USEFUL HINTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20065, 23 March 1935, Page 14

USEFUL HINTS

MANTELPIECE STAINS Marble mantelpieces soon become stained with smoke underneath and on top by cigarette ends or spilt liquid. The top stains may be removed by applying a smooth paste made of whiting mixed with turpentine. If the marble is cleaned regularly with furniture cream at the same time as the furniture, stains will not be so readily incurred. A good cream for removing stains from underneath a mantelpiece can be made as follows: Mix two ounces each of pumice stone and whiting with four ounces of powdered washing soda. Mix to a smooth paste with boiling water. The paste should be left on for several hours and should not be used for the top. Velvet Curtains To freshen velvet, take a large plateful of hot salt, lay a little at a time on the velvet, and proceed to rub it in thoroughly, going the way of the pile. Continue till the salt gets dirty, and treat all the velvet in the same way. When every part has been done, take the curtains out of doors,

thoroughly shake out all the salt, and brush well. Points for Knitters Wool should never be wound tightly, or it will become impoverished. Ordinary steel needles are inclined to soil decilate colours. It is better to use steel-lined ones, for they will keep the work absolutely clean, and are, of course, unbreakable. Some people knit more tightly than others, and therefore it is advisable, before beginning a piece of work, to knit a small portion to make sure that the tension is right. A firm edge is essential for good knitting. To obtain this, knit into the back of the cast-on stitches. A crochet hook is invaluable when picking up dropped stitches. A white cloth spread over the knees will make all the difference when doing a dark piece of work in artificial light.