Patient Dressmakers.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 956, 27 June 1890, Page 4

Patient Dressmakers.

1 Yes, wo meet many cranks,’ remarked a dressmaker. * The first grade are those ladies who have dresses altered. I had some experience with one of this class not long ago. She sent for me. “Miss X.,” she said, “ t want this dress made over. The material is very expensive, and cost me $4 a yard. I am almost afraid to let you undertake it.” “Very well, then,” I said, rising. “However, I think I will trust you,” she continued.

‘So, after the usual preliminaries of measuring and fitting, I sat down to take the dres3 to pieces. I applied the scissors and cut the goods on the bias. With that she groaned aloud. I worked for about half an hour, while she continued to get more and more nervous. At last she arose. “I can’t stand it any longer,” she said. “I am too nervous. You must go. I can’t have you work any more to-day. ’ So I left. , ‘ The next day I received a note to call. “ I suppose you might as well finish what you have begun,” she said when I entered, “ but work as quickly as you can.” ‘ Well, I was never before so harassed. She groaned whenever I touched the scissors. The dress turned ont a perfect success, and fitted her splendidly. As a result the lady has taken a great fancy to me and I like her, although social gaieties have made her a partial victim to nervouß prostration.

* I recall another case,’ continued the dressmaker. ‘ I made a dress for a lady out of decidedly cheap material. When she tried it on she said : “It is too long.” I took it up an inch. The next day she said s “It is too short.” I let it down the inch. She said : “ Oh, dear, yon have made it too long once more ” I took it up half an inch. Then i.t was too short once more. Seven times I let out and took up that half-ibch. At last she said: “That is right.” It was right, because it was just as I had it at first. Yes, a dressmaker needs patience.’