The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-18

Philadelphia Record.
Marking is the finishing step after the
proper linen has been selected and the
articles made up. AS a starting point, We
may mention sheets first and state at once
that the present smart choice for marking
all household linens used in well-set-up
houses is the interlaced script letters.
Monograms are, of course, used and pre-
ferred by many who do not believe in
making changes. While others remain
faithful TO their old, elaborate German
text, or some fanciful, flower trimmed let
tering interlaced or separate. 1t cannot
lie denied that the marking of linen is, In
reality. pure matter of taste and indi-
viduality and that there are not cast-iron
rules for or against this letter or that.
But as the silversmith does create a style
OF marking, which Is a novelty, and every
one adopts IL for the time, so ii is with
the embroidery of letters personal and
household articles. Interlaced script, bur
not too ornate, is considered now the smart
thing. The embroidery is done in all white,
and the cottons used always depend upon
the quality of the linen Sheets are marked
with five or six-inch letters, two, three or
four letters being interlaced, and the
stamping done in the center of the top
or broad hemstitched end of the sheet, and
a few inches below the hem, OF the line
of embroidery. or inset lace, as it may
happen.
The marking of pillow cases depends
upon the way the case is made up. If one
end only is open, the same interlaced let
tiers on the sheets are reduced to two and
a half inches in height, and stamped In the
middle of one of the open sides, about two
inches above the hem, or whatever other
finish is used. But where pillow cases close
I'm the back. as the best models So the let
tiers may, If one chooses, be an inch so
larger, and stamped directly in the center
of the outside of the case. The same kind
of nil m in
opposite outside corners, taking the posi-
ton of the pillows they are placed to-
gether at the head of the bed for a guide
This necessitates marking in pairs. But as
pillows are seldom visible during the day,
in handsomely appointed bedrooms. and
bedshams are extinct, II is evident that
pillows are now looked upon for night use
only and most of these are marked in the
center of the case. Small extra face pillows
are also used and as they are often elabo-
rate in lace and drawn work, it is not sur
prising that the marking is deIicately done
in one corner, or in very small letters at
the back above the center button. The
marking. If in front, must depend on the
manner in which the case Is made. In some
cases one sees all-round hemstitching and
a few lines of drawn work then a half or
a whole wreath in the center. inclosing in
teTlaced letters, or single letter. This is
considered the most appropriate style of
marking. while others prefer the center to
be free. and the marking done in one cor
ner. II Is almost needless to add that in
whatever way the sheets are finished with
trimmings. the linen pillow case should fol-
low suite.
II is not considered necessary to mark
tablecloths except for purposes OF identi-
1cation. but when they are marked. es-
pecially those for ceremonious occasions.
the marking Is on the upper surface as the
cloth lies on the table. few inches beyond
the plate line IL possible. The design OF the
cloth has much TO do with the place chosen
FOR this marking ,n whether Il Is to be on the
letters should not be over three inches In
height and two and half inches are fire.
quentiy used Monograms OF intricate con-
struction are often seen. but If the linen
represents complete household set OF
evervfhins needed It II advised not to make