MILLE FLEUR GUEST TOWELS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 15, 15 December 1937, Page 26

MILLE FLEUR GUEST TOWELS.

HOW TO MAKE THEM. (Coypright.) Mille fleur guest towels and finger towels are the last word in these linenpress furnishings, which have become a modern household necessity. The words mille fleur are used as a term of description rather than one of precision, since the flowers cannot be reckoned in millions. However, the random sprinkling of the flowers over the entire surface of the towels is in accord with the term as applied in other decorative uses. The number of blossoms embroidered on a towel is at the discretion or the person working them. The flowers must be distributed over the towel and not be arranged as a border or in any set fashion. We may consider the surface of the towel as a green lawn with the flowers springing up here and there through the grass, the bright colours making the sward gay.

Lazy daisy stitch is popular for the embroidery, although outline stitch _js equally good. The advantage of daisy stitch is that with two stitches a complete petal is worked, with both edges laid in the embroidery medium. Daisy is a modified buttonhole stitch which can be worked so rapidly that even a. lazy worker can accomplish much with it in a short time. DIRECTIONS. For a flower, start each loop stitch in centre of flower, bringing point of needle up and over the thread where the tip of the petal should come. Put the needle down to bring embroidery medium over the petal strand and hold it in place, and at the same time bring the needle up where the next stitch is to start. All stitches are similarly made. Stems, if any, are outlined. When well worked, both lazy daisy and outline stitches are good looking on the wrong side. Also they are flat, and essential for mille fleur towel ornamentation. Flowers worked in outline may have petals filled with darning stitches. Flowers may all be in the same colour, or colours may vary in different blossoms. Stems, if any. should be freen. Huckaback, damask, linen, eavy or in handkerchief weight (this last for finger towels only) are recommended materials. Embroidery medium should not be too fine. Fabric and medium should be in contrast.