] Can someone please enlighten me: what are those "huswifes" that Miss Steele is eager to keep?

They are like a needle case, embroidered with a design. I have a picture of one I can scan later on in the day--couldn't find any images online.

However, as I was looking around online, I learned that the word is also used as synonymous with 'hussy' or 'worthless woman'. Shakespeare used the word in this connotation.