DIMINUTIVE WARDROBES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22243, 18 October 1935, Page 4

DIMINUTIVE WARDROBES

x* w CLOTHES FOR THE TINIES EVERY DAY AND PARTY WEAR

BT BARBARA

What to wear now that spring is here is a question which presents itself not only to mamma and elder sister; ifc is of the most vital importance to the youngest members of the family. When visiting the daffodils in the botanical gardens; when giving one'B new baby carriage its first airing; when going to a party in company with the the young gentleman who happens to be one's brother; tilieso occasions aro surely worthy of special sartorial chic. Then the "Lilliputian" spring-time fashions are the most delectablo affairs imaginable. One glimpse into the baby shops and the children's department in any of the big stores will inspire mothers toward tho creation of diminutive wardrobes. The finest of fine handwork done in the French manner, and the inimitable cut and perfection of taste which is so characteristically English, combine in making the choicest confections; simple styles that will set off baby charm, and beautiful quality clothes which will always keep their freshness and look their best.

Then baby clothes are so easy to make. They need so little material and they are nearly always best when made bv hand. The very young baby and tho little girl, aged two or three years, have always been kings and queens of the hand-made world. Even during the last few years, when hand-made things have suffered a tomporary eclipse, a machinemade christening robe would have been a crime. ... Recently I Baw some exquisite robes in an exclusive baby shop, where only the most beautiful materials and workmanship are displayed. Nearly all the robes were long, although there were several shorter ones intended for the slightly older baby. Fine French voiles and muslins were embellished by Valenciennes lace and hand-made insertions, which were used with the utmost delicacy and precision. Infinitesimal pintucks and fine, white embroidery, which looked as though it was the work of fairy hands, made delicate tracery over tiny bodices and climbed in wide panels up the centre front and round the hemlines of the skirts. Thero were bonnets made to go with each robe, each one seeming more exquisite than the last. Baby ribbons of pale blue and pink were threaded through tiny waists and necklines and formed cluster bows on the sides of the bonnets. Although nearly all the robes were pure white there were some which were faintly tinged with cream and so suggestive of age. Age, of course, is a desirable thing in a christening robe, as many of them are true works of art and as such are handed down from generation to generation. One of these, an exact copy of an 18th century robe, was embroidered in an all-over design of eyelet holes. , . The party frocks shown in this shop were equally beautiful and displayed the same exquisite materials and workmanship. These were all made either

with tiny shoulder yokes or with bodices which were too small to be noticeable. They hung in pleats or gathers from the shoulder. Some were sleeveless and some had tiny puff sleeves. Although white was again the predominant colour, some pastel blues, pinks and yellows were very lovely. Baby ribbons of pink and blue were again used and one chic young maiden was to sport a hailstone muslin frock with ribbon threads of jet black. Nor were the little girls the sole supporters of the hand-made mode. Enchanting blouses for very small boys made of silk and sheer linen displayed tucks and frills which rivalled their sistors.

But these things nro, of course, party finery and reserved as such for the more special occasions. It is ovory da.v play frocks and suits, coats and bonnets which are of general interest to the avorago child. For these there is a tempting choice of materials — ginghams, tobralco, pique, dimity, batiste, dotted swiss, organdie and handkerchief linen. Generally speaking cotton and linen materials are the best. Floral prints, small conventional motifs, checks and plains are all suitable for the very young. The designs should be small and gay but not too bold in colour. I saw one pantie dress of blue and white checked gingham. "This had a sleeveless romper with a button-up-the-front bodice and two pockets on the panties. A pinafore dress of the same material, made something on the lines of a school gymnasium tunic but with skirt gathered, on to the high yoke, was worn over the top. This would be an excellent holiday outfit, especially for the beach, where a small girl would be able to dig in comfort in her rompers and yet return home quite /the young lady.'' In my illustration I have drawn a play frock and a play suit, as well as two sum«wr coats and hats which are

suitable only for the very young. The play frock is a sensible yet fanciful affair of blue spot tobrnlco which has a full skirt, a blue bound yoke and shoulder buttons. The frilly apologies for sleeves give an individuality to a simple frock. The little boy s suit is a well-cut garment of white cotton corduroy under which he wears a white mesh shirt with fashionable front lacing. Note the pockets, which are the delight of every boy, however small. The 3'oung lady in tho centre of the page wears a charming imported coat and bonnet set of white, wide wale pique. The flaunting capo and large eyelet holes aro its only adornment. A more fnncy outfit is worn by the baby in the pram. Her white dotted swiss coat and bonnet have detachable pink and blue silk linings and her cape and bonnet brim aro edged with real Valenciennes laco.