SWEET LAVENDER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 197, 24 September 1914, Page 4

SWEET LAVENDER.

This sweet old-fashioned bloom, which was eveu more favoured in our grandmother's .days than at the present time, may be made the source of much artistic delight, as various pretty and dainty articles can be turned out from it by the- help of deft fingers and ingenious designs. Charming little arrangements of lavender stalks, blended with ribbon, make capital articles for selling. at bazaars, etc., and for birthday presents, being particularly acceptable, by reason of their combined daintiness and sweetness of smell.

A beauty-loving woman has recently fashioned some exquisite articles of fancy work, which are useful too, in a very- dainty way, using as her material long, smooth lavender stalks in bloom and many yards of lavender-coloured baby ribbon. With taste and skill, her deft fingers wove in and out between the slender stalks shining rows of ribbon, until at last there,* lay a shimmering lavender-tinted and lavender-scented fan —large and substantial enough for actual use, but so fairy-like and delicate that one would be content to admire its beauty as a fan which might be used, but should not. j. The fragrant blue blossoms were first folded down upon their stems, and baby ribbon woven very closely. and . : firmly iii between the steins, which covered them, the blossoms being in the centre. This makes a firm, smooth handle, which tapers toward the fan part. The stems are then expanded and trimmed with scissors into proper shape, to make a rounding edge. This flat surface, from about two inches above the handle, is closely woven with the baby ribbon, and a full cluster is fastened at the top, as is also a rosette of loops at the smallest part of the handle.

Another very popular way of using lavender is the making of "lavender sticks." These are similar to the handle of the fan described, and three or four are joined together in a cluster by, large, full bows of baby ribbon of any delicate colour. They are hung against lace curtains or 0A T er chair backs, and the pungent, spicy odour from the hidden blossoms fills the room.

Many a dainty woman loves the scent of lavender in her bedroom and upon her clothing and household belongings, and bunches of this fragrant herb, enclosed in some very fine fabric, tied with lavender ribbons, given to a fastidious friend to lay away in her bureau or wardrobe, would be a useful gift. Love of delicate odours is an evidence of refinement, and the verj>- act of scenting a garment presupposes its immaculate cleanliness. Then how pretty and dainty it is to scatter blossoms from the lavender bed throughout one's possessions, and to let the good old-fashioned perfume become a part of one's daily life.