Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-01-06

In buying table linen for everyday
use, an all-over pattern, which conceals
the quality Of the cloth which might
otherwise appear coarse, wears and looks
better than one where a great deal Of
plain surface is displayed. For com
pany' linen, the pattern cloths and nap
kins with centrepieces on a plain sur
face and borders 70 correspond, are most
attractive. Some of the finest linens are
single damask. which wears well, and
does not crack as easily as some Of the
double weaves. To the experienced
buyer, the feel of linen is an Indication
of its quality; but for the inexperienced
shopper, the old fashioned test which our
grandmothers banked on, still holds good.
Moisten the finger and apply it to the
surface of the fabric. If the dampness
penetrates at once to the other side, you
may know it is linen. If it is slow in
coming through there is an admixture of
cotton. American women are sticklers
for having table linen that is linen. On
the other side, they are not as particular,
and the linen often has a mussy, yellow
cast that is far from pleasing. In cut
ting table linens, cut by the pattern,
otherwise, when washed they will be
curved or crooked. The same effect is
reached in cutting by the thread; but
that takes longer and is no more cor
rect. The thread makes the pattern, and
if you follow the pattern you cannot
be far off.
A lengthener of life for the fine table
cloth is the undergrad or silence cloth. In
the days when the cloth was spread d.
rectly over the bare table, wear showed
first on the cloth where il turned down
over the edge. While there are many
expensive fabrics made for this purpose
including one with asbestos in its compo-
sition, double-faced canton fanel is more
easily washed and far cheaper than any
thing else. This blanketing should be
fitted under the edges Of the table. so
that there is no danger Of its hanging
below the cover.
The careful housekeeper does not use a
machine hem on table linen. The sim.
Die rolled hem, done BY hand, is the most
approved, though fine damask is some
times hemstitched. In this case the table
cloth has two-inch hem and the nap
kins one inch. While plain white linen
is preferred as a rule for breakfast, din
ner OF luncheon, elaborate embroidery
and laces are in favor for the small
fancy cloths used for 8 o'clock teas. For
receptions and more elaborate dinners
and luncheons cloths of plain damask
with borders or insets of heavy Russian
lace are practical, serviceable and rich
looking.
Very popular this year are the Chinese
hand embroidered linens. These come in
white, pale blue and carton blue. The
embroidery on these goods is extremely
lustrous and rich looking. 1t launders
beautifully and is extremely serviceable.
The designs are floral or Of the dragon.
The doilies may be bought separately OF
by the dozen, and have made some Of the
most charming Christmas gifts.
Even in sheets and pillow cases come
variations in fashion and finish. Linen
is largely superseding cotton, the differ
ence in first cost being counterbalanced
by the superior wearing qualities of the
| linen. The round thread" linen is CON
sidered the most durable weave. Sheetinp
comes at various prices, according to the
fneness Of the fabric. A pair of pure
| linen sheets, single bed size, range in
price from 81 10 $3.50. Double bed size
from s. a pair to s25. If the, linen is "a
be made up at home, it may be pur.
chased by the yard, from 70 cents tf
s275. For pillow cases the linen costs q
cents or even 50 a yard, but it lasts .
lifetime. Embroidered sheets and pillow
cases with choice designs of French ant
English manufacture are both beautiful
and durable. Scalloped buttonholes
sheets and cases are also attractive ans
durable Sometimes the scalloped ede,
is backed with a line Of embroidery
Hemstitched sheets and cases are prett,
but not durablei the rude blasts Of win
ter having tendency to make them par
company.
Hand embroidered bed spreads o
linen are a great temptation to tn
woman who loves dainty, pretty things
but their price makes them prohibitiv
to the majority Of housekeepers. I'm
ported dimity and light weight spread
are serviceable and within the reach o
the moderate purse. Attractive bed