HINTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2116, 15 February 1908, Page 1 (Supplement)

HINTS.

Turpentine and paraffin oil mixed together on a plate and rubbed on doors that are shabby with the sun will make them look like new.

To brighten tins, dip a rag into paraffin, then into whiting, and scour tho tins with it^ Finish off with a little dry whiting OTI a cloth.

Vinegar and fruit stains ttnon knives can be taken off by rubbing (lie blades with raw potato, and then polishing on tho knife board in the usual manner.

A strainer for use in the kitchen sink may be easily made bv punching holes in tho bottom of a hud-can by means of a 'hammer and awl. .Such a strainer will aid very much to keep the sink clean anti may itself be kept clean with but little trouble.

Brass-beaded tacks along tho edge of the sowing-table carefully measured off to show one-quarter, one-half, three,quarters and one-yard snaces, as on a dry-goods counter, will be found of great convenience.

One often hears complaints that the washhouse boiler rusts and ironmoulds the clothes. To prevent tills, rub the boiler directly it is emptied, and while still hot, with any good household soap. Givo it a good coating of soap which will not only prevent rust, but will also help to* make the necessary suds when the boiler is filled with water for tho next wasli-

Taking otic day a month to improve the house is a capital idea. On the day agreed upon tho whole family, as far as possible, must give their time to making articles for the house or doing something for it. Sofa-pillows, bureau-scarfs, pin-cushions, etc., may be made, furniture painted or stained, picture frames may be made by someone handy with tools, or shirtwaist boxes be made, and covered with denim or cretonne. If the work planned for one day is not. completed it can be laid away for tho next “house day.”

Bear in mind when making children’s underwear that' bands of unbleached muslin Hold the buttonholes much longer than those made of bleached muslin. Always use the selvedge, if possible, for one edgo of these bands. It is also better to shrink The material. If bands or belts must be pierced, do it on the bias, so that when the garment is folded tho seam will be less clumsy. Use cotton tape to face side opening of drawers, etc. It is neater than a facing of cloth, and the work may be done more quickly by using it.

A figuro on which to fit waists is a convenience few homo dressmakers possess. It is possible, however, with but little trouble and expense, to mako a perfect duplicate of your form to uso for fitting gowns. First of all, have a good dressmaker cut and fit the plain lining for you, letting it extend below the bins, and taking care that it shall have long, tight-fitting sleeves and a plain high collar. Sew all the seams firmly and fit an oval piece at the bottom of tho pattern. When all this has been done rip ail opening in one seam and stuff the from with excelsior, being particular to do this part well. The figure may now be put on a stool, tho legs to be so cut off that the whole thing shall be exactly your height; or the figure may be fastened to a board in which a bole has been bored for tbo insertion of a broomstick, which should fit again into another board for a standard. Whichever plan is used, the figure should bo exactly your own height. 'With it in your sewing-room, all waists, skirts, collars, etc., may be fitted perfectly. SALT AS TOOTH POWDER. Salt makes an extra fine tooth powder; it keeps the gums hard and rosy, and makes the teeth brilliantly white. CAAIOAIILE TEA. Put one ounce of camomile flowers in !i quart of boiling water, and let it infuse on the hob for twenty minutes. From a wine-glassful tb n breakfastcupful to be taken as a dose. Plot, this infusion acts as an emetic, and cold, as a tonic.