The Work Corner.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 305, 22 December 1894, Page 7 (Supplement)

The Work Corner.

c Auinni linqn should be amongst the moali tr eas uretl possessionsof a housewife. In the first place, it must be either of really good damask or hand - woven linon. Id the case of the former, its own pattern is quite sufficient ornament ; but there is a growing feeling in favour of a plain ground decorated with various borders executed in hern attaching drawn threadwork, either in its simplicity, or in its more elaborate form known as Reticella or. Greek lace. Sometimes the edges are fringed, bub this is ■ hardly advisable in consideration of the treatment they have to undergo at the modern laundresses' hands. A harrow hem-stitching, and then a border of strong linen lace, ia far betber ; and ib should be noted that on table linen the lace should be turned at the corners quite flatly instead of being fulled. Whether form of decoration be indulged in or nob, the hems should always be sewn by hand— never by machine. A little quieb attenbion paid to the first atep3 in drawn thread work, f/iven in my

1 AND 2 : DIAGRAMS Oi- THREAD STITCH. 3 : DIAGRAM OF CREEK LACE. first skebches, will enable the beginner to commence- In process of time they will nob be content without attempting the more elaborate details of modern Greek lace. No ink-marking should ever be seen on table linen ; large initial* or a monogram should be embroidered in a corner, and tho date and number may be added as well. These are particularly pretty when enclosed in the old - sbyled circle and quaintly fashioned. A lounge of some sorb is indispensable in a room, and the one reproduced here is a very useful style, , Au affair of this kind

DIAGRAM FOR A TBETIST CUSHION. also affords dainty fingers an opportunity of displaying their skill in the matter of cushions, which are bo indispensable an accessory to a comfortable sofa. I recently came across a beautiful cushion, which 1 reproduce in its entirety. The foundation ia of very pale grey silk, so pale as to be likely to be termed white by the casual observer. The embroidery of the flowers is in relief, and extremely effective. They are sown on to a gauze foundation in the firsb place; for the largo pink carnation strips of terra-cottapink and pale yellowish cloth are required, each one inch and a-half long and less than a quarter of an inch wide, the calix being composed of pale green tinted chenille, and silk and gold purl. The groups of marigolds are formed of pieces of yellow cloth fixed to a round, slichtly padded foundation of deep orange, the indentations of the outer rim being caughfe down, with gold thread. Chenille is used to edge the centre of the flower, which is filled wifib lattice stitches in gold thread. Olivo green silk is used for the stems of all the flowers, and bronze split silk for the leaves, all of which are relieved with touches of gold thread. A Pretty Lamp Shade, Nothing imparts a more grateful and comforting aspect to a room in the evening than a light properly subdued, either by means of a tinted globe or lamp shade, of which there are now co many styles upon the market. The mosb commonplace of household lamps can be rendered attractive by the introduction of a shade ; and it should be borne in mind that), whilst the light of the room itself is considerably toned by this meana the luminosity of that | proceeding from directly under such a shade I as that given in our sketch is nob interfered | with in the slightest degree, but it is rendered oven more powerful, and, therefore,

A PKKTTif LAMP SHADE. particularly suitable for either reading or writing. Ita construction is very simple, and any housewife who cared fco go to tho trouble of making ono would be amply repaid. Ifc can bo mado either of tinted arb tnualin or paper, and ia held in position by means of a • framework of wire. _ A few ribbons of a lighter maberial artistically arranged materially add to the charm of the shade, and the new square chape sketched above lends itself to this kind of treatment ia a mosb interesting manner. Skirt-dancer Lamp Shade. One of the most artistic trifles is a novel lamp shade made into a painted cardboard skirb dancer, wearing full spread skirts of 'crimped tulle and a bodice of satin

spangled over with tiny sequins. It is fastened to the lamp by means of * bent wire which hooks on the top of the chimney. If one is not sufficiently clever with the brush, then a paper doll may be purchased at a shop and dressed with the aiiy, fluted skirt and satin bodice. Suitable front-view figures can be cub from Chrisbmas cards and dressed. Children's Purses. Small purses made of a circular piece cut from the largest part of old suede gloves are very pretty gifts for children. A cord or Bmall ribbon is run through small slits cut along the edge at intervals, and the suede piece draws up into a little round bag, which makes a very fetching little purse.. Linen Veil Case. A quick veil case is made in this wise* Select a piece of fine yet heavy white linen 18 x 24 inches. Hem the sides and buttonhole stitch the ends. Fold the linen backward and forward in four even folds, after the manner of creasing a paper fan. The inside of each fold will form a pocket. The ends are secured by running into cut slits a men cord and tassel.

An anecdote about Lord Rosebery ie going the round of some French and German papers. It is alleged that once, while crossing from Liverpool to Dublin, or vice versa, Lord Rosebery lost his favourite dog "Mutton" overboard. "Stop, captain, stop the steamer !" cried Lord Rosebery. But the captain replied that he was only allowed to atop if a man fell overboard. "Oh, that can soon be arranged," answered Lord Rosebery, and jumped into the sea. Of course the captain had to order " Stop," and the Peer and his dog were taken up safe and sound.