Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-17
MAKE NEW FROM OLD
A HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY FOR
NIMBLE FINGERS.
Full Instructions for Turning Worn
out Table Covers Into 4u:..
Portieres. -

Among the new things which are shown
in the furnishing stores are rope portieres.
This idea suggests to the ingenious 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 results. and when the contents OF
the rag are transformed into pair Of
beautiful portieres. at absolutely no ex-
pense the clever woman will feel amply re-
paid for her trouble.
To make, carefully note the following sug-
gestions:
Two curtains will be sufficient for an or
binary sized door. Rip and wind the che
nile into balls. This is easily done If the
fine threads with which 1t is woven to-
eether are clipped off Tie all broken ends.
If there are stripes of another color in your
curtain. wind in separate balls for pom
pons or tassels.
Having first fixed in place your rod or
POLE you are ready to begin the ropes. Use
two diningroom chairs. which have a
post at the top of the back. for winding
the chenille strands upon before twisting.
Next, measure your door way from pole TO
the floor and place the two chairs trifie
more than twice that distance apart. Sup
pose the door is seven feet high, then the
chairs should be fifteen or sixteen feet
apart. This is necessary because the length
Proceed to wind the chenille five times
around from the post of one chair to the
other. This makes ten strands of the che
mile. Slip one end off the chair and twist
we'll in the hands. The assistance of a sec
ond person will be required to hold one end
to keep 1t from curling UP while you pass
one end over the pole. Do not let it curl
up, but bring the two ends to the floor and
tie. When this is accomplished let 1t twist
of itself into a rope first from the bottom.
little experience will give you the proper
length and the amount of twisting needed.
Make all the long ropes before readjus ting
the chairs. If any knots show turn them
In.
A Simple Method.
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 sane dis
lance from the pole. When the pompOns
are added this makes a pretty finish at the
top. Drape the center ones, one-half to
each outside long one. 81
The tassels are made by winding the
chenille over book the desired length.
then tie with stout string to the end Of
the ropes after trimming even at the bot
tom.
For the pompons 10-cent spool of fine
unwrapped wire is needed. Use a child's
foot ruler, barely an inch wide. Lay
piece of the wire twice the length of the
ruler upon 1t and begin at one 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. Wrap the
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 1t
needs nothing more to fasten 1t on. A
little practice will give skill in this.
Pompons may be added wherever taste
and beauty of design dictates They look
best of contrasting color. This design
has them above each tassel. and at the
top three rows of them are arranged some
distance above the tassels