The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-08
OF INTEREST TO WOMEN
DECORATIVE POSSIBILITIES OF
PRETTY HANDKERCHIEFS.
The Work of the Housekeeper Not
Often Properly Appreciated
NOurishing Foods.

With sales of white goods dangling their
most attractive bait, the wise needlewoman
bears in mind the numerous and dainty
possibilities of handkerchiefs, says the
Washington Evening Star Time was when
the handkerchief was classed merely as
an accessory of the toilet: now it forms the
basis of many attractive articles, includ-
ing bureau covers. handkerchief cases, sew
ing bags, turnover collars and stocks,
and even corset covers.
In selecting handkerchiefs for fancy work
choose those of a quality which will not
thicken in washing. and if an embroidered
edge is desired make sure that the finish
is firm and will not ravel out in the first
laundering.
For pillow shams use small handkerchiefs
showing a quarter-inch hem, inside of
which runs tuck of an eighth of an inch,
with small conventional pattern in the
corner. For each sham join four of these
with a medium weight insertion. such
good grade of imitation torchon. Finish
the sham with a frill of lace to match the
insertion, held loosely but not ruffied, ex-
cept i'm turning the corners. If the sham
is three-quarters of a yard square before
the lace is sewed on four yards of the lace
should be sufficient If exceedingly dainty
sheer
kerchiefs with Valenciennes lace.
For bureau covers allow three handker-
chiefs, preferably with narrow hens show
ing delicate tracery of embroidery inside
the hem. Join with inch-wide Valenciennes
insertion and run a band of the same
around the scarf finishing with a frill OF
edging to match the insertion. These are
particularly effective II laid over SILK or
sikaline in tint TO match the other fur
nishings of the room. Four yards each
of insertion and lace will be needed
lar and cuff set much more effective than
one which can be purchased ready made in
a shop for the same price.
Select sheer handkerchief with an en-
broldered edge In an open pattern. Cut on
the edge TO a depth of two and a half
inches, use the center of the handkerchief
for the bands, and make up just as you
would ordinary embroidery into the turn
over collars and cuffs, being careful to turn
the corners neatly. The japanese silk en-
broidered handkerchiefs in pale colors lend
themselves admirably to this work, and can
be purchased al special sales as low as -
cents.
If a tailored stock effect is desired use
two handkerchiefs of sheer linen showing
hemStitching and drawn work. Make a soft
crush collar with one, showing a point in
the center, and finish with a rour-in-hand
bow, made from the second handkerchief.
There should be enough edging left from
the collar to make a pair of turnback
cuffs.
Corset covers made from handkerchiefs
are the newest offering and are enjoying
quite vogue
For each cover select two fine handker-
chiefs showing the same pattern, preferably
hem inside of which run bow knots,
1uer-de-lis or other small patterns in fine
embroidery. Divide each handkerchief in
half. so that the pieces form triangles. not
oblongs. One triangle with the apex point
ed upward forms the central piece in the
back, the base of the triangle running on
the waist line. Joined to this on either side
by fine valenciennes insertion are two more
triangles, literally standing on their apexes,
their bases running along the upper edge
of the garment. In the center of each of
these pieces Is cut down a small semi
circle, forming the arm size. For the front
pieces cut the remaining triangle in half
and with the apex of each turning upward
join by insertion to the side pieces. This
gives hve pieces, cut from four handker-
chiefs, forming an oblong about nine inches
wide by twenty-eight inches long. Across
each end run insertion, which takes the
place of a hem down the front of the cover.
For the waist line, hem the oblong neatly,
and finish with a piece of beading, through
which wash ribbon is run to fit the cover
to the figure.
To finish the garment at the top and to
form the armhole, make strap of inser-
ton and lace with beading between, allow
ing eleven inches to go over the shoulder.
Finish the arms eye with beading and lace
to match that at the top. Run wash ribbon
through the beading. and the corset cover
can then be drawn in to fit perfectly over
the bust. For IL cents yard dainty imi-
tatiOn valencienneS insertion and edging
can be bought Four yards of the former
and three of the latter will be needed,
which will cost, all told, 81 cents. Add to
this two handkerchiefs at % cents and the
pretty bit of lingerie will cost S1.34. This
could not be duplicated in a shop under 81
Handkerchiefs at 10. or even II cents, and
lace at cents a yard, will also make up
effectively, If care be taken in the selection.
During special sales even better bargains
may be secured
A stunning work bag for dashing bru-
nette may be made from an ordinary ban
danna handkerchief
Select a subdued pattern, run a circular
casing close to the edge of the handker-
chief, and through this draw ribbons of red
and yellow, matching the tints in the hand
kerchief. The four corners form points
which hang over and finish the little bag.
If stiff bottom is desired for the bag sew
inside the center of the handkerchief a
small circle of pasteboard covered with
turkey-red calico, measuring three or four
inches in diameter.
The stylish English handkerchiefs in col
ors which now come for men make beau
tiful handkerchief cases. They cost from 80
cents to 81 and can be secured in almost
any combination of tints.
Take one in violet and white, for in
stance, with the color in pin stripes. Line
il with white or violet lawn. and then fold
the four corners together. forming a small
err square. Join three of these with loose
cat-stitching in violet, lay inside the a
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