Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-11-13
THE USES OF VELVET


CRATE This season.
The contrasting of the gown fabric
and color by the sleeve material and
hue is more marked this autumn than
ever before, though ladies of quiet
tastes felt that the fashion had already
gone to some extremes Velvet, of
course, is the leading sleeve material,
usually of strikingly, though not dis
cordantly, opposed color. Even in those
few instances where the same color is
employed in gown and sleeve the differ
ence in fabric gives enough difference
in tone to make a contrast, velvet never
showing precisely the same tone of col
or found in other textures Wool and
silk may be matched SO exactly that the
eye passes unconsciouSly from one to
the other, but velvet while it is the
most harmonious of fabrics. yet retains
its individuality under all combinations
Possibly it is this popularity which
wins for it the allegiance of all classes
OF women. as, even in its grave coiorS,
it may be used with the certainty of
securing dressy effect No fabric re-
turns a greater measure of reward to its
devotees; very little velvet viii 60 a
very great way.
Naturally, then, a whole sleeve of
velvet makes an otherwise plain gown
quite elaborate looking. Black astra-
khan sleeves will be used in the cloth
gowns having astrakhan borders Fur
sleeves also will be seen when the
weather grows cold Passemen terie
| sleeves over sleeves of the dress goods,
or over contrasting colors and textures,
are introduced Plaid silk, the vari-
colored plaid velvet, and the heavy bro
cades in bright colors will be favorite
sleeve materials Vests, revers. sleeve
bands (replacing the cuff, bodice, or
full-length plastrons, skirt panels, skirt
| borders. high, faring collars and capes
will be of the sleeve materials oftenesL,
| though in some elegant gowns several
| materials and colors are used, as in an
! exquisite imported gown of Venus pink
brocade and velvet which was given
sleeves of seal-brown velvet. The brown
velvet, pink velvet, and the one or two
tones of pink in the silk and brocade OF
the body of the gown produced the same
delightful result that the florists Offer
| in the shaded roses or the wonderfully
tinted orchids.
This use of different velvets on the
same costume does not afford the scope
| for economy which is at first sug
gested, as the combination of colors
requires the utmost nicely of skill. and
| such gowns are suitably worn only
| for the house or carriage. Fur Will bs
used upon dresses, not merely fol
sleeves. but for vests, collar Innings
and in bands upon the dress skirt run
ming perpendicularly or around the bot
tom, or as hounce heading. Fur belt
! will be worn also, and narrow velve
| belts, crossed in front, with jeweled o
| plain ends Wide soft folds of velve
or silk will be laid about the waist
fastened either upon the edge of tn
bodice or the skirt, as is preferred; tn
effect is the same. These folds ar
pointed little in 'front.' and often rul
into two sash ends at the back, eacl
graduating in width toward the bottom
which is cut slanting. The sash. an
sometimes the fold, is lined with silk
if of velvet; or. if of silk. then with tn
dress material The fold may be close
at the side without ornament or fnishe
with rosettes at the back-of whic
short-waisted women should beware
the fat bow, or may begin under tn
arms and pass across the front onl,
The folds are best when made of eve
width all around and worn withoI
buckles A half-fnger fold is bette
than wider one, and the prettiest sas
ends are not over eight inches at tn
bottom. possibly nine or ten, and niue
| narrower at the top-Chicago Times