USING UP ODDS AND ENDS

NZ Truth, Issue 1127, 7 July 1927, Page 17

USING UP ODDS AND ENDS

Some Hints For Handy Needle-Workers For those who. are handy withitheir needles there are all sorts of ways by which odd remnants of \ materials may be used to advantage, besides offering a mfcans of turning the long evenings to good account. ;

T'HBRE are few of us who have not 1 : some lengths or odd pieces of!material on hand, but what- to make is the question. ' ' ' Have' you ever thought of making ' little tea aprons, if not for yourself,, as presents for your friends, who would appreciate, such, a gift. ' : . From the point of view of presents they have a distinct advantage, inasmuch as they are easily packed and make a light package. You need not , confine, yourself to using one material for one design, for so long as the materials used . are somewhat similar m texture, very pretty effects may be obtained. It would be possible to have a bodice of one material and the skirt section of another, or a plain apron could be relieved with pockets and hem of some floral design. A deep hem of some contrasting material is always permissible and often adds a touch of brightness to the garment. Any little pieces of patterned silks left over from dressmaking ventures make the most delightful aprons. . Linen is another useful medium, and with the addition of touches of em-

broidery they make really cheery gifts.. - ; . As to design, there are many „ patterns available, but it is almost as easy tb cut your own pattern out m paper first, try it on, then you can see the amount of material you will require and make your adjustments accordingly. • So far as ties and straps are concerned,, should you not .have sufficient material at your disposal, a length of ribbon may be substituted; at very litqe cost. Also' ribbon will prove an effective addition if used as binding, but should you be of. an;.econom}cal turn ..of ; mind you may turn m. a narrow hem and work an outline* stitch along with embroidery. • If the apron is made of such dainty materials as muslin or lawn — left over from summer frocks — pieces of lace will be found more suitable for the edgings. No matter how careful one may be, m cutting out a frock it is impossible to avoid having "left-overs," but with a little thought these pieces may be turned into something useful instead of being thrown away.