What is a 'housewife'? The only time I had a house, I wasn't married - did that make me a housedivorcee?
My father, when he joined the Army, umpty-poo years ago, was issued with a 'housewife'; a cloth pouch with sewing and darning things in.
When I joined up, a lot less than umpty-poo years (but more than a few), they no longer issued you with such a useful item. So, being the resourceful one, I replicated it myself and have carried it whenever I am away from home (such as now, being in Brussels). Here's what it looks like - most definitely not as good looking or resourceful as the 'housewife' that's still at home.