Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-04-17


quantities.
HAND WORK.
There is yearly increasing demand
for hand work OF all kinds, and those
who are so fortunate as To nave been
taught 10 sew neatly and who can design
dainty aprons, guimpes. etc, by proper
applications could secure orders from
those who can afford TO pay for work
done expressly for them. and which they
are sure will not BE- duplicated. That
the desire OF the wealthy women or the
time is TO give work where 1t Is needed
provided II will be satisfactorily done, may
be counted upon.
Invalids WHO spend their time In doins
beautiful fancy-work which can ma tut
a limited market should study to supply
something which Is wanted. For instance,
one woman. instead of manufacturing
handkerchief cases and diminu'lNs
sachets. has offered for sale large cases
scented delicately and OF sufficient dcmeh'
sions TO hold the bodice OF an eveninl
gown. They supply a genuine want anu
meet with ready sale at good prices
Another invalid washes and mends fine
laces. Considerable work could no doubi
be obtained in the spring and fan IN the
way Of mending lace curtains. especially
those OF fine quality. II Is done by ire
regular cleaners, but many women "ould
much prefer to give their curtains 10
some private person.
Fine darning, monogram cmD:oipery oi'
household linen. ana many otner pieces
OF fine needlework which require lady
touch and judgment could be secured for
invalids competent and responsible.
Those who can mark linen nicely WIN
pcn and ink might hire out for this rur-
pose when 1t is known that troussc"u
or new outfit will require IT, One s@t'S-
fed patrOn will send another, ana even
induce Unen-dcalers to recommend H'"i
workman to their customers. y hes
hemmer Of tablecloths and napkins "ou'i
secure more or less patronage Dy the sdHlc
means. ,.,.,. f..
would be possible for an invaiid 10 rem
der in a small town or village. Wh"re
the one dressmaker is often 50 driven
that she would he glad TO have some one
whom she could rely on 10 overcast
seams. sew on buttons or hooks ana eyes.
draw ont basting-threads. etc, ana "ould
pay for such assistance.
In such places also it would he easy
TO persuade a storekecp1 To take an
interest" and sell on commission sucH
articles as busters. coarse ana me- IRON
holders. and laundry bags-not the nm
acknowledgements bags, put 'hpac
made Of ticking or cretonne' sui'a"'' i'
use in the household. Marble-bags wouii
ala, find purchasers In the season.
In The columns Of the open window.
the journal Of the shut-ins. an Invalid
advcrtises that she viii make lhdies
cbildren's. or infants flannel I-tt'coals'
wrappers or house jackets.
| believe there would BE- sale for pam
v.rappers for babies. something not too
GOOD 10 sin over the nightIrr@s Wheh
IN. child is first taken up IN the morn
ing Some made for my own chiidreh
we're Of soft. gray flannel simply cut
inst two fronts and a back, with pam
hem top and bottom. and opening an
the way down. There was no coi'"r'
simply a drawing string Of bright ripnoh;
These could l.. made cheapy ana WOMB
commend themselves 10 busy Hlothvi9
who cannot always stop - give pdoS
his bath when he first wakes In the
morning.
Another easy occupation, the cutting OF
ornamental papers Tor table use Hiis"'
succeed in many places.
In England these papers are used almost
altogether in place Of doilics or napkins
for serving croquettes. fish cakes, lrlrd
POTATOES. oysters. or anything which nav
ing been fried. needs u b, placed on
something which is absorbent.
They can be bought at English sta
toners in packets Of a dozen. IN different
sizes. generally three sets oi four each
to the patters ana Vese-
table dishes which are most in use IN
the household. ard may be had either
round or oval.
once having become accustomed to
them / think the average houseke pr
would agree with me in preferring them
TO linen, not to mention the saving ciitcl-
ga I'm the laundry work. \ private order
business could undoubtedly be built up
in thcse papers in any village or town.
They may BE- made Of any fine whlte
paper which is absorbent. They should
be scalloped either in rounds or points
and Individual taste will suggest further
once having introduced
he custom ii should be encouraged by
Offering papers with very simple orna-
mentation, so that they would be cheap
enough TO use every day
None of these occupations are proeuc-
tive of large or steady incomes. but they
may be said to be suited to the dHsul-
tory strength and inclinations OF invalids.
SEAlI-INVALIDS.
For those not really invaldS but unable
to undertake regular duties there may
be a helpful hint in a delightful expert
ence of former years.
The best nurse / ever had for my chill
dren was an Old lady who had met with
financial reverseS AID whose health was
so uncertain she could not hold any posi-
ton where there would be bodily or
mental strain. l should never have
thought Of Offering a situation TO her, but
knowing my need she asked 20 come TO
me for few hours each day, and 10
stay any evening that i wished, for the
same amount that j was paying u
slovenly. irresponsible little vixen. the
only nurse-grl L had been able 10 pro-
cure.
The sweet. gentle voice Of the grand.
mother won my little ones. and no Young
woman could have been more ingenious in
pleasing them. while the soothing power
of her arms over a cross baby was the
greatest relief of sorely trying year.
There are no doubt many mothers who
would be glad of such an assistant. and
many old ladies whom this suggestion
may help to secure employment.
In one of Barrie's stories we read Of a
bedridden woman directing the affairs OF
her household. The idea is worthy of ex-
tension. What Is to hinder one crippled
in hands or feet or both, experimenting
the paying operations Of others?
The greatest judgment should be ex-
ercised by those who attempt to assist
invalids to earn money
Among the recreations which Dr. Camp
bell has made possible for his blind pupils
are cycling. rowing, and skating, hut
some one who can see must acc) mpony
them to steer So 1t is with the shut ms
who seek remunerative employment.
Some one In the outside world must man
age the details of business. And This
person should not be timd woman. but
one who will make bargains and business
ARRANGEMENTS on a business basis.
MARGARET COMPTON.
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