Curtains, shades, and similar fixtures, often interfere with the proper ventilation of sleeping rooms. By arranging these features as shown in the sketch, the ventilation is not interfered with, and the shades and curtains give the same service as with the usual arrangement. The curtains are hung singly on hinged bars, which may be homemade or those used as towel bars. Details of the supports, at A and B, are shown in the sketch. Two pairs of fixtures are provided for the shade, permitting it to be lowered at night, with free circulation of the air at the top and bottom. The shade is quickly raised, and the curtains swung into their closed position.—J. E. McCoy, Philadelphia, Pa.
Coffee Grinder Repaired with Rubber Faucet Plug
A rubber piece that held the glass container on a wall coffee grinder wore out, so that the glass would not stay in, putting the grinder out of commission. The piece worn out was a thick rubber washer, tapered at one end to form a hollow in the other, when in place. I cut a section from the thick end of a standard rubber faucet plug, and shaped it to the form of the desired washer. By removing the old rivet carefully, I was able to use it in fixing the new washer into place, and the mill was soon grinding merrily, as of old.—M. T. C., Chicago, Ill.
Coal Hod Made from Iron Pipe
When my coal hod became worn out, I made one of a length of 8-in. galvanized-iron pipe, and found it to be handier and stronger than the kind I had used. I fitted the pipe with an iron handle and with a bail of strong wire, set in metal eyes riveted to the pipe. The upper end was cut to the curved shape shown, and the lower end square, and holes were punched along the edge for fastening it with nails to the double bottom of wood. Three wooden pads were set under the bottom, so that the hod stands easily on a spot that is not quite level.—T. E. Roberts, Toronto, Canada.
Frayed Shoe Laces Repaired with Pitch or Wax
When the tag or end fastening comes off of a shoe lace, take a little black sealing wax, and press it carefully around the end of the lace and shape it to a point. This will last a long time, and does away with the annoyance of frayed lace ends.
An Enameled Armchair Made of Wooden Strips
An armchair suitable for a dressing table was made by a handy woman from pine strips. The photograph shows the simple and pleasing lines of the construction. Aside from the board seat, only three sizes of wood are used, 2 by 2 in., 1 by 2 in., and ¹⁄₂ by 2 in. The pieces are fastened with screws, round-head brass ones being used at exposed points. The seat is wider from side to side than from front to back. Two coats of white paint and one of white enamel give a good finish.