Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-11-06
THE HOUSEHOLD.
uow..vrsde FurnI,ure.

MA0MeeMAAN - eANAANNUs
For years there had stood in a kitchen
wot Of couple Of old wooden chairs. The
legs had been sawed off at some remote pc
riod. They were such comfortable chairs,
too-broad, well-sloped backs and wide,
rounded seats, slightly followed out. Be
tween them stood an ancient wash stand about
% inches square, with a drawer six inches
deep. There had once been a sort OF q rail
ING on two sides and an uright board at the
back but the railing had long since disap-
peared, as had also the board which, in its
palmy days, was a shelf on which the pitcher
reposed when the bowl was being used for the
toilet. The owner Of these articles was
woman who believed the best housekeeper
was the one possessing the most utility. The
neighbors we're refurnishing their parlors
The state Of her finances would not allow her
to do 80, yet new furniture she was determin.
ed 10 have II IL was made from old. Those
two chairs we're covered with strong unbleach-
ed muslin and stuffed with good curled hair
Casters were put into the legs. which also re-
oeived two or three coats OF asphaltum var
nish. The best quality Of nonpareil velvet
cen was purchased at dollar and q quarter q
yard. II was broosded, not stamped, and II
was used 10 cover the back on both sides. A
roll at the top, confined apparently by hand
some tassels, the seat, and a scant pleating
below the seat, finished with very pretty ball
fringe with some silk in it, which cost only 25
cents per yard. The handsome tassels we're
made from dress-fringe, with little chenille
10 heighten the effect half yard of velvet
cen made the pillow roll One chair was of
myrtle green, the other q deep cardinal.
An old cane-seated low rocker was re var
nished, and q little walnut-stain put into the
varnish concealed all scratches and saved the
hard work Of sorsping the old varnish off.
Il Al. l.. u Iii
Albert coat good material was found to
make the top of cushion for the seat and
the covering for a slumber.roll. At a fur
nshing store there were found some length
wise strips of cardinal monte cloth. A strip
two inches wide was laid dagonally over the
pieces of cloth designed for the cushion and
roll, and button-holed securely down with
shaded green single zephyr, and at intervals
of two inches daisies we're worked in point
russo stitch In a light shade of zephyr. A
dozen or 80 morning glory shaped leaves we're
cut from some green velveteen and graceful
ly disposed on either side of the cardinal
strip. Two or three flowers we're cut from
the cardinal cloth and grouped with the
leaves. The leaves we're button. holed down
with the shaded green, the flowers with shad.
ed cardinal, with stamens Of bright yellow
split zephyr. Stems we're put in where need
ed with lighter green. puff of the monte
cloth three inches deep finished the cushion,
and the slumber-roll had the ends drawn to-
gether and finished with handsome tasses.
Thus, at an expense not exceeding ten dol
| lars, three pretty and useful chairs were add
| ed TO the paror. The wash stand, before
mentioned, was furnished with a shelf and
all traces of railing and back were obliterat-
ed. 1t then received couple of coats Of as
| phaltum varnish, and some drop-handles
we're put into the drawer. The top.and shelf
we're covered with green felt, and around
three sides of the drawer fringe was nailed
| with brass-headed nails. The shelf held q
| small jar, which was once used for pickles
1t was Of common crockery ware, vanished
| with asphaltum, and before the second coat
was dry package Of Diamond dye-gold
dust-wRs sprinkled over and slightly pressed
in with the fingers, producing an effect re
sembling gold lacquer. A band of red velve
paper was placed diagonally upon the jar ant
held there by the varnsh. When the var
nish was quite dry border of gold paint
sixteenth of an inch wide was put above th,
red paper, and a row Of large field daisie
painted just above Unconventional daisies
without foliage A brillisnt-hued butterfly
was poised above them. In the lower corner
right-hand side, there we're three blue flags
with their sharp, stiff leaves. Another prett,
stand of oval shape had a cover stretched owe
it tightly. A handsome design of leaves AM
flowers was Rppliqued on one side, and som,
deep ball fringe tackled around. The expens
for the two stands with decorated jar was on
about two dollars. SO, for the sum of twelv
dollars-the price of an ordinary wicker chat
the parlor was prettily furnished. - Goo
H0lLsekeepinQ.