Thursday 17 June 2010

The Practical Householder


I am finally getting round to unpacking my goodies from Sussex believe it or not and here a few of them -

These Practical Householder magazine bring a new spin to DIY - don't you love the covers?  A dealer was selling about 20 of them, the price he was offering for the whole lot was too much and he wasn't prepared to do a deal so I settled for just 2.  I have to say I picked both out based on their covers!


From 1958, they contain literally everything you would ever want to build.  It really does emphasis making it yourself rather than buying something ready made, and it does show how resourceful people were, but then again there weren't the choices then as there is now.

For example, there's an ad to buy a kit to make you own guitar

(You might be able to click on the picture to get a better look)

Instructions to build a china cabinet


Making a chandelier


I'm not sure I would want to undertake making an electric blanket - yes, that's right an electric blanket!!


I love 'Fred Theed's Page - chats about this and that!

The original IKEA


Even then, they were conscious of insulating their house's well to save money on fuel bills


Don't you just love this - ' a folding bed tabe, build this table and have breakfast in bed'



I hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into the year 1958! 

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Really interesting post. Love looking back. Strange to think that everything we have today will become part of history. Not sure how a home built guitar would sound hehexxx

Marigold Jam said...

How scary it is to remember all this from the first time round!!

Jane

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Oooh fascinating. I'm with you on the electric blankie...cripes what a thought!

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Makes you realise what a throwaway society we have become... most people would panic about putting a shelf on the wall or mounting their huge telly on the chimney breast that now has no fireplace... can you imagine the look on their faces if you said... "now I'd like you to build a china display cabinet and a chandelier!" lol

x Alex

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

I just love reading through old magazines!

Victoria xx

KC'sCourt! said...

I love old magazine especially like reading the old adverts - I think they are great!
Julie xxxxx

Shabby Chick said...

I really admire how everyone used to get on and make their own things! My Dad was like that, he could turn his hand to anything. Love the covers of the mags!

I've asked the lady with the pics to list some more! There could be a few bloggers out there wanting their own lovely print I think :)

Mel xxx

bellaboo said...

They're great,and give a wonderful glimpse of DIY 50's style.I bought some old Womans Own magazines recently and some of the adverts are hilarious.They were so cheap and I wish I'd bought more at the time.When I went back they'd all gone sadly.

Bellaboo :0)

Hesta Nesta said...

Absolutely fascinating, people were so resourceful back then. I do agree though, the electric blanket is a little scary!!
Jo xx

Sue at Dollytub Cottage said...

Oh what memories! My Dad used to get that magazine. He hand built all of our (OLD) kitchen cupboards. They lasted years. I had to chuckle at Fred Theed's clothing - my Dad always wore a tie, even under his overalls! :O) SueXXX

Pea Green Kitty said...

That was a very interesting read!
I have a postcard that is a replica of one of the Practical Householder covers.
x

mother of purl said...

Those are super- I love the cover of the second one alleging that bricking up a couple of square flower beds can be be described as 'landscape gardener'!

Magic Bean said...

What a find! Now, what are you going to make first. Personally, I think that we are in dire need of a folding bed table. I always knew that there was something missing from my early mornings, those frequent occasions where my breakfast is brought to me in bed. And then, a guitar perhaps. I hope to hear that you are well under way constructing an electric blanket for these chilly summer evenings.
Have a great weekend, Ax

Muddy Puddle Crafts said...

fascinating, thanks for sharing, made me smile x

Joshy and belle said...

lovely, i dont think id have a go at an electric blanket either! fliss xx