The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1886-01-01
FAIR KNITTERs OF STOCKINGS.

girls OF Philadelphia
says the NeWs of that city, are enthus-
iastic just now about knitting stockings.
Time they formerly spent i'm calling or
novel reading is now devoted to manu-
featuring the cutest kind of dainty silk
stockings of various colors and sizes
marked with charming clocks in silver
or gold thread. Many of them have
forgotten, for the time being. their stu
pid but picturesque poodles; have almost
discarded afternoon drives through the
beautiful avenues of Paramount park,
and have become experts in judging silk
threads, for patience and time are re-
quired to match delicate shades in
shops, and caution is necessary to get
right qualities. These maidens, who
knit because they like it, not for hard
cash, seldom sew alone, for knitting
circles" are part of the programme, and
these gatherings are not surpassed Us
gOssiping centers, at least 50 I'M hath
it, by the most ancient of church-sewing
meetings. A reporter was favored with
a glimpse of n of these charming
gatherings, and the vision was almost
rs gorgeous rs the dream of an Oriental
harem. Gathered around a low table
in Il Walnut street drawing room were
five fashionable maidcns, dressed in
dainty loose wrappers of figured satin,
plying their tiny needles with the grace
of fairies, i'm charmingly unconventional
attitudes they sat, for they thought they
were alone, and II lovely brunette
half reclined on II sofa under Il hanging
silver lamp. an ideal of womanly beau
ty, AS her luXuriant hair flowed uncOn-
fined over her shoulders; and the eyes
OF her grim ancestors in sta; ,y oil
paintings above her head, for the party
was at her home, looked down upon
her. Ten snowy hands picked up the
silken stitches rs quickly us experienced
operators could have done; then bright
eyes danced with fun Us five tongues
chartered all at once and the stockings
gradually heightened. Fine stockings
they were-nothing poor in their quail.
ty. workmanship, or tasteful colors.
Some were light blue, one was pink,and
n was cream color. OF course theil
shape was perfection, for were they not
to be worn by the knitters?
CLARA BELLE FASHIONS.
India seersuckers, with crinkled and
plain stripes, are the latest novelties.
They are intended for children's aprons
nurses and ~housemaids' dresses, and
need no laundering save washing. fold.
ing, and pressing. They are not intend.
ed to be starched or ironcd. They come
in lovely neutral shades of brown, tan.
blue, gray, and white. The stripes
half an inch wide-cOntrast i'm color.
and one stripe is plain woven, the Other
slightly crinked rs if pulled, and a little
fuller than the other. India camel's
hair is in vogue for brides weal
as visiting costumes than silk. In fact,
silk and satin seem relegated to indoor
ceremonious toilets, for home receptions,
ceremOnious occasions at the homes OF
friends, or church wear at weddings.
The favOrite colors in camel's-hair stuffs
are old indienne blue, olive. reseda,
drab, and pale tan shades. Chamois
is another favorite shade for the fabric.
COrduroys and cords de la refine are in
high favor for jackets to be worn with
velveteen dresses, and they are also to
be used for combination with plain vel
NCtctu III lIOChS. lHt StC-SdN, Il MIN
cap for children. is Il great favorite. II
is jaunty, comfortable. and bears the
stamp OF good form. They have two
pointed hoods, tasseled, falling one al
the side. the other ut the back of the
cap. The latest novelty in waterproof
cloaks is one of surah lined with India
rubber. Some of these i'm the form of q
pelisse are elegant outdoor garments.
Hat and bonnet covers of the same In.
d%ia-rubber lined waterproof surah are
also in vogue. Evening dresses are cut
low i'm the neck and with a long point,
back and front. and the skirts are full
gathered and double, but not looped OF
drapcd. Gloves are still worn very long
with all dresSy indoor or ceremOnious
toilets. Small gloves are in high favor,
but not to the exclusion of glazed kid,
which has returned mcasurably to
fashionable favor.