Notes For Women

Wairarapa Daily Times, 15 August 1931, Page 2

Notes For Women

Fashions, Recipes and Infs.

HOME DRESSMAKING, Women are generally proud of their home-made pies and cakes, but they hate the frock which looks home-made. A writer in an exchange tells us that a country woman can be just as smart as her city sister in her dress, even though she has not the same choice of ready-to-wear frocks, nor the opportunity of finding a really smart dressmaker. Her instructions are simple and concise. * * w * Gccd Pattern Essential. First of all, obtain a good pattern. Cutting out is the most important, and cannot be done in live minutes. If the material is not cut out correctly, the finished article cannot be expected to lie satisfactory. Have a nice clear table, scissors and pins—have the best pins, because even they sometimes leave marks in silk fabrics. Pin all patterns on the material first (because it would not be very pleasing if one proceeded with the cutting out first and then discovered not sufficient material). If it is a plain material, one can save a great deal by placing the shoulder seams together, but in ease of some printed materials and velvet, all patterns must run the same way. It is best to have the frock fitted and then pressed with the stitching, following directions if there are directions with the pattern. * * * * Watcli the Collar. Then there is the finishing off; that counts a great deal. It is nice to press the seams as the frock is being made. This point is very often overlooked. Then, perhaps, the dress is tried on before the finishing touches are added, and it is not satisfactory. The sleeves, if there are any, do not set rightly, the collar 'Sticks out, perhaps, if it is a coat, it hangs out at the bottom. The sleeves are, I believe, most trying. Do not have the arm-hole too large nor too small, and in ease of a small arm-hole do not try cutting out too much under the arm —let out the seam. To be on the safe side, tack the sleeve in any try on; sometimes the sleeve seam needs to come more towards the front. A few gathers in the sleeve help a great deal, especially in cases where the wearer’s arms are not as slim as she would like them to be, the sleeves pull across here, and so split with arm movement —a very few gathers are needed —not like the sleeves we see on ladies in ISOO. In case of a collar standing out from the neck at the back: If cut too low it may be remedied by taking more on the 'Shoulder, but take stock first that it is not going to interfere with the back in another place. Stretch the collar slightly on the neck at the back. A roll collar will never set satisfactorily if the collar is not stretched tightly on to the neck at the back.

Iu nil sc or costume, coat, or even a sports blazer, the back of the coat perhaps may hang out. Well, take a little more on the slid tier seams near the sleeve —not at the neck. Then, in the case of the front coat hanging apart at the bottom —this applies to a fulllength coat —they take off at the shoulder seams again, only at the neck this time. # * * * Pressing. Weight and time are more to be considered than heat in obtaining the best results. An iron used too cool will shrink the material. Try pressing on a small piece of the material first before the maile-up garment in case mu rlcs arCleft. Then, of course, a cloth could be placed between iron and material. Velvet must never be pressed on the Hat, but seams held at each end and passed over the iron to prevent marking. Another thng, when handling velvet, take a cutting of velvet, and place between finger and thumb, holding pile to pile. Fancy crepes are pressed the same way as velvet, but velveteen may be pressed flat. Georgette and woollen fabrics must not bo pressed under a damp cloth, where a. number of other materials may. In a thick frock of, say, 'flannel, where there is the Hat seam, rub soap on the seam. Very often steaming will improve a last season’s frock. To do away with any unnecessary fulness, place a damp cloth on the part and place a hot iron on that cloth. * * * * Shiny Marks. A sliinv serge suit may be improved by rubbing with a fine glass paper, not too hard, but just sufficient to roughen the snap, and then press. Pressing marks may be removed by steaming. Place the dam]) cloth on the place, then place iron on cloth for a few seconds, causing steam to rise. Then slap the part with an open hand, then brush. Velvet may be restored by. holding over a basin of hot water. When the machine oil unfortunately comes in contact with material, try stitching a piece of cotton wool on the mark. For a blood stain, put on damp starch and brush off when dry. * * * * Hints. A cork dipped in paraffin is a splendid tiling for removing rust spots from metal of any kind. A little vinegar or lemon juice added fo the water in which cabbages are cooked improves the flavour and colour, and lessens the odour which arises from them while cooking. French chalk is admirable for nibbing over the backs of playing cards which have to be used over and over again. If nibbed with a clean duster and a little French chalk, they lose their stickiness which often makes it awkward for the dealer.