LYING IDLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 13

LYING IDLE.

Tho prevailing fashion of mats on wellpolished wood rather than an all-covering linen cloth owes its popularity as much to its negative virtuo of not costing nearly so much as a tablecloth to keep fresh and clean as to its positive virtue, that of giviug scope for individual schemes, including tho introduction of colour. So it happens that many damask tablecloths are lying derelict on the linen-cupboard shelves, and their retreat may be very long if they are to wait for a reduction in laundry charges or the waning of a fashion that is so sensiblo that ono trusts it is with us "for keeps." if the condition of tho damask cloths, • however, bo sound and good, they can be turned so successfully to other uses that it is worth while letting them cmergo from their cupboards, particularly with spring rofurnishings in the air, says u writer in an English exchange. Experience has proved that linen damask dyes exceedingly well. A practised homedyer may . tackle the job, although it is a heavy one, because sho will know tho pitfalls and guard against them, but tho housowifo who has not experimented with dyes will find it worth while expending the few shillings at any reliable dyers and cleaners. The design of the cloth helps one to decide upon tho best use for it. When the pattern radiates from a big centro ornament the cloth is particularly suitable for a- bedspread. If the length of tho cloth should lie too great an equal strip can be cut off each end. If the pattern runs the length of tho cloth with ii border all round, such a cloth can be cut across the width to make two curtains for sash or casement windows. If smaller curtains are required, this same pattern arrangement will allow of its lining cut first lengthways along tho length of tho cloth and then across tho width, giving two pairs of little curtains with the border at the bottom of each curtain, and also running up tho two adjacont edges of each pair. Touches of Embroidery. Of course, it takes scheming and planning to make the best use of our cloths, but that is, after all, where the fun comes in. And the cmbroidorer has her chance, too. Some of the jkmasksdesigns are unfortunately so poor that it is kinder not to draw attention I to them, but others consist, of fine bold ornament; and here the embroiderer can without expending too much time over the work emphasise the design by darning.