The material in this 1950s book was compiled by the author to provide interesting and useful craft projects for students, teachers, youth leaders, occupational therapists, hobbyists, and various social organizations which engage in craftwork as part of their activities. These organizations, incidentally, might not only find herein recreational activities but also "fund raising" sources through the sale of homespun articles.

The projects in Homespun Crafts were developed by the author and completed as class assignments under his supervision at Northern State Teachers College, Aberdeen, South Dakota. The material had its beginning during the depression years, when students and instructor alike cast about for "native" materials with an eye for usable media in the school, the home, or in the church, with which to carry on their art and craft activities.

To complete most of the articles in this book the homespun way, used or discarded materials such as those described on pages 9 and 10 can be used. The source of supply of "native materials" is inexhaustible: it replenishes itself constantly. By "native" material is meant those craft materials which can be salvaged from used articles of clothing, household articles, etc., which have served their purpose and collect in attics, school storerooms, and similar places. Merchants will gladly donate last season's merchandise to schools and churches when advised as to how it will aid the users.

Contents Covered:

• Foreword
• Preface
• Native Materials
• Section 1 -- Leather
  • Leather or Plastic Coin Purse
  • Boys' or Girls' Billfold
  • Snapshot Folder
  • Stationery Case and Writing Pad
  • Desk Set with Leather Corners
  • Metal Book Ends with Leather
  • Star Coin Purse or Rosary Case
  • Boys' and Girls' Leather Belts
  • Children's Bookmarks
  • "Shower" Baby Shoes
• Section 2 -- Wood
  • Decorative Carving Board
  • Lamp, Fruit Bowl, and Jewel Box
  • Metal Name Plate for Desk
  • Spool Toy for Baby
  • Salt and Pepper Shakers and Sportswear Buttons
  • Rustic Book Ends
  • Rustic Door Knocker
  • Rustic Whatnot
  • Rustic Birdhouse with Bath
  • Camp Comfort
• Section 3 -- Metal
  • Christmas Tree Ornaments
  • Christmas Tree Angel
  • Holiday Candlesticks
  • Darning Kit for Traveling
  • Children's Toy Drum
  • Aluminum or Copper Bud Vase
  • Letter Holder
  • Ash Tray or Pin Tray
  • Napkin Ring or Bracelet
  • Bracelet, Money Clip, and Tie Clasp
• Section 4 -- Felt
  • Felt and Plastic Cosmetic Kit
  • Potted Cactus Pincushion for the Flower Stand
  • Felt Pumpkin Tea Cozy
  • Hot-Dish Holder or Table Pad
  • Felt Handbag
  • Felt and Fur Ear Muffs for Girls
  • Child's Swiss Bonnet
  • Pullman Slippers and Case
  • Felt and Yarn Toy Bunny or Beanbag
  • Needle Book and Thimble Hat
• Section 5 -- Glass
  • Hang a Decorative Plate or Picture without a Frame
  • Decorative Mirrors and Mirror Picture
  • Studio Bottle
  • How to Cut Glass Bottles
  • Hurricane Lamps and Lantern
  • Sandwich Tray
  • Mirror Place Cards
  • Indoor Garden under Glass
  • Mirror or Plate Glass Centerpiece
  • Brighten the Kitchen with Glassware
• Section 6 -- Vari-Craft
  • Pot Holder and T Towel Rack
  • Necktie or Towel Rack
  • Lapel Pins and Earrings
  • Doll Hats
  • Life-of-the-Party Hats
  • Painted Stone Paperweight and Block Prints
  • A Record Craft
  • Handmade Christmas Cards
  • Fun with Easter Eggs
  • Lamp Shade and Cabin Curtains

Originally published in 1948, this handbook concerns the varieties of wood, and the tools, materials, operations, and processes that are familiar to the woodworker. It is a book written to hit the nail on the head for the amateur, with full directions for all jobs from fixing a tight window sash to making a door or a screen.

Chapter 1 is a fairly comprehensive treatise on the common woods and their uses. Various types of wood are described, and information is given regarding their use, price, and the common practice in ordering. The last two sections of this chapter deal with various manufactured wood products and wood substitutes.

Chapter 2 describes the ordinary woodworking tools and their uses, in considerable detail. The objective is to describe all the tools which might be used by the home craftsman, including the power tools adaptable to the requirements of the home workshop.

Chapter 3 describes the various materials commonly used by the woodworker. The materials discussed are available, in ordinary times, in the average hardware store, and thus should be familiar to the home craftsman.

Chapter 4 gives information, which has been prepared for the needs of the beginner, on the various basic operations and processes of woodworking. Hints are given on the proper care of tools and materials. The common joints, and their construction are described.

Chapter 5 is devoted to wood turning, since the wood lathe is a power tool frequently found in the home workshop. The correct methods of preparing and setting up work on the lathe are discussed, as well as detailed explanations of the various kinds of cuts. Instructions are given also for drilling, boring, sanding, and carrying out other operations on the lathe.

In Chapter 6, the most important elements of inside and outside carpentry are discussed. The projects described are well within the ability of the average individual. The tools needed are those described in Chapter 2. In the last third of the chapter, twelve typical projects are outlined, and are used to explain how the home craftsman can plan his work.

178 illustrations throughout the book.

Originally published in the 1940s, this handbook is the handyman's complete guide to painting and decorating, with full directions, profusely illustrated, for any number of necessary jobs including calcimining, stippling, staining and shellacking. Here are all the facts you need to know in order to turn out a professional job of interior decorating, explaining the relationship between color and lighting and the preparation and mixing of paints for walls, woodwork, floors and furnishings. Easy to follow instructions are included for everything from painting the exterior of a house to refinishing an automobile. There are full directions for painting wood, metal, brick, stone, stucco and concrete. Also listed are the general causes for paint failure and how these may be sidestepped. An altogether useful book for the experienced painter as well as for the novice and one which will serve the home-owner long and well.

Contents Covered:

• Introduction
• Knowing Paint
  Pigments; Vehicles; Thinners; Driers; Ready-mixed paints
• Brushes and Other Painting Equipment
  Wall brushes; Woodwork brushes; Calcimine brushes; Whitewash brushes; Dust brushes; Radiator brushes; Roof brushes; Artists' brushes; Angular liners; Lettering brushes; Bristle brushes; Stencil brushes; Stippling brushes; Smoothing brushes; Care of brushes; Other equipment
• Color in Painting and Decorating
  Color combinations; Color harmony; Color planning for a room; Color and lighting; Color in exterior painting; Harmonious color combinations; Color schemes for 32 rooms
• Color Mixing and Use
  Color fastness; Color transparency; Color Mixing; Color formulas
• Exterior Painting
  Paint requirements; Paint formulas; Mixing paint; Painting sequence: Exterior of house, Doors, Windows; Exterior wood painting; Metal painting; Brick, concrete, stone, and stucco painting; Paint failure, General causes; Paint defects, Causes and cure
• Interior House Painting
  Preparing plaster for painting or calcimining; Calcimining; Painting plaster walls and ceilings; Paint formulas for new plaster; Painting interior woodwork; Mixing formulas for interior paint
• Finishing with Stain, Shellac, and Varnish
  Preparing wooden surfaces for staining; Types of stains; Formulas for preparing oil stains; Mixtures for various stains; Choosing the stain; Staining with oil stain; Staining with water stain; Fillers; Shellac; Types of varnishes; Varnishing; Dull finish, Satin finish, French finish; Finishing furniture
• Decorative Paint Finishes
  Stippling; Glazing; Tiffany blending; Mottling (crumpled roll), Mottling (sponge); Texturing; Stenciling; Frisket stippling; Enlarging by squares; Striping; Applying decalcomanias
• Wall Papering
  Sizing; Paste; Paper-hanging tools; Calculating wallpaper requirements; Checking paper for shade; Papering ceilings; Papering walls
• Automobile Refinishing
  Surface preparation; Priming and puttying; Surfacing and sanding; Enameling; Refinishing over old finish

Originally published in the 1910s, this T.B.C. pattern book gives 50 illustrations of beautiful scarfs, table covers, doilies, cushion covers, lamp shades, etc. A "real" Hardanger book in every respect! The front pages are devoted to the various stitches for embroidering and weaving, and in addition to the pictures of the finished articles, the book also shows full size details for working.

Originally published in the 1910s, this T.B.C. pattern book presents 51 tatting designs with full instructions.

Patterns and instructions for:

• Nos.1-24 Braids
• No.25 Napkin Ring
• No.26 Insertion
• No.27 Square Medallion
• No.28 Round Medallion
• No.29 Star Medallion
• No.30 Small Doily
• No.31 Tatted Edging with Corner Turner
• No.32 Edge and Insertion for Towels
• No.33 Centerpiece
• No.34 Round Tray Cloth
• No.35 Tatting for Night Gown
• No.36 Baby Cap
• No.37 Boudoir Cap
• No.38 Apron
• Nos.39-48 Braids
• No.49 Round Medallion
• Nos.50-51 Braids

Originally published in the 1900s, this textbook contains patterns and directions for Making Cluny and Torchon Laces.

Contents Covered:

• The Fundamental Principle
• The Cords and Their Crossings
• How to Begin
• Patterns
  • No.1 -- Cluny Edge
  • No.2 -- Torchon
  • No.3 -- Torchon
  • No.4 -- Point d' Esprit Insertion
  • No.5 -- Fine Torchon
  • No.6 -- Point Vierge Insertion
  • No.7 -- Cluny
  • No.8 -- Point Vierge Insertion
  • No.9 -- Torchon Border
  • No.10 -- Border of Point Vierge and Point d' Esprit
  • No.11 -- Torchon Corner
  • No.12 -- Torchon Corner

Originally published in the 1920s, School Needlework is a book written for the sewing beginner of any age and in any school. It "is the result of practical experience in the classroom. Its purpose is to assist both teacher and pupil; lightening the teacher's labors by saving constant repetition, and giving the pupil a manual for reference, with the hope that the information thus acquired will assist in fitting her for the duties of life. Simplicity with completeness has been the aim throughout."

Contents Covered:

• Preface to Revised Edition
• Preface
• Tools for Sewing. How to Use Them
• Stitches Used in Plain Sewing
• Ornamental Stitches
• Processes of Construction
• Mending
• Machines
• Some Suggestions for the Application of Stitches and Construction
• More about Cloth and Tools
• Index

Originally published in 1898, this classic book is one of a series of treatises on metallurgy written by associates of the Royal School of Mines, featuring numerous illustrations.

Contents Covered:

• Preface
• Preface to the Second Edition
• Introduction to the First Edition
• The Properties of Gold and Its Alloys
• Chemistry of the Compounds of Gold
• Mode of Occurrence and Distribution of Gold
• Placer Mining -- Shallow Deposits
• Deep Placer Deposits
• Quartz Crushing in the Stamp Battery
• Amalgamation in the Stamp Battery
• Other Forms of Crushing and Amalgamating Machinery
• Concentration in Stamp Mills
• Stamp Battery Practice in Particular Localities
• Chlorination: The Preparation of Ore for Treatment
• Chlorination: The Vat Process
• Chlorination: The Barrel Process
• Chlorination: Practice In Particular Mills
• The Cyanide Process
• Chemistry of the Cyanide Process
• Pyritic Smelting
• The Refining and Parting of Gold Bullion
• The Assay of Gold Ores
• The Assay of Gold Bullion
• Economic Considerations
• Bibliography
• Index

Originally published in the 1910s, this book presents a variety of sewing projects for children to do, containing lessons in practically all the stitches used in plain needlework, as well as the more useful of the fancy stitches. Each article described and illustrated will be found to contain instructions for some definite branch of sewing; and though all the stitches required in making the article will not necessarily be illustrated in that chapter, they will appear in other chapters, and can easily be referred to, by aid of the comprehensive index.

Contents Covered:

• A Word to the Grown-ups
• Things You Can Make for Yourself
  • A Handy Work Apron
  • For Ribbon and Bows
  • The Lambkin Bag
  • The Swallow Nightdress Pocket
  • An Easy-to-Make Pinafore
  • The Pink Sunbonnet
  • A Red Satin Housewife
• Presents You Can Make for People
  • A Feeder in Cross-Stitch
  • Cats on a Chair Back
  • A Hardanger Handkerchief Sachet
  • Pale Blue and Heliotrope
  • The Amiable Pussy Cats
  • The Orchid Flower Bag
• Furnishings for Dolly's Cottage
  • For Dolly's Bed
    • The Mattress
    • The Wire Mattress Cover
    • The Blankets
    • The Sheets
    • The Pillows
    • The Pillow-Cases
    • The Bedspread
    • The Nightdress Case
  • A Patchwork Quilt
  • For the New Perambulator
  • A Bedspread for Victoria
  • For Dolly's Cottage Window
  • Carpets and Hearthrugs
• About Dolly's Wardrobe
  • Cutting out Your Doll's Clothes
  • Making Dolly's Underwear
    • The Nightdress
    • The Chemise
    • The White Petticoat
    • The Knickers
    • The Flannel Petticoat
  • A Frock and Coat for Dolly
• A Chapter about Pretty Oddments
  • A Peacock Cloth
  • Some Pretty Beadwork
  • Pretty Things in Woolwork
  • A Butterfly Pincushion
  • The Farmyard Curtain
• Index

Originally published in the 1900s by the International Harvester Company of America, International Auto Buggies and Auto Wagons is the company catalog 61.

International Harvester Company (abbreviated first IHC and later IH) was a United States agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicle, commercial truck, and household and commercial products manufacturer. -- Excerpt from Wikipedia

Contents Covered:

• Value is Determined by Service
• Serviceability First Requisite
• Specifications of International Auto Buggy
• Engine Construction
• Suspension of Engine and Transmission
• Differential
• Cams and Cam Shaft
• Transmission
• Easy to Oil and Drain
• Clutch
• Air Cooling
• Brakes
• Wheels
• Axles
• Lubrication
• A Noiseless Car
• A Comfortable Car
• Control
• Accessibility
• Chassis
• International Auto Wagon
• Care of the Auto Buggy