Thursday, June 25, 2015

Tale of a Hussif ~ part 4...

Is there anything sweeter in a sewing day than adding those final little touches that herald the completion of a joyous task?
I nestled in that delight about 5pm yesterday.

Adding the last little pieces took most of my afternoon because I had a few ideas I thought would work but only needed the 'right' two.

Like this little pin cushion.
The aged silk ribbon held in place with two cross-stitches...


...waiting for a puffy little spotted pillow to rest itself upon her creamy softness so she could wrap it in the snuggest hug.


Sweet?

And after all was said and done nothing quite compared to century old lace hand stitched over a half moon curve...


...and a very special mother-of-pearl button.



Tomorrow you can see my completed Hussif with all her pretties and pockets on display.

If you've missed the previous three parts in "Tale of a Hussif" they are here, here and here.


During my continuing research into the history of the 'hussif', 'huswif' or 'soldier's housewife' I came across a photo of one used by my own countrymen. 
Australian soldiers who fought in the Boer War (1899) were issued with a 'soldier's housewife' and this was the first time it became standard issue for serving soldiers. 
With one pocket, a needle rest and calico ties, their 'housewife' carried needle, thread and buttons for repairs when out in the battlefield.
 Rolled up it measured about 4" x 5"...


In the newspapers at the time is was reported, "The authorities have provided one complete housewife for each man." Apparently many real wives were demanding to know who these new  housewives were, and cartoonists jumped on the wagon with their take on the situation! 



On the other side of the world British soldiers received a Hussif as standard issue until the 1960's. This one belonged to a soldier of the Devonshire Regiment during WW1...


It's been wonderful to learn about their history and use in the military, but I think it's time for me to go looking for more 'girlie' hussifs to finish off the week, don't you?

May your day be a smiley one,
hugs
 

11 comments:

Createology said...

Those sweet little pink X's to hold your pin-dot cushion is precious. I love the lace on the half moon curve and the very special pearl button for closure. You do know I am stitching vicariously through you dear as I seem to be too busy with other chores to be stitching on my own these days. Bless You...

Baa. xxx said...

It's looking so beautiful - it'll be fun to see it all complete.

Christine B said...

Hello Jenny! All those finished touches look just beautiful! I can't wait to see the finished hussif! :) x

Cath said...

How very interesting......yours is looking so pretty....will come back for another glimpse when it is finished :)

Christina said...

It is always so satisfying to finish a project. Especially when so many special details are added to it, to make it just right.

Jackie said...

It's looking beautiful! I love all the delicate touches....

Anonymous said...

What fun to see pictures of the actual things, and that cartoon is great! Thanks for sharing your research, AND your darling additions to this sweet hussif.

Anonymous said...

This has been a fascinating journey & I so appreciate all you have done to present it to us! Your work is beautiful & I can't wait to see it all at once. Such suspense:)!
XO,
Linda

TerriSue said...

It is coming together beautifully!

Sharon - creativity and family said...

It is looking lovely, all those special little touches really make it special. x

Brenda said...

Such a pretty button! Using the ribbon for a tie with the pin cushion is a great idea. I really enjoyed reading more about the history and was sharing some of the information with my husband. He said when he was in training it was standard issue but did not know if it still was used in the US Military today. Thank You for sharing and have a great day!