AT THE NEEDLE’S POINT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7850, 12 July 1911, Page 11

AT THE NEEDLE’S POINT

One of tho most interesting and graceful excursions into that delightful realm of needlework which is open bo those who possess both taste and time is worth a few words of appreciation. For it is the mode of tho moment in needleoraft, and that, to some workers, is almost as weighty a consideration as beauty. “ Venetian ladder stitch” is the name given to what looks a difficult and elaborate kind of work, and is in reality quite simplcTho stitoh really consists of two rows of fine buttonholing running parallel with one another and connected at regular intervals by buttonhole bars. The material is cut away when ihe work is finished, leaving tho open “ ladder ” of fine buttonholing. It is best to begin experiments in Venetian ladder stiteh by working in straight lines. Workers who have done much cut Roman—or as it is sometimes, and more correctly, called Venetian —work will find fiheir experience in fine and rapid buttonholing very useful. The new stitch, which is much in evidence in the high-class imported lingerie, is chiefly used when an openwork effect in continuous linos is desired, and the long curving scrolls may bo combined with tho most happy effect with solid embroidery, giving great delicacy to the design. A favourite way of utilising Venetian ladder stitch is also to form a “cartoucho” or medallion shape in which is a monogram or interlaced initials in satin stitch. Used thus it makes a popular marking for lunch/ napkins and fine handkerchiefs. The stitch is combined with broderio Anglaise, and is especially effective in embroidery patterns where true lovers’ knots or ribbon effects are introduced. _

For very fine needlework in joining the' seams of fine blouses, infants' dresses, yokes, etc., enthusiastio workers with time and eyesight to spare j will find Venetian ladder gives beautiful effects. But I think this would be carrying enthusiasm too far myself. I cannot bear to see people, perilling their eyesight even in the fine stitchery I eo love. _ Cross-stitch is an effective —and will be a fashionable—trimming for blouses and children's spring and summer clothes. Worked in good French cottons or Harris flax thread of harmonious washing shades the effect of these bands is excellent. Cross-stitch may also he combined with solid embroidery in satin stitch and used as bands of trimming on shirt blouses, and to decorate cuffs and collar. Next week I shall have something to say about two or three pretty dress novelties which are quite within the scope of clever home-workers. , . —ZEALANDIA, FOE .THE HOME SEWEE SKIRT BINDING. Sew the skirt binding on the hem of your skirt before you press it. Pressing the goods flattens it, and it becomes difficult to fell the braid on a turn fabric without stitching through it. TRY A MAGNET. Those who have not tried it ha\e no, idea what a great convenience is a magnet in the workbasket. Fasten it to the side of the basket by means of a tape or ribbon sowed about it, and use it to pick up scissors or scattered needles or pins. TO AVOID , PUCKERS. Save tho narrow paper that bolts of ribbon come on. When stitching on thin material use these papers to place under the goods to avoid puckering. They are much easier to use than strips of newspaper torn up. CROCHETED RUCHE. On a strip of fine tape tho size of your collarband crochet a narrow lace edge of some pretty pattern, about half an inch wide, using fino cotton, and it will outwear many bought ruches. I DOILIES IR A SKIRT. The housekeeper whose supply of doilies is getting low should look over her summer wardrobe and see if there are any heavy linen skirts not worth making over, but wboso material will last for years, says the ''New York Times." Tbese can be cut into doilies of various mzes. One woman from tho best oarfa

of a nino-gored skirt cut an oval centrepiece, 12 plate doilies and 12 tumbler doilies to match, with four smaller ovals for under dishes. The plate doilies were nine inches in diameter finished and the tumbler doilies five inches. There was no extra cost for stamping, as the edges wore flushed with a grouped scallop, the central one being twice the size of that on each side. This applied to the doily brought two of the smaller scallops side by side, with a large one between every two. The scallops were padded with chainstitch and worked in No. 30 mercerised white cotton, in a close buttonhole stitch. SILK ROSES. Those tiny rococo silk roses that have been the fancy of the Parisienno for the past two years have played a large part as a decorative motif on hats, blouses, girdles and neckwear, during the past season. They are eo piquant in colouring and so adaptable to dainty design that plain satin and gold evening shoes and slippers are decorated with them, either in little clusters or dainty wreaths, instead of the long*used buckle or bow.