Perth Amboy evening news., 1903-11-19
HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY.
How to Make New Things from Old
Ones-TurninE Table Cloths,
POrtieres, Etc.

Among the new things which are
shown in the furnishing stores are rope
portieres. This idea suggests to the inge-
NOUS woman the possibilities in faded or
worn chenille table covers, curtains, and
other articles of this material which are
stored away in the attic. All of these
things may be utilized with good re-
suits, and when the contents of the rag
are transformed into a pair of beautiful
portieres, at absolutely no expense, the
clever woman will feel amply repaid for
her trouble, says the Washington Post.
To make, carefully note the following
suggestions: "A
Two curtains will be sufficient for an
ordinary sized door. Rip and wind the
chenille into balls. This is easily done
Il the fine threads with which it is woven
together are clipped off. Tie all broken
ends. If there are stripes of another
color in your curtain, wind in separate
balls for pOmpons or tassels.
Having first fixed in place your rod or
pole, you are ready to begin the ropes.
Use two dining room chairs, which have
a post" at the top of the back, for wind
ing the chenille strands upon before
twisting. Next, measure your door way
from pole to the floor and place the two
chairs a trife more than twice that dis
lance apart. Suppose the door is seven
feet high, then the chairs should be Is
or Is feet apart. This is necessary be-
cause the length is taken up in the twist
ing.
Proceed to wind the chenille five times
around from the post of n chair to the
other. This makes ten strands of the
chenille. Slip one end off the chair and
twist well in the hands. The assistance
Of q second person will be required to
hold one end to keep 1t from curling UP
while you pass n end over the pole. Do
not let it curl up, but bring the two ends
to the floor and tie. When this is accom-
lished let 1t twist of itself into q rope first
from the bottom. A little experience will
give you the proper length and the
amount Of twisting needed. Make all the
long ropes before r%eadjusting the chairs.
If any konts show turn them in.
AS to the number of ropes, the size of
your doorway must determine that. The
suggestions made are for a very simple
design, which has six long ropes, eight of
graduated lengths and eight in the center
for drapes. They may be made much
more elaborate If desired.
After the ropes have all been placed
over the pole in the proper place, part
them near the pole and tie one-half of
each one to the adjoining one, each the
same distance from the pole. When the
pompons are added this makes a pretty
finish at the top. Drape the center ones,
ore-half to each outside long one.
The tassels are made by winding the
chenille over a book the desired length,
then tie with a stout string to the end of
the ropes after trimming even at the bot
tom.
For the pompons.a 10-cent spool of fine
u%nwrapped wire is needed. Use a child's
foot ruler, barely an inch wide. Lay a
piece of the wire twice the length of the
ruler upon it and begin at II end, wrap
the chenille three times around over both
ruler and wire.
Now pick up both ends of the wire and
change places, drawing the lower one up
and placing the upper one down, thus
holding the three strands fast. Wrapthe
chenille three times again and change the
ends of the wire. Repeat this until the
ruler is nearly full and then slip off. Wind
the wired side close to the rope, and it
needs nothing more to fasten it on. A
little practice will give skill in this.
Pompons may be added wherever taste
and beauty Of design dictates. They look
best of a contrasting color. This design
has been above each tassel, and at the
top three rows of them are arranged
some distance above the tassels.