The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-12
DECORATIVE ART.
For the Ladies of Indanapolis-A Useful
and Unique Exhibition at the DenisOn
House-Marvels in Needle Work.

The curiosity of a Journal reporter was excited
yesterday by observing large and elegant
Brussels rug extending from the doors of the
ladies' entrance to the Denison House to the
sidewalk. Numbers of ladies were passing over
this carpet, attracted by something within, and
the reporter determined to enter. He found the
parlor decorated with plants, vines and flowers,
which, beautiful though they were, proved to be
but side-ssue, the main interest being in an
elaborate and elegant display of needle-work,
the most useful and important branch of deco
rative art, and, as this exhibition proves, among
the richest, most artistic and most beautiful.
The display is brought here by the Domes-
tic sewing-machine Company from Chi
cago, and is revelation of the
capacity of thai machine in exquisite needle
work. No wonder the ladies of this city are in
terested in this display, which is marvellous, not
so much in its extent as In its diversity and
beauty.
The draperies OF the paroEreceived particular
notice from the fair visitors. First. on the north
side of the parlor came curtain Of olive Saline
trimmed with broad strip of maroon plush
braided with tinsel-as rich and elegant any
one need desire. Next TO this was n maroon cur
tain trimmed with broad strip of plush elabor-
ately embroidered in Partisan design. Follow
ing this came curtain OF cream colored grena-
dine trimmed with "a broad strip of blue satin,
etched in two shades of silk and trimed on the
edge with broad Russian lace. This, as the
Others. elected numerous expressions of ap-
proval from the visitors.
On the opposite side of the parlor was dis
played pair OF door curtains in olive felt. One
of these was trimmed IN fern leaves OF maroon
velvet edged with gold, an elegant and chaste
design. The other, equally rich and artistic,
was etched with two shades of crewel, bOrdered
on each side with different shades of worsted
chenille-and all done on the Domestic machine.
The enuncation of this fact created no little
surprise among the visitors, many OF the ladies
hardly thinking it possible that the chenille
work could have been so done.
In the center of the parlor, in front of the door,
. hangs banner of blue silk on
which is emblazoned gold star.
Sewing Machine" embroidered in blue tablet
silk, and at tue top OF the banner worked solid
in gold thread Is the motto, SIT Stands at the
Head" Near the center of the room is table
displaying an olive felt cover trimmed with
broad strip OF blue plush, braided with tnsel-a
charming design Upon this table is u little OBJ
ject that attracts considerable notice. IL is
lamp screen, upon which has been worked u
cross entwined with ivy leaves, done in chenille.
On the wall near by is neur de luce on a black
velvet panel. This, also, is worked in chenille.
On the south side of the parlOr stands showcase
filled with consummately delicate and beautiful
specimens of exquisite workmanship Among
these may be noted strip of blue plush, worked
in Mosaic designs with applique work, arrasene
and SILK embroidery. This is probably the most
magnificent specimen i'll the display, and moves
the visitors to strong expressions of wondering
appreciation. This showcase also contains
number of d'oylies handsomely etched in differ
ent designs. There are also specimens of fine
braiding on lace, applique work on lace. and
work of all kinds and descriptions, both Orna-
mental and practical noticeable little article
ia a whislL broom case, with a calopais worked
in crewel, moss roses, Gala lilies, and other
pieces of flower and ornamental work are dis
played in the case
Among the specimens of work upon the walls
is found G ample in the shape of a Maltese
cross, the a rs containing specimens of differ
ent kinds work, including braiding and APP
plique designs On an easel in the window is "a
beautiful specimen OF gold script lettering on a
black satin ground.
And this is all needlework, and all done upon
the Domestic sewtng-machine! II is q wonderful
work of art, and well worth seeing. To prac-
ticaliy illustrate the simplicity of the machine,
a blind young lady sits at machine in the par
Tor, sewing. She threads the needle adjusts the
attachments ana prepares all her work for the
machine with her own hands. There is a lady
in charge who shows the work. and who takes
pleasure in explaining how il is done.
These admirable and artistic specimens of
needlework brought here to exhibit to the
ladies of Indianapolis who cordially in
vited to call at the parlor of the Denison Honse
and inspect the wonders worked in textile fab
RIGS. The exhibition will close tomorrow Fri
day. night.