Evening star., 1915-03-25
Gifts for the Invalid.

An acceptable gift at this time of
the year for the invalid is white can
ton flannel cover for the hot-water
bag Sometimes these covers are made
in the shape of the rubber bag Some
times they are simply large bags with
cotton tape drawstrings in which the
rubber bags can be incased
a daintily embroidered white hand
kerchief-iinen pillowcover to slip over
a small pillow of hops, pine needles or
down Is welcome addition to the in
valid's store Of comforts This could
be embroidered simply in white, and if
ribbon decorations are desired they
should be small bows of wash ribbon;
for anything that cannot be freely
laundered is out of place in the in
valid's room. Short tapes should fasten
the slip cover on the pillow Buttons
are not so secure and, besides, they
are lumpy.
A large cretonne letter bag of some
pretty color and design is a great
convenience for most invalids It can
be hung at the head of the bed within
easy reach of the pillow and forms a
receptacle in which the invalid can
drop all letters and post cards. In
stead of running drawstrings in the
top OF the bag try fastening the full
ness to wooden embroidery ring, six
or eight inches across. This saves the
invalid the trouble of opening and
closing the bag.
The following dressing sacoue to slim
on for extra warmth or for dainty ap-
pearance is the simplest and easiest
kind for the invalid to adjust and wear.
~ can be made in many varieties of
flannel. French flannel or fannelette,
wash silk of many kinds. muslin, dimity
or lawn and silk or cotton crepe
To make it. cut a piece of the de-
sired Sire material about yard square.
Cut an opening from one point to the
center OF the square. In the center
cut out circle seven or eight inches
In diameter. for the neck The straight
edges can be neatly hemmed. the bias
edges and the neck opening faced with
the same material. or all the edges can
be bound with wash ribbon. An espe-
claliy dainty garment for cold weather
wear might be made of pale pink elder
down with white ribbon.
The sacque is worn with one point
over each arm. one in the back and
the opened point fastening in front.
ribbons can be fastened on the four
straight edges, about ten inches from
the sleeve points, to tie under the arms.
Among the appropriate things in the
shops for the invalid are flower hold
ers These can be fastened to the foot
OF the bed and are large enough to
hold three or four carnations or roses.
generally all that are to be allowed in
the sick room. Another acceptable
gift is dainty piece of CHINA flower
bordered plate. cruel bowl of egg
shell thinness or a fragile cup and
saucer OF delicate design. Never mind
If these things are likely to break with
their first tumble: because of their
beauty they will give enough pleasure.
perhaps real benefit, to make their pos
sible short existence well worth while
A lightweight feather writing case,
provided with screw-top bottle OF
ink. compartments for paper, enye-
lopes, stamps and pen and pencil, gives
the invalid who is strong enough to
write a certain feeling of independence.
Some of these cases have keys which
add to their usefulness. A pint or half
pint vacuum bottle, for keeping liquids
warm or cold. is another comfort-giv-
ing gift for the invalid and a time
saving gift for the nurse or caretaker
The very newest small hats have no
trimming, their only adornment being
ma ri n cd hot r,iy,