The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1895-01-03
sEAsoNABLE FANCY wo.sx.
Tasty Trifies to Occupy Won.sn's Leisure
Moments.

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Tasty Trifies to Occupy Won.an's Leisure Il
Moments. H
To have ever had at hand sonethingfI
pretty in the way Of needlework To
occupy spare moment is one of thP
bits of wisdom that some women arr
much given to. 1t is possible, withso
little good material, to prepare holiday
gifts that are conspicuous for thelg
elegance, and doubly appreciated be-
cause they involve care, time, thought,
and not a little skilled labor. Among
the most attractive of these are toilet
sets, consisting of scarf for the dress
ing-table, with mats, cushion-cover and
similar accessories.
A good cushion is the first necessity,
and to make this is not altogether an
easy task Some persons buy cushions
already stuffed, but one need not do
this if cost is any object Strong mus
lin carefully stitched into square bag
/ is required, and this is filled as full as
| possible with fine sawdust, bran, or
other suitable material. 1t is best to
pack the corners very tightly, else,
after the cushion is used, it becomes
soft and the beauty of it is destroyed
The cushion may then be covered with
plain silk or satin or, as some prefer
with white linen. Colored covers, h +
ever, are much- better li3sSd by ma 2
+ md '4Ia l..1 ,a9deo .sspd on, - e ~i~
l~aNl changed at pleastire~ ie Ss~,af
should be made with view to the
place where it is to be used. In some
instances one square for the middle
and smaller sections for either end of
the dressing-table is desirable A
piece of satin of the proper length
is lined either with moderately
thick muslin or with crinoline.
Then the lace cover is made. This
may have a center of dotted muslin,
net lace, or some fanciful bit of en-
broidery, around which lace edging is
set on full The cushion cover is usu-
ally in a square, with lace gathered on
and ribbon bows at each corner. Dainty
and useful covers that are washable
are made by drawing threads and hem
stitching the edges Then ribbons are
run through and tied in knots or ro-
settles at the corners. These may be
taken out when the linen is to be
washed.
A handsome set is made with dia-
mond of fine linen wrought with a very
elaborate monogram. To make a
square, strips of insertion and beading
are set on until the proper proportion
is reached; then a band of linen is
stitched around the edge of the lace
and just across the points of the dia-
mond. Around this is wide edging to
match the insertion. This is an ex-
quisitely dainty design, and while
somewhat difficult to make, well repays
the labor bestowed upon it. Linen
squares with alternate rows of bead
ing and narrow embroidered insertion
with edging of embroidery to match,
make beautiful covers and durable
ones as well. There are also art squares
and fancy silks that work up to good
advantage and make useful accessories
at not very great cost. If one keeps
ones eyes open while going about, it is
very easy matter to provide the work
basket with materials that ;are-s1s0;esss
available.
In the purchase one should not for
get a full assortment of silks of all
sorts those for etching, filling in and
ordinary embroidery may be found at
almost all fancy stores, but there are
only few of them that are absolutely
fast colors. AS this is a matter of a
good deal of Importance, it is worth
while to see that one gets only the
best. The difference in cost is but tri-
fling, and it is extremely aggravating
after spending a long time on a piece of
work to find that the materials fade at
the first touch of sunlight.-N. Y. Led
ger.