THE "SHORT LENGTHS" TABLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 793, 14 October 1929, Page 5

THE "SHORT LENGTHS" TABLE

ECONOMICAL DRESS BUYING When I was shopping with a friend one day-, I stopped at a table heaped with pieces of silk and other materials. My- friend said: “What’s the use of looking at these remnants? Each one is a short length, and wouldn't be reduced if it were enough for a dress and not too much for a jumper!” This is the type of woman who never makes the most of her dress money. Odd pieces of silk can suggest alterations which make old frocks serve a new purpose. The short length of navy marbcain, which would be four times the price if there were enough for a dress, will make an overdress for the pale grey crepe de chine frock that is soiled or worn under the arms. It will provide sleeves, and a loose panel back and front, and a piece of grey- crepe can easily- be removed where the navycovers it to make collar and cuffs to match the panels. The present fashion for coatees on frocks of all sorts is ideal for economy. The very cheap short, length of brocade Is just too little for a coatee, but the other piece of plain silk which tones with it and is too small for a complete dress, will save the situation. The plain silk will make the full front of the dress, and the back from the waist down. Any material will do for the top of the back as it will be under the coat. This will leave enough of the plain silk to make a deep band to lengthen the coatee and wide cuffs to extend the sleeves. Very often it will be found that the smartest detail would never have been introduced into the garment if the exigencies of the material had tion. . • Sometimes very- small pieces of the most expensive materials, such as richly embossed velvet in gorgeous coloui-ings, are offered for a few shillings. Any piece with a bold pattern should be purchased, for the vivid parts of the design, cut out and appliqued round the neck will prove the “making” of a simple black dress and treble its apparent value. H.R.