Fashions and Furbelows.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18630, 6 December 1928, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows.

Notes by Special Contributors

RE-DATING FROCKS BY CHANGED NECKLINES.

It is often the tell-tale neckline that stamps a garment as of last year, whereas the addition of a modish trimming would bring it quickly up to date. This is especially true just now when the neckline has taken to itself great importance and is characterised bycapes, yokes, scarfs, kerchiefs and other innumerable details that beautify the upper part of an otherwise plain dress. Whether these new touches shall be an integral part of the garment or take the form of a detached accessory, is largely a matter of personal taste and convenience, there being always the advantage in favour of the adjustable neck trimming that it can be easily and quickly varied. A trip through the shops, observing new models, is one of the best ways to become acquainted with the novel and diversified treatment of the present season’s neckline. One notes particularly that the back receives as much consideration as the front. This is evidenced in the many 7 scarf adjustments that start flat and broad on the shoulder seams but are caught together and knotted below the waist, with ends more or less drooping, according to the type of dress. Two such sashes are sometimes arranged in a deep V in front, where they are seamed to form a long flat bias. 'I he scarf then continues over the shoulders and is knotted at a becoming point at the back. For an evening dress, these ends can extend below the bottom of the skirt to form the modish uneven hem. A new version of the long scarf shows it with ends deeply 7 slashed, the binding, picoting or other edge-finish being carried along these openings with extremelv pretty effect, especially when al! edges are bound with a contrasting colour or with a plain fabric of the colour predominating in the printed scarf.

In rejuvenating a dress, the graceful cape in its many adaptations brings quick and satisfying results. Even though attached to the dress, as in the new models, these berthes and capes are almost identical in outline with those to be found in the neckware section of any large department shop, the only difference being that the one

incorporated in the dress matches in colour though not necessarily in material. Made of georgette or sheer crepe, these fluttering accessories can -work wonders in transforming the entire appearance of a frock, as they can cover its entire upper part or merely the front or back, as preferred. They 7 are usually bound on all edges and made to close under a shoulder flower or bow.

Another modish touch that the home dressmaker will appreciate is the yoke of irregular outline and inset or applied in some ornamental way, preferably with fagoting. Many of these yokes have jabots at the point of closing or join with loops and jeweled buttons. The fashion of using the reverse side of the fabric and making the most effective contrasts-of the two surfaces, though not new, seems to have increased in popularity and for purposes of remodeling it serves a good purpose, as matching a shade is not so difficult when a contrasting surface can be utilised. These new yokes are often extended down on the sleeve, thus creating a novel shoulder line seen only on this season’s models. The application of the must be done in some decorative way as this is an important part of the trimming detail.

HOLIDAY WORK. The woman who is thinking of spending a restful holiday at some quiet seaside or country place will find she has plenty of leisure for light needlework. Many business women whose workaday lives are spent in an atmosphere of rush and noise often feel too tired when on holiday to do much reading, and a few hours spent in embroidering or plain sewing, as they sit peacefully on the sands or in a garden, are of real value in resting their nerves. Mothers of y 7 oung families, too. who cannot go far afield because they 7 must keep watch over their children, have often more time than usual lor sewing. It is well to use this unaccustomed leisure for making something dainty for themselves. Nothing heavy 7 or elaborate should be undertaken, but .something that can be completed in a short time. Busy women often find that they are too rushed before a holiday to get

ready everything they will need while away*, and sometimes the deficiencies can be made good during the first few days of holiday. A sleeveless cardigan, for instance, is very 7 quickly made, and it is a xiseful addition to any 7 holiday outfit. If the colour and material are carefully 7 chosen it can complete a jumper suit or bring a rather old-fash-ioned frock or skirt and jumper quite up *to date. A very 7 pretty sleeveless cardigan made by one busy 7 woman in a very short time was in pale green woollen material, with a charming design of wild roses embroidered in wool in soft tones of pink and green down the front of the cardigan. This was intended to wear with a new 7 jumper suit of pale grey 7 and green striped material, and two rather old w-ashing frocks, one in pale green linen, the other in white washing silk. The addition of the cardigan not onlv gave the little extra warmth w 7 hich is so often needed when one wears a thin frock at the seaside, but it made the two tub frocks appear quite smart and modern.