WORK COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue I, 5 January 1901, Page 43

WORK COLUMN.

Persuaded somewhat against my will at a recent large patriotic bazaar to join in a raffle, to my delight and surprise I liecame the proud possessor of this charming cushion, which on my return home I immediately sketched for the benefit of my readers. The whole idea struck me as so unique and pretty that I really could not resist giving you this description

of it. On a ground work of fine white muslin, cut in the form of a heart, is embroidered a design of wreaths of pink rosebuds linked together by pale blue ribbon, also embroidered. Round the cushion is a frill of the muslin buttonholed round the edge with a pale shade of pink silk. Under this upper frill is an under one of plain pink silk matching that of which the

easing of the cushion is made. I learnt on inquiry from the clever lady who had contributed this dainty article that she had found it necessary to fix the muslin in a frame before embroidering it. as otherwise it was very apt to pull. These frames, which are useful in many kinds of work, can lie bought very cheaply at any fancywork shop.

The pretty and novel-shaped cushion called the “Balloon” is very eas, to make. The actual cushion itself is made by cutting the casing into quarters after the manner of making a ball or melon cushion, and then joining these pieces together and stuffing

the case full, but not over full lest it be hard and solid. The cover is simply a straight piece of muslin or silk sufficiently large to completely cover the cushion. The silk is then ornamented with strips of insertion or ribbon, and joined up the side, leaving the top and bottom ends open so that it forms a kind of petticoat frill at the bottom. Run a draw-string in the

silk close to the top, and another one eight inches from the iMittom. Place the cushion in its cover and ilraw up the strings, which may be hidden, if you wish your cushion to lie elaluirate. by a soft silk riblam tied round the frill at the bottom, and a large bow of the same sewn on at the top end. This style of cushion is a most comfortable one for using in a carriage or in any chair or seat the depths of which you wish to fill up. and can either lie used direct or will lend its aid to the support of other cushions. It has also other and verj practical advantages in the ease with which it can be washed and ironed, for when untied it of course folds out quite straight again. The long-shaped cushion of which also I give a sketch here, is carried out much in the same manner over a bolster-shaped foundation. The cylindrical-shaped covering opens at each end to form a frill. This cushion is also a very practicable one for use when travelling in railway carriages and all places where things are likely to get quickly soiled and creased, for it, too. is easily renovated. For use on the beach or on a seat in a garden it would be an invaluable comfort. The trimming of lace insertion can be either put on round the silk or muslin cover, or lengthw'ays, or in a spiral fashion, as in the illustration. This latter method is. however, more complicated than the others, and requires great care to keep the insertions at regular distances from each other. Instead of the lace, ribbon or strips of velvet could be used for the ornamentation.