The herald., 1895-09-19
ABOUT NApERy

Too many OF our American housekeep-
efs buy their stone vf linen ready
made but of late there has been a
marked reaction in favor of hand sewing,
which is supplied by the better class of
furnishing stores to those who prefer and
are able to pay for it.
The plan of every modern, we'll built
house includes linen closet. where the
piles of snowy bed and table linen should
be arranged in good order. This linen
closet ought to be in dry place, and if
hot air from whatever heating apparatus
USED in the dwelling can BIO conducted
into it so much the better. There will
then be no danger of damp sheets when
bed is hurriedly made for some unexpect-
ed guest. For table linen the material is
usually either single or double damask-
though plain heavy linen, hemstitched
and embroidered, is sometimes chosen
for special occasions. At dinner given
in Boston to bride linen tablecloth
was embroidered with the interlaced mi
tials of each pair of guests, thus marking
the seats of the company and serving as
a memento of the occasion.
Six damask tablecoths, with napkins
to match, are q sufficient supply for ordi-
nary use, as set of napkins may be al
lowed to Two tablecIoths if the fam lily is
smsll. If these are purchased ready
hemmed at least let the nicer ones be
hemmed by hand. Instead of hemming
in the old-fashioned way Use the newer
style. whose appearance well repays the
additional trouble. For this. turn down
the material quarter of an inch and
then turn back on the stuff, making the
two edges meet. Basic carefully to-
gether; then, holding the single side of
the cloth toward you, sew the edges over
and over. as the children say. When fin
ished take out the hastings, turn the
hem thus made upward in the same di-
rection as it was folded. and it will lie
perfectly fiat when folded, wear we'll and
have the proper up-to- date effect.
Tray cloths and carvers cloths not
only look we'll on the table, but are gen.
uine saving in the wear and tear of fire.
quenr washings. as they catch many
plash of gravy or drop of coffee which
otherwise would soil the fair table linen.
embroidered or ornamented with drawn
work AS elaborate as the owner desires,
but for daily use in plain households the
damask ones are sufficiently nice. and
can be purchased at the shops. An eco
Hcs.;ca1 hnnsebkeeper who had some fine
damask tablecloths that were beginning
to wear out converted them into tiay
cloths by cutting out the best parts.
hemmiug them and finishing with torchon
lace.
Another suggestion in the line of econ.
omy. born of experience, is that in pur-
chasing table linen the unbleached will
prove much more dura BILE, as the chem
icals used to whiten the damask Injuie it
in some degree. The faint yellow tint Of
the flax is not Objectionable, and very
few visits to the laundry will bleach it
snowy white.
Buffet cloths which are included in the
list Of table linen, are usually made OF
plain linen, hem stitched and decorated
with any kind of EN- broidery that will
stand washing. pretty idea for room
where the colors will harmonize is to
have the buffet cloth. table center, tray
cloth and carver's cloth all of pale PINK,
blue or ecru linen, embroidered with
white.
Another point to be remem bered con-
corning table cloths isithe ironing. The
ordinary laundress is apt to make cross
told, which mars the smoothness of the
linen. Direct her TO fold the cloth length
wise and then fold once more only, also
lengthwise.
The marking of the linen is usually
dons with indelible ink or embroidery;
the old fashioned 'cross stitch" is obso-
lete. The former is sometimes executed
by experts in old English letters of quite
elaborate designs, but the general woman
must be content with the name in simple
script. If time land skill permit it is
worth while to mark handsome cloths
and napkins embroidered initials or mon
ograms. A simple style, which looks
well for palmer articles and can be very
quickly accomplished, is to outline pref
ty letters in what is known as "stem
stitch.''
The mention Of this stitch recalls to
mind a very pretty table cloth, or rather
table cover. designed by lady who
wanted something which would be mex
penslve, durable and attractive tu the
eye. Purchasing an unbeached table
cloth, with pattern in large bold de-
sign, she outlined in stem stitch with red
EN- brvidery cotton. In the basement din
ing room. where it was used between the
hours of serving the meal and which,
facing northward. was somewhat dark.
it lent an additional touch OF CHEEKY COL
or and matched the reds in the carpets
| and hangings.
| As some few may not know this stitch
by name, I will describe ths manner OF
| working. Insert the needle from left to
| right in a slanting direction, passing it
| over six o: seven horizontal threads and
| three or four perpendicular ones, then
| bring up the needle to the right of the
| stitch, half way down its length and re-
! peat. Each stitch must commence half
| way down the proceeding one. The num-
| Der of threads taken will vary according
| to the fineness of the fabric, but very
| little practice will enable the EN- broiderer
| to regulate this.-Chicago Record.
| kilograms for the following persons are