The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-03-17
A SHORT CHAPTER ON barry cIoTHrs


Bateham, and is taken from the OH,
Cultivator. Inexperienced mothers will
profit by careful perusal: We want
another sisterly talk with you, young
mother, so please take up that worrying in
fant know it isn't crying to hurt itself
yot it needs change of position, scenery
and exercise, even if it is u quiet child, and
you have sowed long enough to claim q
little change yourself We think many q
little one, and perhaps yours among the
number, would say, If consulted, "givc us
moro care and attention, and fewer fine
clothes"
Embroidery and stitching are all very
well, if they do not interfere with what is
OF more consequence. We love to see the
little ones look pretty, but if in the mean.
time they arc getting repeatedly into mis-
chief for which they must he punished, or,
worse yet, get into bad company, tho evil
influence of which it may be very di tlieult
to eradicate, the graceful little garment that
caused 1t will have proved great injury.
We are astonislcd to Sec how large a
wardrobe many of you think necessary for
IN infant. We wonld have enough, by all
means, to give the necessary changes from
week to week, but 70 more; not only to
save time, but because most white clothes
grow yellow 10y lying. and moth and mold
are no unmportant enemies to he combat
ed. For this last reason, we would also
avoid laying by outgrown clothes for a
younger one. by Il little care and fore.
thought, most things can be SO fashioned
rs not to be outgrown; for instance, when
foot-blankets, Ginning blankets) are laid
aside, two can be sewed together, and til us
bo useful as skirt when long clothes arc
discarded, each skirt can he cut across the
snlddle, making two short ones, and, rs
with the child's growth more changes are
need, this is quite convenient. The first short
dresses, too, can easily be so cut chat they
will be long enough till worn out, and thus
each cl.iL can have most of its own
clothes new, instead of wearing the old
ones of its predecessor.
Time could also be gained by cutting the
Clothes so as to require less labor in ma
king. Dispense, for example, with the sep.
arate sleeves, gussets, bands, ETC., Of the
night-dress, and substitute the simple sack,
which any one can cut, the cloth of which
passes over the shoulders whole, making
the garment in a single piece. Length. and
fullness are no objection, and by drawing
1t at the neck and wrists with tape, it will
look neatly and not be easily outgrown'
With reduction of size, we would make
the shirts after the same pattern. Seams
should always be dispensed with when
practicable, for the childs sake as well as
the parents.
Sack waists, too, are very suitable for
childrcn's dresses, and especially skirts.
AS soon as the bandage is dispensed with,
which should be as early as possible, all tie
"N'''' ''''""iH h""s95 'ioill thc SnOuluefS, ana
the waists he very loose.
Simplicity and taste are the most desira
Die traits in child's dress. Staring colors
and gaudy trimmings should always be
avoided, as we'll as super-aLundance of
ornament Of any kind. If colors are used,
let them be delicate, and such as will not
fade; and, during the summer, let the
children bear rs small n burden of clothes
as possible. Remove all tlannes from
them, and keep them cool. Very long
infant clothes are not only uncomfortable,
bu; injurious to child at any season of
tic year.
Many of our readers will find nothing
new or valuable in these rambling sucgcs
tons, but others, We trust, will receive
hints from them which will enable them to
save time for Mci own mental in,prore
me"t, and to such we commend them.