The Washington herald., 1910-11-27
Nv DoRorHY HARTMAN DAWSON.

II has become the fashion among the
social set of the National Capital to do
something besides giving teas and at
tending receptions and other amusements
and pastimes Society has taken up the
arts and crafts movement. and there are
indeed only a few of the smart set now
who are not taking lessons in one branch
or another OF only "utilitarian art" The
movement was initiated by the Arts and
Crafts School. which is under the patron
age OF Washingtons most thoughtful
society men and women, and it is bear
ing splendid results. judging from the
character of those who take their daily
lessons in basketry, designing, leather
work metal work. and jewelry, pottery,
woodwork. hand-weaving. and similar
crafts Each department is under the SUI
pervision of a master craftsman, who in
each case is a woman. The success of
the movement, which is gaining pOpu-
larity every day. is due 10 the untiring
devotion TO the work OF those in charge
OF the institution.
The arts and crafts movement has in
vaded even the White House. Because
Miss Helen Taft embrOiders her own col
lars. and says so with much pride, all
the girls in her set are also making
dainty dress accessories. Miss Alice BOu-
tell, daughter of Representative Boutell.
of Illinois, wears a dainty shirt waist OF
blue chiffon embroidered with orchids by
her own hand. Miss Gladys Hinckley
enbroiders her own slippers. She has
designed pair for each of her new
gowns Donna Beatrice Cusani, the de-
butante daughter of the Italian Ambas-
sador. wears an exquisite gown of white
satin. the lace at the neck and throat
being her own handiwork. Miss Mar
thena Harrison. the granddaughter of
former President Harrison, has also
started a fad among the Washington
younger set 1t is the fashioning of her
own iewelry Miss Harrison, while in
Egypt, procured a very rare stone, and
having been a student at the Arts and
Crafts School for several winters, she
determined To set It herself This ring
Is distinctive Since that time she has
fashioned herself an exquisite bandeau of
coral and turquoise. and has several
good looking pins which are her own
make Miss Harrison has also made
belt buckle to match each Of her tailored
suits and has also an exquisite muf
chain Of amethyst. Miss Ruth Pilling.
not to be Outdone by the other girls, has
embroidered an exquisite evening gown
of pale pink. The design OF the embroid-
cry is punches of pale pink moss rose
buds and forget-me-nots.
Baskptry is one of the crafts which has
many deNu+aes among society, and many
are the homes OF the fashionables at the
National Capital which have among their
objects of art beautiful specimens. hand
wrought by either the chatelaine herself
or her daughter Many wealthy women
are also becoming proficient in the dainty
art OF bookbinding. They handle the
volumes with the skill of professionals.
and the shelves OF their libraries are a
delight TO the eye Mrs. Jonathan Bourne.
wife Of Senator Bourne, IS bookbinder
who could easily get a masters certifi-
cate. Mrs Bourne has exquisite samples
OF her skill TO show. Every year she
devotes several months TO her work. and
she finds it a healthful exercise as we'll
as a cOmpensating one. Mrs. Owen. the
wife or the Senator from Oklahoma, has
also taken up bookbinding and has be-
come quite proficient i'm the craft. Mrs.
Payne Whitney has learned bookbinding
and has designed period covers for her
own and her fathers work. In British
society bookbinding is popular. Many au-
thors have learned the craft and plan
epeelal covers and illustrations for their
own works. Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, third,
formerly Miss Edith Root. devoted much
time to it before her marriage
Many women prominent in Washington
society wear dresses of silk or satin en-
broidered by her own hands Mrs.
Roosevelt was one OF the most exquisite
needlewomen who ever occupied the
White House. and she has many emu
lators in this distinctly feminine accom-
plishment. Mrs. Robert Jackson Gamble.
wife of the Senator from South Dakota,
is considered the best needleworker in
her State. She embroiders all her dresses.
and there are few of her friends who do
not possess gift from her skillful fin
gers. bit of embroidery or fine sewing