MARKING LINEN.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 81, 30 December 1907, Page 3

MARKING LINEN.

In these days, of individuality in all things relating'to handicraft,- one branch of needle work appears to be neglected,, and the need is strongly felt.for. a now way of marking linen to bp in harmony with modern, artistic furnishings. • The 'old-styles'of monograms, with their little scrolls and sprays of--flowers," are certainly incongruous with the simple lines of the new embroideries and the rugged /simplicity of; the modern dining-room.. • Care and thought should: bo employed in tho selection of tho. proper .sort' of fetter which will not clash with tho surrounding accessories. A new departure is made in placing one letter above the other in Japanese fashion, which gives marked' individuality and conforms admirably to tho present simple lines of decoration. . Thero aro no hard and fast nilcs in regard to the size of the letters. That is largoly taste. : Generally speaking, however, a fourInch monogram is used on, sheets, wliilo the saino stylo of le'ttor, only half tho sizo, appears on the pillow cases. Three'and a half or four inches is an appropriate .sizo"for a tablecloth, with napkins marked one. :'and one-half or two inches. ' ; Just at present a rather severe..straight letter.is much in demand, and original designs are greatly favoured. The .majority of home needle workers ds,not realise that satin, stitch is by no means tho only way initials may be worked, button the contrary, a monogram is often greatly enhanced.by two or_ even three differet kinds of stitches being used. Of course, when theso fancy stitches are used' care must be taken to, selcct those which will show a contrast and yet preserve tho correct relation, between tho different letters.'-- ' "' Several different ideals may be utilised to good 'advantage 'bif : tow,-els;' -Many inexperienced workers outline the letters, thus covering all inequalities;' ■■ v Thero is very little : change in placing tho monograms on tablecloths ''and napkins. On tablecloths monograms are frequently placed ■at-cither side of tho centre, facing tho ends of tho cloth, with plenty of space' between the monograms to allow a centre-piece of tlie size to which one is accustomed.