A STITCH IN TIME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21957, 8 May 1941, Page 8

A STITCH IN TIME

Proverbs are often more euphemisms than meant to be taken literally. The one about “A stitch in time . . ~” however, is the exception to the rule, and should quite definitely be taken to heart. These days, when economy is something we must all practice, not only from a personal viewpoint, but a patriotic one, to be able«to mend one’s clothes neatly, is a necessary accomplishment. On underwear, lace trimming usually shows signs of wear first, and it needs careful mending. Cut a piece of fine net the required shape, and stitch it under the lace, turning in the net edges narrowly. Then, on the right side stitch the lace to the net, going carefully round the pattern where it is wearing thin. If one side of the lace forms an edge of the garment, buttonhole stitch the net and lace together very finely. Lace Edging When narrow lace edging is breaking away, cut it Ou very carefully close to the stitching, and work close buttonholing or blanket, stitch in its place. Finally, embroider a little soray of flowers in thread to match the new edging. Here is a neat way to hide a tear made by straining shoulder straps. Cut some short lengths of matching ribbon, about two inches wide, and turn under the mitre at one end. Sew this to the right side of the material, starting at least an inch below the worn part. Take the other end of the ribbon over to the wrong side and sew it down to correspond to the first end. Make doubled loops like this at both back and front, then sew on your new shoulder straps to them. Ribbon Will Help Perhaps your slip or singlet is wearing under the arm. Again ribbon will come to your aid. First, cut oft the worn part in a straight strip, and whip the raw edges of the slip with matching silk. Cut a piece of ribbon to fit—probably about six inches long by three inches wide—hem each end, then faggot stitch In place. A hole or a thin place in silk stockinette should be mended in this way. Sew a piece of fine net to the wrong side with very fine stitches. Then, on the right side, darn the material to the net, taking the threads across diagonally to prevent the material from pucker sometimes the hem of a petticoat or nightdress wears long before the rest of the fabric. This can be solved with a scalloped edge worked above the worn parts.