I'm such a magpie. How
could I resist rifling through the tottering pile of books that were
placed on the next door neighbour's front wall this morning? I picked
up and replaced books on preserve making, knitting and fishing but
could not put down the copy of the “Woman Week-End Book”. This
little gem, published in 1949 by Oldman Press, was the first book of
the women's lifestyle magazine, Woman.
As well as popular
short stories and “many interesting and instructive hints on
Beauty, Housewifery and Personal Problems, Cookery and Knitting” it
has pages of “useful things to make”. It's a real treasure trove
of post-war thrifty ideas and jam-packed (please excuse the preserve pun) with vintage crafting and sewing ideas.
How about this
jewellery set made from ribbon and curtain rings?
I don't think I'd have a go at making a rug with a bodkin needle and some very simple double cross-stitch. But maybe a modern knit-wit would make up this
“two-piece swim suit of trunks and brassiere, dimond trimmed, for
grown-up belles”
And I just love the
practical tips for young wives and mothers. How about this article
advising you how to achieve a “correct line-up on laundry day”!
But most of all those
wonderful brightly colored recipe pages with tasty treats from days
gone by. This page shows
rabbit casserole, grilled cod steaks and spaghetti with sausage
balls... The height of sophistication in 1949 and still to be found
in most restaurants in deepest Ariege, SW France!
