Fashions and Furbelows.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18959, 3 January 1930, Page 13

Fashions and Furbelows.

Notes by Special Contributors _

A valuable hint.

If perspiration has faded or stained dresses, especially under the arms, do not throw or give the frocks away, or cut them down for smaller members of the family. The following method used by an expert maid entirely does away with the trouble: Soak in milk for five or ten minutes the parts that are stained; then stretch the goods over a vessel and remove the milk by pouring boiling water over the damp parts. The hot water carries away all the milk, and with it goes the stain, leaving the goods perfectly clean. If the dress has been faded by the perspiration, the colour will return. Hang the dress in the shade to dry, and after it has been pressed there will be no evidence of discolouration. According to the maid who cleaned the dress the writer saw, silk dresses respond as well as those of wool to this treatment: but be sure not to wring the water out of the goods. Silk stockings that have been stained by dark shoes can be cleaned by washing them in milk, if the stain cannot be removed in the ordinary wav.

USEFUL HANDBAG

It w often necessary to carry papers and books that will not go into an ordinary purse. A useful and nicelooking bag can be made in the following way.

Decide on the size and shape desired, then choose a piece of black velvet of the proportions required. If it is old, steam it on the wrong side and brush it on the right to freshen it. Double the velvet, cut it the shape wanted, and stitch up the seams. Then cut a* piece of strong black sateen the same shape and size as the velvet. Stitch to the parts that will form the sides, strips of velvet, dividing one strip into small pockets that will hold such articles as mirror, compact and comb. Snaps must be sewed on that will keep articles from falling out of the pockets Fix two deep pockets on the other side for papers or larger things. A metal handle and frame can be bought for the bag at almost any department store. Sew into place the top of the bag, which should just fit the frame, then put the lining inside of the velvet and catch the seams to gether in several places. Now sew the lining to the velvet around the top. This can be covered with a strip of narrow ribbon or braid. A tassel of silk or beads makes a nice finish for the bottom.

FASHION NUGGETS

Evening wraps follow closely the contour of the daytime coat, having snug shoulders and irregular hem-lines. Large pouch cuffs of fur are seen, which often reach above the elbow\ The shorter wrap is favoured. Blouses are again very popular this season. Stains and crepes are shown to complete the cloth suit, while for more dressy wear metal and panne velvet are correct.