Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-11-14
DRAWN WORK.

Some Valuable Hints ON the Artistic Work.
ing of Linen.
The dainty method of decorating
linens, which found so much favor
in our grandmothers' time, has
again become exceedingly popular.
Not only are the sheets and pillow.
cases finished in this manner, but
the table linen, doilies, tray cloths,
carving cloths, ETC., as we'll as
aprons, handkerohiefs, throws and
articles innumerable.
Linen handkerchiefs may be of
the drawn work, so fine that they
will look like lace, but this is very
trying work on the eyes. For this
reason drawn work is often ortiz
cised, it being taken for granted
that, because certain articles made
from very fine smooth linen prove
harmful to the eyes, all patterns of
drawn work are equally injurious.
The harm comes not so much from
the quality of the linen and the pat.
tern Of the work as from the unwise
methods of working
If one becomes enthusiastic over
a certain pattern, and, determining
to finish it within certain time,
works at it for several hours in suo-
oession, perhaps by lamplight or
Pickering gaslight, the eyes will soon
become tired and perhaps injured.
But when used as "pick up work"
many beautiful little articles may
be fashioned in tho odd moments
which would otherwise be wasted
without the slightest injury to the
eyes.
1t Is scarcely necessary to describe
this simple stitch, which can be
learned in n few moments from any
friend or acquaintance if not al.
ready understood, but suggestions
in regard to the linen to be selected
and the articles to be fashioned may
prove helpful.
For dainty throws, fine handker-
chiefs, otc., tho fine linen used for
shirt bosoms and cuffs will be salts
factory and is not very expensive.
But for tho table and bed linen the
quality known as linen sheeting is
more desirable.
The handsome little doilies which
grace the cake and bread plates, etc.,
are within the reach of every house.
wife who has few odd moments
each day to devote to needlework. A
third of yard of linen sheeting
will mako eight good sized ones and
will cost about so cents. All that is
needed besides the linen is spool
of linen thread--No 100-or, if color
is desired, few skeins of wash silk
and strip of oiloloth on which to
haste the work.
1t may DO better to make the dol
lies in sets of six-two large ones for
the bread plates, say 10 inches
square after they are hemmed,
somewhat smaller for the cake
plates and still smaller for the fin.
ger bowls. The hem wears much bet.
ter than even tho double fringe
which is so popular. For the doilies
make the hem about IN inch wide
and draw three or four threads for
the hemstitohing. For the drawn
work use simple pattern about 2
inches wide and rather close.
For carving cloth (half yard
of linen shooting will make ,hrec)
a more elaborate pattern may be sc.
looted, and much broader one, and,
If desired, corners may be worked
inside of the border.
Tray cloths may be made in the
same way, but of course the size
may be regulated hv the size of your
tray. Pillowsh: ,nado of drawn
work are very handsome and may
be finished with hemstitching and
fine linen lace.
Very pretty drapes for the dress
ers, bureau. etc, may be made from
the finer grades of butchers linen.
or sorim, and arc easily and quick.
ly made, as the threads arc readily
drawn, and open patterns are used.
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