WORK COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue XV, 7 October 1899, Page 653

WORK COLUMN.

It occurred to me the other day how very seldom we use our capacity for doing embroidery in the ornamentation of fans. They really require very little work, only that which is used should be of the very best, and also of course unless the fan is to be backed, which adds considerably to its weight, it should be done so that both sides are alike, or nearly so. A beginner might start with a spray of marguerites on white gauze, these executed in white filoselle silk with yellow centres of orange knots and delicately outlined green foliage.

It would be quite easy to do, would make a charming fan for any young girl, and would be somewhat of a relief from the often very badly painted fan of the inexpensive order. I am able to give here to my readers a design done by a very clever Frenchman, and we all know how thev excel in the art of fan oruameu-

tation. A stout black grenadine would lie required for the pur}M>se, and floss silk is used for the embroidery. The feathers of the tail of the cock would have a better effect if cut out of black velvet and applique with black silk. The feathers of the body should Im' shaded blue and green, with here and there a touch of pale blue. The beak is yellow, and so, too, is part of the head, shaded with black and brown stitches. A brilliant sealing-wax red must, be selected for working the comb. It should be mounted on black sticks, and would be wonderfully effective with either a red or a black dress.