Fashions and Furbelows

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18546, 21 August 1928, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows

NOTES BY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS.

A HOME-MADE HELMET.

If you were told that your friend had made her own piquant little helmet hat, you would probably find yourself unwillingly disbelieving the statement, or deciding that she had missed her true vocation in not becoming a milliner. But the truth is that the veriest amateur can create one of these light-weight helmets, which are ideal for all weather, in a short span of time. All she needs is one of last year’s velour hats to use as a foundation, or, if preferred, one-~of these large felt or velour shapes which are sold for the purpose of cuttingup. First put the shape on, and pull it right down over the ears as far as possible, until there is no space left between the top of the head and the crown of the shape. Take a piece of chalk and draw a line round the shape, so that it just covers your eyebrows and the edge of your shingle, comes to a point in the centre-front and back, and dips in curves to cover both ears. At each side of the ear flaps draw a perpendicular line about two inches long, up the crown. Now cut all round the chalk lines carefully, and bind the ear flaps with corded ribbon or strips of leather, making the binding about half-an-inch wide so that it will easily cover the other cut edges which are sewn to the inside of the binding. If the helmet is too large, pull the back and front together under the ear flaps until it is a correct fit. A small decorative pin gives a. chic finish, and then no one will believe you’ve made your hat yourself, until you prove the truth of it by telling them how it is done. , IN THESE “WOOLLY” DAYS. The new hangers to hang up all. your knitted and stockinette garments are the simplest thing to make yourself,' and will not make horrid bulges in the shoulders of your jumpers like ordinary hangers do. You will either want a child's hoop, about twelve inches in diameter or cut a ring an inch wide that size cut of thick cardboard. Whichever you choose, pad it well all round with strips of material or cotton wool. Then take two lengths of three-quarter inch wide coloured satin ribbon. Put your two ribbons, twice the length round the ring, on either side of the hoop, and run neatly along each edge, gathering evenly as you go. Finish at the. top with a bow to hang by.

This very dainty ensemble comprises frock of powder-blue and white figured foulard worn under a coat of powderblue corded silk. The horizontal tucks on the frock, suggesting a broad waistbelt, and the kilted frills on the skirt, are both interesting notes.