From Mariette Mifflin,
Your Guide to Housewares / Appliances.
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Every household needs a basic sewing and mending kit for those last minute button or mending chores. How many times have you started to rush out the door, and a button pops off, or your child's costume needs a little shortening.

Even the college student has need of these notions to keep their clothes in good repair. Here are the basics and you can expand from there:

• Spools of all purpose polyester thread, in colors white, beige, black, navy, green, brown and red
• Small pair of scissors (a regular pair is also very handy)
• Small measuring tape or cloth tape
• Package of multi-use darning needles
• Package of straight pins, preferably the type with a built-in pin cushion
• Package of safety pins
• Seam ripper
• A 6" ruler or sewing gauge
• Small jar or container with an assortment of buttons
• A sewing box or small plastic storage container to hold it all

These basic kits also make a wonderful gift item for the teenager, for a wedding shower, or for those who are setting up a home for the first time, or replacing lost household essentials.