Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-06-17
SAVING MRS.
STEPS SANDS
Making Jimmy's Suits
Was All Right. But


eral times critically to view the eff
feet Jimmy somewhat disturbed mat
ters by standing on one foot and hook
ing the other around his stationary
ankle, at the same time twisting with
the agility usual to small boys aged
five. 1T looks fine!" she concluded.
When Stepsands came putting In aft
er battle with wind and snow on
his way from the suburban train he
was too much occupied at first in com
menting fervently on the weather to
notice his son particularly but on the
way TO the dining room Jimmy got in
full range of Stepsands' eye.
"Hellol" said Stepsands. whats
this? Jimmy in new suit?'
Yes" said Mrs. Stepsands with
elaborate Indifference. HE really
needed one"
'He looks different somehow" said
Stepsands. Guess it's all right,
though. Where'd you get it?"
Mrs Stepsands exploded the bomb.
II made 1t myself!' she said. Every
stitch of It,"
Stepsands laid down the carving
k1ife and whistled You don't say!"
he cried Jimmy, come around here
, and let me look at you. Made it your
self! Well, WE'LL"
Mrs. StepSands in her excitement
left her seat end Joined the family
group, of which Jimmy was the CEN
ter And II looks just as good as
though I'd bought It," she said, trium-
phantly.
well. I should say" agreed her
husband.
II just got tired Of handing over
such ridiculous sums of money for
Jimmys little SUITS" explained the
wife. They charge so for children's
clothes-I think it Is an outrage. It's
out of all proportion to the amount OF
goods in them. And thought I'd get
a pattern and see what l could do"
1T looks splendid" said Stepsands,
turning his son about.
II didn't know whether could make
a success Of 1t or not" went on his
wife. 81 was nervous, but then l
thought II | did spoil the goods 1t
wasn't expensive and / could get more
Why Julian, that suit cost only a lit
tie over 50! And l paid s12 at the
store for his last suit Nearly $40
saved"
Think of that" said Stepsands ap-
provingly.
tkAnoht mould ha 1nto haftar
for Jimmy to have that $40 toward his
education than put in clothes he didn't
care anything about" said his mother.
TT will mean lots more to him"
"It certainly wilt" said his father.
1T must have taken an awful lot OF
time, didn't it,"
Yes" admitted Mrs Stepsands.
But didn't mind. I think it's a wom-
ans duty to spend her time on her
family instead of on clubs and so
ciety."
There aren't many women that feel
that way" said Stepsands. in self
congratulatory tone. II think I'm
lucky"
Here I was with plenty OF time on
my hands" said Mrs. Stepsands. "and
felt that I wanted TO have something
TO show for IT,"
We'll. you have" said her husband.
II felt SO interested in the work"
said his wife. Jimmy, put your nap
kin up and be careful not TO spill any
thing on yourself. 1t seemed as IL
really was accomplishing something.
II make five or six suits year that's
nearly 500 saved"
Think of it," said Stepsands. you
certainly have head on you"
81 knew you'd think So" nodded
his wife. 1--WE got another surprise
for you, too, Julian. I was going to
keep 1t till after dinner, but l can't
wait"
She ran upstairs and approached
Stepsands from the back OF his chair
suddenly thrusting something into his
lap. "Therei" she said, triumphant
ly. 81 made that, too! got the goods
on the remnant counter-and a pat
tern just like your old smoking jacket
and made every bit of IT,"
you don't say" cried Stepsands, In
something like CONSERVATION. He
pushed back his chair and held up the
garment gingerly.
why. your last smoking jacket cost
you s1S," said his wife. And l CAM
see but that this looks Just as good
and It cost exactly 1855, lining and
all The lining was made from my old
skirt"
you don't say" repeated Step
sands, little family.
Don't you like it," asked his wife
anxiously.
"Oh, my, yes!" said Stepsands, cour
ageously, hurriedly folding over a
seam which struck him as unusual In
tailored work. 1T is grand. But, Eve
Ign, dear, / can't have you shutting
yourself up in the house and working
yourself to death doing things for me
I want my wife to get out and enjoy
herself. can't let you sacrifice your
self for me this way. Promise ms
you'll never do IL again"
you are so thoughtful of me, JUL
an said his wife, with tears in hei
voice. why, II make all your smo
king Jackets you'll save an awful lo
OF money. Put IL on"
mot at the expense of your health,