NEEDLEWORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17145, 26 April 1919, Page 4 (Supplement)

NEEDLEWORK.

Freed from long hours of war-work, which eliminated from the programme any needlework save that of hastily sewing on buttons or darning carefully-cherished "woollies," the girl of to-day is taking up once more the feminine pastime of plying the sewing machine. It is curious, but true, that war should have brought back the home-made trousseau, and certainly the materials that one used in the process are fascinating enough to make the task of turning them into camisoles and petticoats and so forth one of absorbing ink-est. For the "daintiest garments hand-sewing is the rule. The new petticoats which are worn in the evening are very short and very exquisite. One mado of delicate Parma violet georgette has a flounce of silver lace, and another is carried out in lemon-tinted georgette closely accordioned. To trim such garments garlands of little satin .and crepe flowers can be bought by the yard in natural colours. The usual flower is a wee rose with its attendant buds-and Ribbon culled from the sales and short lengths of lace fashion the daintiest camisoles and coarse furniture lace is found very useful for tho purpose and most tractable in the wash-tub. "■ , # But as well as needlework of this kind, dressmaking is being studied, and the sewing machine is the faithful accessory of that kind of pastime. In order to save trimmings the authorities that issue the modes brought into vogue as a war-time economy, rough hand-embroideries, done in wool and crewels, as we all know. The embroideries 'of to-day are a sequel to them, and include classical patterns, the chess-board design, scrolls, and so forth, wrought in Angora and brushed wool. In thread and jewels these designs and others are applied to many afternoon sewing dresses. The crochet hook also is very busy again, resulting in hats of brushed wool and border for scarves, the major poition of which aro made of flannel, scouring cloth and cashmere. The outer edges of these very effective shoulder wraps are blanketstitched, and at the hem a scallop-work of crochet appears, ending in a handsome fringe or corner tassels. Never, it !s safe to say, will knitting go out of fashion. Sweaters and jerseys are being knitted everywhere now "for home consumption."'and* to them are added big blanket mufflers chilly women wind about their shoulders, warm gloves, and piquantlooking caps.