WORK COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue IX, 26 August 1899, Page 45

WORK COLUMN.

1 hi re is such a rage for trimming by means of knots and bows of all and every description, most of which are tied off and then appliqued on the material afterwards, that 1 think the

details of how to make a true lover's knot will lie interesting to most of my readers. With the aid of the illustration 1 think the following directions can lie easily carried out. Hold the left end of the cord in the left hand and then take the loop A E. taking care that the continuation of E |uisses under A. anil not above it. I hen make the centre loop. C D. rather larger than the first, taking care, where the cords cross at G. that D is underneath; then make a third loop. F B. in a similar manner. (In nautical language, make three halfhitches. one over the other.) Take particular care that the crossing of the cords is exactly as shown in the diagram. To complete the knot, pass A over B under and over F; whilst B is to be pulled or passed under A. over D. and under E. These two cords pulled out at either side make the side loops, and the middle hitch pulled upwards from the centre loop. When the method of making it becomes familiar the knot can be made in a few seconds. As an embroiderv ornament it is very effective. ® ® ®

Lamp shades of straw are the latest in Paris, trimmed very much with laee and flowers. The straw is tinted to any shade, but quite the favourite one is self colour, though it is closelv run by a straw of a beautiful Parma violet tint. The shade shown has trimmings of roses anil violets. A little ruche of violets edges it. and a spray of roses is fantastically arranged on the upper part. "All-round" shades are also the fashion. These are form-

ed of a broad band of silk or vellum, tightly stretched over a wire fra ne. ornamented with spangles or laee applique. and edged with a straight gold and silvt'd gimp. Another ide:: i- to mount them with small tinted engravings let into the silk at intervals and set round with paillettes. This is work which the natty-fingered can carry out with much success. Autotype reproductions of old eng livings provide the pictures. Should silk be considered too flimsy, or veil , m 100 costly, ordinary coarse drawing paper may be substituted, on which the engravings are mounted, the paper being cut away from the back of them. A touch of hand-painting enhances the effect and combines to produce a lamp shade which may well rank as a thing- of beauty.