WORK COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XVIII, 6 May 1899, Page 622

WORK COLUMN.

A handkerchief sachet of a new style is a novelty that is sure to find admirers, for are we not all weary of the square, the oblong, and the •envelope’ types? We want something pretty, dainty, and, above all, useful. The last-named quality is one that, too often, is not forthcoming among the newest of sachets. It is quite a work of time and perseverance to open and shut many of these little cases, with their multitudinous flaps and ribbons, and though the general effect may be excellent, few people have the patience to expend such an amount of energy every time they want to get at a clean handkerchief. The shape of the sachet, of which I give a sketch, is something out of the common, and its ornamentation is very charming. Though strings are shown in the illustration

these could quite well be dispensed with, and then its owner would only have to slip her hand into the opening, without any time being spent on tying and untying. Another advantage about this sachet is that we often get three-cornered bits of brocade or satin left over from evening gowns, and in this way they can be used up admirably, if it is plain silk or satin it should be embroidered on the top side with conventionalised flowers, and then marked off into diamonds by tiny passementerie being stretched across and across. In placing this trimming eare must be taken to thread it first over and then under so that it will keep its place with a few stitches at the various junctions. In place of the passementerie tiny guipure lace insertion looks very pretty when laid on a ribbon, the colour of Which contrasts with the background. The lining of the sachet should be quilted satin, and a soft interlining, well scented, should be made of white cotton-wool. The edging of the mouth of the sachet is of closely-quilted narrow ribbon; this must be inserted between the lining and the covering, and a cord finishes it on the outside. The ribbon stretched across may be added or not

according to taste, but in any case the point of the sachet should have attached a handsome bow of ribbon harmonising in tone with the silk. In cutting the case out remember to make it sufficiently large to take two or three handkerchiefs side-by side, or if it is wanted to hold a large number, fluted silk let in on either side in the fashion of bellows will make much more room inside the case. ARTISTIC DRAPERY FOR BED. How true the saying is, ‘There is nothing new under the sun;’ we are going back to the old styles in our dress, jewels, and even our furniture. The days of severe simplicity in bedsteads have gone by and we see again the ornamental ones of our grandmothers, not the heavy canopies of ye olden days, but draperies of a more artistic order. The drapery for a bed or couch that I illustrated has the merit of being somewhat novel in its arrangement, and yet quite easily attained by an amateur effort. The material used should be some artistically designed cretonne, Madras canvas, art muslin or silk, the tints of which should be chosen quite in accord with the scheme'of colouring in the room. Get some iron rods flattened at one end with holes to screw to the wall and .place them at intervals like stairs, the top one being much longer than the others. Instead of having a bracket from the ceiling as iri this design, a rod fastened to the wall somewhat higher than the others will be much simpler and will look as effective. The drapery is gathered with a deep heading and fulled on to the top rod, allowing it to fall in gracefid folds over the lower ones. A bed without a half-tester or top can be daintily and easily decorated in this way, with a very pretty result. If desired the top rod could be arranged in a corner with the other rods on either side. Perfumed beds are the latest ideas, and it'must be a very delightful form of luxury.To sleep between ‘lavenderscented’ sheets is an oft-quoted phrase, and I have often wished things could eome home from the laundry redolent of lavender, or something nicer than the soap many use. The fashion above mentioned is said to have been introduced by a very well-known duchess, who is famed for her hospitality. If her guests are of the ‘dine-and-sleep’ order she manages to find out beforehand what the favourite perfume is, and has a great many strong flat sachets made scented with the guest’s favourite perfume.