Common in the 18th century (and many other times as well) were small wallet like objects, often used to house sewing supplies and money, called a housewife. Often times women would make them out of scraps of fabric. They were handy (invaluable, really) at keeping together all the little bits and bobs that were so very important in day to day mending. Sewing implements were not always as easily obtained as they are today, by a trip to any craft store, or indeed, even Walmart. Historically…
