Winding a Coil of Wire so That the Layers will be Even and Smooth
The tube having been made ready, with or without ends as may be necessary, the small winding jig illustrated is to be made. All that is essential is to provide a suitable means for rotating by hand a slightly tapering wood spindle, upon which the tube is to be pushed. The bearings can be just notches made in the upper ends of two standards, through each of which a hole is drilled at right angles to the length of the spindle, so that some string or wire may be laced through in order to hold the spindle down. A crank may be formed by winding a piece of heavy wire around the larger end of the spindle. A loop of wire, or string, is to be attached at some convenient point, so that the crank may be held from unwinding while adjusting matters at the end of each layer, or while making a connection. There should also be provided a suitable support for the spool of wire, which is generally placed below the table to good advantage. Much depends, in this sort of work, upon attention to these small details, after which it will be found that the actual winding will require very little time.—Contributed by John D. Adams, Phoenix, Ariz.
¶A No. 10 gauge shotgun cartridge shell telescoped with a No. 12 gauge shell forms a convenient match safe for campers, or other persons out of doors, and is moisture-proof.
Hourglass Sewing Basket
Two oblong peach baskets, their bottoms fastened together and the whole covered with silk, formed the hourglass sewing or darning basket shown in the sketch. Square plum baskets and other forms trimmed in cretonne, linen, or inexpensive goods, depending on the intended use, may also be utilized. Ornamental details may be added to suit the individual taste.
Artistic Effects may be Produced by the Inventive Woman
The basket was made as follows: The peach baskets were wired together at their bottoms. A piece of silk was cut, wide enough to reach from the top to the bottom of the joined baskets and to permit the folding over of a portion at the top and bottom. One long edge of the piece was glued to the inner edge of the bottom and drawn in around the sides to form neat folds. The upper edge of the silk was then glued in the top, being folded over the edge.
A cord was fixed around the middle of the basket, as shown in the sketch. A lining was glued into the top and bottom. It was folded and stitched along its edges to prevent raveling and to give a smooth finish. The bottom need not be lined, but it is desirable to have it so.
The pincushion was made by padding a block with cotton and then covering it with silk. A cardboard box may be used instead. The cushion was nailed into place from the bottom. Ribbon may be used to draw the silk to the sides of the basket at the middle, and a cushion may be made entirely of cotton or cloth and attached with ribbons.—Contributed by Thomas J. Macgowan, Mount Vernon, N. Y.