The Workbasket – December 1951
It’s been awhile since I shared a Workbasket with you, and I thought you might be needing some hokey gift ideas for Christmas… circa 1951.
I loved the edgings on those towels, but all I can think of is having to iron them to keep them looking nice. Iron bath towels? Uh… no, thanks!
I’m sure these are very sweet baby toys… if I could just make out what they are from the tiny picture. Maybe the instructions will help… “In single crochet, you simply copy any small toy animal or fowl as to size and shape.” That’s it? That’s the pattern? “Simply copy”?? I’m an experienced crocheter, but get real! I still have no idea what it is we’re trying to make here. But yet the article assures me, “It would be almost impossible to turn out one that isn’t a ‘nifty number.'” All righty then!
“Every year you may plan to make your own original Christmas cards but just can’t find time. This year by tracing any combination of these designs you can make all of your cards in a comparatively short time.” Is that so? Comparatively to what?
Now, be honest. Wouldn’t you be thrilled to receive one of these “interesting and useful” paper plate holders? No, they don’t hold paper plates. They are made of paper plates to hold… well, things like “pan holders, recipes that are used often, old razor blades, little pieces of soap, children’s cutouts, pictures, etc.” At the end of the article (which I didn’t include in my clipping) it also says, “Besides making very nice gifts, these holders will make fine occupation for children on a rainy day.” Yeah, I’d say that’s more like it. I don’t think Grandma really wants one.
These happy gloves are sure to “please any young lady you know, and any member of the sterner sex would get a bang out of them too.” Not only that, “they would sell well at… a shop dealing in gifts or garments for the high school age.” Gotta wonder about those 1950s teens.
Here’s the Junior Workbasket page with ideas for things the kids can make. These are along the lines of the Paper Plate holder, so in the interest of keeping the kids busy, they are actually kind of cute projects. Just please don’t try to pass them off as “real” gifts unless you’re under the age of 8 or so!
8 Comments
Amy
I like that Christmas Card idea, we make our own too 🙂
Coloradolady
These are cute….and I can remember making pot holders as gifts when I was a kid, and a kitchen do-dad that hung in the kitchen made out of cloths. I am sure no one really wanted those either….
These are cute and a cute reminder of yesterday. I think the snowman is really cute.
Have a great week.
Jewelgirl
I love these vintage snippets from
the past, there’s something sweet and simple about vintage handmade Christmas past! I enjoyed this!
Elizabeth
I love when you post The Workbasket! Those mittens scare me!
Lorrie Veasey
Totally out of my league. If it doesn’t involve popsicle sticks, I can’t make it.
Lindsey
Oh my word, that was so funny! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Yeah, I guess we’re expected to know how to crochet ANYTHING by just looking at it, huh? lol I can follow directions but I don’t think those are a huge help. 😉
They sure know how to make you feel like an idiot!
But I wouldn’t have minded being the ones getting paid for the articles… what simple things to write! lol
Wonder if they have anything on child-rearing…
“Simply put your child in the crib and walk away, enjoying a peaceful night of uninterrupted sleep…”
TattingChic
Oh, I LOVE Workbasket magazines! I see on the cover that there is a pretty tatted edging for a hanky! Maybe you could post that pattern on your next post, MAYBE??? Okay, just asking, LOL!
Miri
I love your Workbasket posts-they always have me grinning from ear to ear.
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