Tombstone epitaph., 1890-03-22
MENDlNG AND DARNlNe.
A Task That Is Not as Easily Performed
 as Many Seem to Think.

A IaSk That Is Not as Easily Performed
 as Many Seem to Think.
 In mending gloves let the silk match the color as nearly as possible, and over seam for rip; for tear, button-hoIe stitch closely around the edges of tse hole once, twice, or thrice, as the size O. the hole may demand; then ioln to- gether with button-hole stitches. thus filling up the hole and strengthening tho edges of the rent.
 When darning stockings leave a small loop at each end of the thread, for the stocking will stretch and the thread will not, and in filling up do so closely, but not heavily, taking up and leaving alternate threads. A good deal may be saved by cutting down for chi ildren's use silk and lisle thread stockings which their elders have outworn. Where this is done the seams should be sewed up by hand, for the sewing-machine cuts tho threads and they break away very soon.
 When shirt bosoms break stitch narrow linen tape down the yielding seam on the.right side; or. if the bosom is in several plaits, line the front from armhole to armhOle and darn the breaks. Before doing this have all the starch washed out or the darning will be diff fcult matter. Never use strong, new cotton cloth for patching old linen; worn cloth is best, or cheap, thin, do- mestic cloth with the starch washed out. When the cuffs rub out at the edges turn them in and stitch neatly on the ohirn NVh0r, Ho1 Ia break put on new ones; a ragged neck band, stiffly starched, is absolute tort ure to the wearer. Sheets wear thin first in the middle; to mend them, tear them down the center, and stitch the outside edges up together with a flat seam, then patch and hem in the torn sides. If very badly worn, take out the middle part altogether; making either one sheet for single bed or two for a crib. When pillow cases begin to split make new ones and take the old ones for clean rags, always needed in a household. Never throw away a scrap of flannel or linen. Have the starch washed out of the latter, and keep both whero they may be easily got at in case of sickness. If your supply grows unnecessarily large for the needs of your own household, the hospitals will be glad of all you can spare.
 Darn table linen as neatly as possible, with fine linen thread; and when table cloths are past mending cut them down into tray cloths or napkins for common use. Worn-out napkins are useful only as old linen. When merino underwear breaks, darn it as you do stockings, and bind anew with flannel binding when edges fray The worn edges of coat sleeves are best bound with coat bind ing; the bottom of pantaloon-legs should be turned in on both edges, pasted and neatly overseamed.
 In mending dresses a great deal de- bends upon the ingenuity of the needle woman. A bit of trimming may easily serve as a patch upon occasion. Thus, a puff around the elbow may cover up hole in an ornamental way; or deep cuff may serve the same purpose lower down. A plastron will cover a worn front, and so on.
 When you darn rent in cloth or cashmere dampen and press the darn when done; indeed, mending of all kinds is improved by careful pressing.- Home