btk, i.e.,

Erin Holloways' Housewife

tatting shuttles or needles thread cutter picot gauges sewing/tapestry needles thread crochet hook straight/safety pins paper clips band aids magnet pattern card/notes

Erin Holloways's Housewife

Please go read and print off the directions. Each week we will embellish an item from the tatters housewife with tatting.

What is a "housewife?" Often called a "hussif" in the old days, it was a basic sewing kit that men carried into battle. A small tin or fabric roll contained needles, thread, buttons and scissors and other odds and ends. The ladies' version is called an etui. Foldable and portable but not as easy to pack in the ol' knapsack. Below are a few links to photos of antique and modern housewife kits.