FOR THOSE WHO LOVE NEEDLEWORK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3347, 8 May 1918, Page 51

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE NEEDLEWORK.

A Few Helpful Suggestions.— Some of us find it difficult and tiresome to thread a very fine needle, especially in these dull, dark days. Here is a tip that will save wear and tear of eyesight —and temper. Take a white envelope and stick the needle through it, and draw it downwards until the eye only is visible. You will find no trouble then in threading your needle, for the white surface of the paper will put the eye into relief as if it were magnified. Be sure to have the paper stout enough to hold the needle firmly. Are you unpicking a garment that is machine-stitched? Before you recut it to make it into something else, brush out all the old threads, turn a hot flatiron upside down and put over it a wet cloth ; then stretch the part of the material that shows the marks of stitching over this cloth, which will be steaming. Of course, bo sure to hold the wrong side of the material next to the heat. The result is most satisfactory. Remember that one of the scarcest and most expensive materials now to buy is linen, and so save all small pieces, used or unused. An old linen frock can be given a new lease of life as a cover for a cushion, if laundered carefully and embroidered with some pretty and suitable design. Don’t despair if the colour has Jaded; all you need' is a reliable dye—of which there are many on the market still—and a careful following of the directions given with the said dyes. You should be able to produce a nice bit of linen sufficient for your purpose in a charming shade of colour. Odd bits of linen will come in handily for mats, sachets, or traycloths, to say nothing of pincushion covers.