Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-03-07
HOME TOPICS.
How Little Things are Turned TO Good
Account by RMsY Eingers.

An excellent Brooklyn housekeeper has
made very handsome parlor table at lit
tie expense. She first purchased plain
pine table with clover-leaf top and three
crossed legs. This she covered with
ebony varnish, all excepting the top.
For the top she purchased yard of sap
phire- blue velveteen and embroidered ON
it i'll arasene cluster of golden-hear
daisies and few ox-eyed daisies, with
long grasses. This cover was then fas-
tened smoothly over the top, two thick
nesses of cotton batting being placed un-
derneath and secured with brass-headed
nails. A pretty furniture fringe, eombin-
ing blue, white and yellow, finished the
edge, the joining being hidden by large
bow of peacock blue satin ribbon.
Pretty mantel valances are now the
fashion and every room in the house must
be adorned with one. For housekeepers
who have not time to sit down and en-
broider or crochet them, very tasteful
ones are made out of the pretty lowered
chintz which comes in stripes eight or
ten inches broad One seen at n cosy
home was in pink and deep brown stripes
with moss roses scattered on each, which,
Mt little distance looked as though en-
broidered. A fringe of blue, brown, pink
and white worsted was crocheted to the
edge, and the whole was fastened on n
valance-board with silver-headed tacks.
Ladies who have a large collection Of
hair and neck ribbons that nre no longer
fit for active service may convert them
into very beautiful crazy-work spread
Those that are soiled should be soaked in
soda and water and wound about bottle
or stick until almost dry. Don't ring
out the water, or the ribbons will appear
drawn. When still damp, press with a
hot iron on the wrong side, taking care
not to fold, for the creases will be difficult
to remove. Next have piece Of fine,
thin muslin stihy starched, stretched and
ironed. Take the ribbons and applique
with goldsilk floss in herring bone stitch,
mixing the colors with regard to good
combinations. All widths and lengths of
ribbon may be used, and it may be best
to baste a number on before stitching.
Crimsons and blues should be used to a
great extent. Line the spread with thin
white silk. These quilts are very fash
ionable, and many ladies devote a great
great deal of time to making them.
Table cloths and napkins in the latest
fashion are embroidered in colors to match
WV 'i4iiA"' ilitg arc NcIy bul
may be made at home with triHing cost
and little time The cloth is first stamp
ed with a border of the same design rs
on the china and the napkins and the dol
lies also. Embroidery cotton of the ex-
act shades Of the china is used to work
the desin, and the effect ia very beautiful
If the best china contains gold, crimson
or other colored rims on n white ground
the linen would look pretty embroidered
IN bands of the same width and color.
Dainty little sweeping caps are made
out Of old silk handkerchiefs, gathered to
fit the head, the four points being brought
back to the top OF the bead and held by a
bow Of ribbon.
little tin pie-plate may be made into
a very pretty card-plate, as follows First
polish the plate with bath h-brick and cover
with fancy paper, flowers and pictures,
such as are put on valentines. Then
cover with two coats Of copal varnish aud
glue to little wooden stand which has
been ornamented Ill the same way. This
stand can be made out of piece of pine
waod, or one can be cheaply bought
Care should be taken when dusting this
article, as it is frail, though pretty.