300.  Worn Brooms or Whisks.—­Worn brooms or whisks may be dipped into hot water and uneven edges trimmed off with shears.  This will make the straw harder, and the trimming makes the broom almost as good as new.

301.  Making Over a Heatherbloom Petticoat.—­When you make over a heatherbloom petticoat, do not cut it off at the top and place the drawing string in again, and do not plait it to fit the band.  Instead, place a band around the waist of the person being fitted, pin the petticoat to the band, then make large darts at each seam and cut off that superfluous material that otherwise would need to be put into gathers.  It does not destroy the shape and permits the petticoat to lie smoothly over the hips.

302.  The Gingham Apron for the Housewife.—­The gingham apron for the housewife at her daily tasks, especially if the maid is out and she has any kitchen work to do, is imperative, and she will find the long apron that buttons over the shoulders the most acceptable.

303.  After Cleaning the Sewing Machine.—­After cleaning the sewing machine, several yards of stitching must be accomplished before the machine runs smoothly and without leaving marks.  If you have any long seams on dark material to sew up, sew them now before attempting any light work.

304.  To Remove Tangled Threads.—­No doubt you often have stopped sewing and patiently picked the threads out of the bobbin under the machine plate, or around the wheels, for this often occurs, says the Woman’s National Daily.  Save time in the future by lighting a match and burning out the threads, then brush the ashes off and oil the parts.

305.  Clothes Rack for Children.—­In one home, in the rear hall, is a low rack on which children can hang their coats, hats and mittens when they come in from school.  The hanger was made with two stout steel brackets and a curtain pole fitted up with hooks on which the articles were held.  On one end of the pole was hung a whiskbroom, and each tot was taught its use.

306.  To Remove Dust from Any White Fabric.—­To remove dust from any white fabric lay the spot over a tea-kettle of boiling water.  Place a cut lemon over the spot, pressing firmly.  Remove occasionally, in order to allow the juice to evaporate, and the stain will disappear before one’s eyes, no matter how stubborn or how deep set.

888 Mothers’ remedies

307.  Amateur Dressmakers.—­Amateur dressmakers will probably find it difficult to decide just how to finish the necks of the collarless frocks and waists that will be worn this summer.  If the material is net, there is no prettier decoration than a band of the net piped with silk or satin and braided in a simple design.  Necks of tub dresses while there is to be no contrasting yoke, may be trimmed with a threaded beading.

308.  To Prevent Marks on the Dining Table.—­If you have a highly polished dining table which you are afraid of spoiling, lay a piece of oilcloth on the table under the pad and you will have no trouble.