A “hussif” or “housewife” is a small sewing kit for keeping needles, thread, wax and other sewing items together. Hussifs were used during the American Revolution by soldiers, who were responsible for mending their own clothing. Women used hussifs for sewing as well as a sort of wallet or purse. By reading through the proceedings of Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court, we understand how many common people organized their necessary items by using a hussif. Seeing as we live in the 21st century, you may use your hussif to hold whatever you would like!