A housewife was a �necessity� for the soldier who cared enough about his appearance to keep his clothing mended. The little, usually roll-up, kit contained the required needles, yarn, thread, thimble etc. and was most often furnished by a mother, sister, sweetheart or, sometimes, by a soldier's Relief Society. This one measures 5_� x 1� closed and opens to a length of 9�. It was crudely made with dark blue oil cloth and blue taffeta pouches (one with three old bone buttons) and three pieces of blue cotton with a dozen or so variously sized needles. Each end of the base serves as a pin cushion. It has some old stitching repairs and the outer 9� piece has partially separated from the base. The colors are pretty and the condition lets us know that this one is definitely old and was well used.