Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-03


that side-show idol of the small boy
the human pincushion. 1t would
be very convenient to always have a
pin handy, so as never to be driven
to mad searches for that necessary article
at the most inconvenient moment.
For pins despite tie theorist who de-
clares everything that cannot be sewed
tight should be buttoned are most impor-
tant to the comfort of existence. One of the
many blessings of being modern woman Is
that pins are no longer luxuries worth their
weight in gold.
Now pins being necessity must be where
they can be had at a seconds notice. The
time-honored place for everything and
everything in its place maxim which neat
mothers have tried to pound into careless
children for generations never applies more
truly than to pins. If there is anything
more maddening than not to find pin when
wanted it is to have to pick it out from
tray filed with a varied assortment of pins.
big and little black and white, with few
needles thrown in.
We know all about these pin trays, for
when the craze for them that existed a few
years ago. for some strange reason, almost
put the pincusLion out of business, most
ment in silver, china or brass. They were
pretty. comparatively inexpensive, delight
ful to give as prize or Christmas gift and
looked well on bureau or dressing table: but
their usefulness. at least in comparison to
the pincushion'S, was open 10 serious ques-
ton.
Fortunately. the fad of doing without pin
cushions was short-lved: they are too alb
soUtely convenient to be discarded, and to-
day are back in greater favor than ever.
Indeed. if a woman is at a loss what to
make next either for home or as gift, she
invariably selects a pincushion.
Nor need she be limited in choice. for with
pincushiOns long, square round, heart
shaped or in dozen fancy forms; with pin
cushions of silk ribbon. lace, linen or velvet:
with pincushions for every conceivable pur-
pose and of every size, from the big one for
the bureau to the tiny fiat circles not much
larger than a Jo-cent piece. which can be
slipped into a purse, there is surely some
thing to suit every taste.
No housekeeper can have too many pin
cushions. She needs them for every bed
room. and one proves very convenient in
library or sitting room; besides they have
surprising habit of turning shabby quite I'M
expectedly This is specially, true of pin
cushions that cannot be cleaned and fresh
ened up easily. A hand-painted or en-
brodered affair of delicate-toned satin and
lace is very lovely for a time; but. alas!
that time in the yearly Increasing dust and
SCOT of the atmosphere is appallingly short.
Therefore il behooved some ingenious be-
Ing TO invent a pincushion that, while as
decorative as the old forms without its
drawbacks. That this need has been more
than filled is shown in the ever-increasing
vogue for the pncushion that will wash.
There have always been washable covers.
but usually they necessitated basting or
other laborous details. Then some ingen-
ious being thought of the washable top that
car be laced on at minutes notice-and
the problem was solved.
Nowadays this form of pincushon is hav
ing great vogue. 1t may be oblong round
or square, sheer or heavy, deliberately en-
b-uidered and trimmed or finished with
merely small scallop and the necessary
eyelets but the general principle is the
same-two pieces of exactly the same size
and shape, that can readily be unlaced and
put in the washtub.
Probably the favorite material for such a
pincushion is d fine but not sheer. linen
The transparent stuffs. lawns dimity
equally pretty and easily Numbered. Indeed
somF people think them preferable because
the color of the cushion can be seen.
Tho design shown today, which, by the
way. is particularly graceful. is adapted
either to transparent non-transparent
goods. II will look well and prove eX-
tremely serviceable made up in fine &C.
c!Psiastical linen. very nice quality can
he bought for u cents or dollar yard,
and with careful cutting. and If you work
TIE pincushon cover measures 15XS inches
and requires two pieces of that size.
Take OFF the design just as given here for
the top piece. Then trace a second under
piece. emitting the floral sprays. but tracing
the oblong holes for eyelets.
mercerized cotton of a very fine. smooth
quality should be used; thirty five or forty Is
none too fine.
The scalop is heavily padded in darning
pains must be taken to have the stitches of
the smaller sca!lops that form the composite
one even and regular particularly at the
points.
The eyelets pretter il kept oblong
Therefore instead OF piercing with still
etto cut a lengthwise slit. turn back the
material with the needle. run around with
thread and work over and over in as shall
Iow a stitch as possible.
The forget -me-nots permit of several
treatments. They may tie padded and work
ed solidly in satin stitch. with a French
Knot OF two for the center; or the petals
may be solid, with an eyelet center A very
pretty way IL show the color of the PIN
cushion beneath Is to work the flowers en-
tirrly In eyelet embroidery. The centers
may then be solid or pierced Ii the open
work is used cut and work each petal as
directed for eyelets for lacing.
The leaves should be padded and done in
satjn stitch. and the stems worked In
rather heavy outline.
IRE eyelets and scallops on the underpiece
are worked exactly as those on top. IL one
Is somewhat OF novice III embroidery do
that part first for practice.
III color is liked the flowers can be done in
several shades of pale blue. with yellow
cesters and the leaves in green. Keep the
scallops and eyelets white. The all-white
ions are however. more popular Enough
rolor is usually given by the ribbon lacing.
II more Is desired, the cover can be made
of transparent goods and rather deep tint
cd. ILL ha a n
cushion.
To adjust the cover put the corresponding
eyeiets in the top and bottom opposite each
other and lace back and forth with half
Inch ribbon. wider. II preferred. This rib
Bon. may end in full fun bow in the mid