Fancy work for pleasure and profit

Front matter

Glass.

Book.

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT

Preface

The publishers of '' Dainty Work for Pleasure and Profit," in issuing a work of such importance to women have considered it only just that the book should be dedicated to the most representative American woman of the day. That woman is unquestionably the one who held the position of President of the Board of Lady Managers at the World's Columbian Exposition, Mrs. Potter Palmer — a woman of the highest social distinction, possessed of all the gracious attributes of true womanhood, honored by the nation and beloved by all who know her. The dedication is made by special permission.

Chapter I

Introduction — Harmony of Interior Decorations — Beautiful Surroundings — Economy in Decorating — Dainty Linen — Appropriate Ornamentation—Use of Homely Materials in Decorative Work 6

Chapter II

Materials for Decorative Purposes — Linen Crash — Bleached Linens — Domestic Linen — Bolton Sheeting — Colored Art Linen — Huck-a-buck — Art Satin — Butcher's Linen — Scrim — Morris Cloth — Frieze — Concordia Canvas — Egyptian Cloth — Turkish Crepe — Satin Damask — Gobelin Cloth — Hollywood Drapery — Russian Crash — Devonshire Art Cloth — Bargarren Art Cloth — Bolting Silk — Silks — Velvets and Plushes — Felt — Satin — Banner Silk — Sateen — Russian Tapestry — Mail Cloth — India Silk — Double Faced Sateen 9

Chapter III

Implements and Embroidery Threads — Embroidery Frames — Embroidery Hoops — Needles — Scissors — Stilletto — Embroidery Apron — Preparing Material for Embroidery — Placing Material in Hoops or Frames — Crewels — Tapestry Wool — Arrasene — Chenilles — Smyrnasene — Ribbosene — Featherasene — Embroidery Silk — Embroidery Linen 12

Chapter IV

Transferring and Stamping Designs — Tracing Paper — How to use — Perforated Stamping Pattern — How to make — How to use — Care of Patterns — How to Clean — Stamping Liquids — How to make — How to use — Pantagraph for Enlarging or Reducing Designs — Conventional Designs 21

Chapter V

Embroidery Stitches — Stem or Outline Stitches — Kensington Stitch — Short and Long Stitch — Satin Stitch — Buttonhole Stitch — Spot Stitch — Antique Stitch— Persian Stitch — French Knot — Couching Stitches — Hemstitching — Spanish Laid Work — Plush Stitch — Filling Stitches— Honeycomb Stitch — Brick Stitch — Novelty Stitches — Daisy — Star — Darning — Crowsfeet — Group — Janina — Double Basket — Single Basket — Close Basket — D'Alencon Bar — Spider Wheel — Point d'Reprise — Rosette 27

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter VI

Application of Stitches — Darning Stitch for Background — Dado or Frieze — Conventional Design Worked with Filling Stitch — Couching and Satin Stitch Combined — Infant's Trosseaux — French Embroidery — Kensington and Darning Combined — Combination of Spot and Single Daisy Loop — Leaf Border — Grape Vine Border — Application of Kensington Stitch — Short and Long Stitch — Shading Conventional Designs 49

Chapter VII

Shading — System of Shading — Selecting Shades of Embroidery Threads — Table of Colors— How to Purchase — How to Use — Proper Method Shading Specifically Applied — Natural Shading — Conventional Shading — Shading of Stalks, Leaves, Stems and Petals — Where to Put High Lights — Where to Place Shadows — How to Blend Different Shades.

CHAPTER Vin.

Art or Flat Embroidery — Classification of Embroideries — Roman Embroidery — Applique Embroidery — Outline — Wash Fabrics Embroidered — Table Cloths — Lunch Sets — Side Board Scarfs — Doyleys — Carving Cloths — Vegetable Mats — Tray Cloths — Pillow Shams — Scarfs — Bedspreads — Bureau and Commode Scarfs — Splashers — Tidies — Toilet Sets — Stitches to be Used^ — Materials to be Employed — Suitable Designs — Articles for Use in Sleeping Room — Pansy Lunch Set — Scroll Border for Center Cloth — Round Cushion — Table Cover — Curtains and Portieres— Screens — Embroideries for Ladies Dresses, Sacques, Collars, Handkerchiefs, Fans, Parasols, Ruffles, Etc. — Embroideries for Children's Wardrobe 67

Chapter IX

Church and Bullion Embroideries — Materials for — Stitches Used in Ecclesiastical Embroideries — Couching Stitches — Diamond Drapery — Plain Shell — Spider — Vandyke — Wheel — Wavy — Manner of Working — Colors to be used in Ecclesiastical Embroideries — Designs for Gold and Silver Work — Cardboard Foundations 115

Chapter X

Berlin Embroidery — Uses of Stitches for — Materials for Berlin Work — Designs — Colors — Blending of Shades — Combination of Stitches 139

Chapter XI

Raised Embroidery — Ribbon Work — Louis XVI Designs — Smgle Ribbon Roses — Double Ribbon Roses — Calla Lily — Tiger and Japan Lilies —

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Water Lilies — Golden Rod — Cattail — Coxcomb — Sumac — Thistles — Snow Balls — Pansies — Raised Fruit — Cherries — Oranges — Strawberries — Grapes — Cotton Plant — Designs and Instructions 149

CHAPTER XIL

Dainty Trifles — How to Make — What to Use— Economic Decoration — Articles for Church Fairs and Bazaar Sales — Memorandum Case — Bouquet Holder — Writing Board for Invalids — Foot Stool — Paper Stand — Shoe Box Sunflower Cushion — Work Basket — Hair Pin Holder — Toilet Cushion — Chair Back and Seat — Lamp Shade — Wall Pocket — Bolster and Pillow — Handkerchief Holder — Photograph Case — Calendar — Night Dress Sachet — Pansy Sachet — Puff Cushion for Head Rest — Decorated Egg Shell — Mending Bag — Holders — Paper Holder — Handkerchief Sachet — Fancy Table — Penwipe — Sofa Cushion — Fancy Work Basket — Foot Rest — Ottoman Cushion — Shaving Paper Case — Laundry Bag — Pumpkin Cushion — Photograph Frame — Photograph Envelope — Pin Trays — Glass Handkerchief Box Eiffel Tower Scrap Bag — Star Quilt — Handy Bag — Toilet Cushion — Emery Cushion — Butterflies— Music Stand — Scissors Case — Crawling Rugs — For the Drawing Room — Doyleys — Mats — Center Cloths — Table Runners — Shoe Box — Burnt Match Holder — Toilet Cushion — Footstool — Child's Chair — Catch-all — Head Rest — Hanging Pin Cushion — Fancy Pin Cushions — Infant's Crib Coverlet — Table Cover in Cross Stitch — Chicken Penwipe — Branch of Fruit — Dust Cap — Sachet Bags — Tobacco Pouches — Leaf Penwipes — Traveling Case — Child's Chair — Mat for Water Pitcher — Needle Case — Cover for Cushion — Nasturtiums — Cushion — Infant's Toilet Case — Importance of a Scrap Bag 175

Chapter XIII

Drawn Work — Materials for — Stitches for — Frames for — Uses of — Designs for — Corners — Borders — Set Patterns — Wheels — Scrolls — Squares — Preparing the Work — Foundation Stitches — Drawing Threads — Basket Insertion — Lunch Cloth — Center Cloth with Border — Antique Corner and Border — Combination of Drawn Work and Embroidery 241

Chapter XIV

Brush and Palette — Designs for Painting — Painting in Oils on Fabrics — Materials for Painting — To Make Blues — To Make Browns, Buffs and Yellows — To Make Greys — To Paint Daisies, Honeysuckle, Apple, Peach Blossoms, Tea Roses, Feathery Clematis, Violets, White and Purple Lilacs, Pansies, etc. — Palettes for — Morning Glories — Sky Effects — Back Grounds — Special Palettes — Strawberry Spray — Butterflies — Grapes on Black Velvet

^ TABLE OF CONTENTS.

— Pansies — Purple Thistles — Pond Lilies — Purple Clematis — Oxhart Cherries — Leaves and Berries of Virginia Creeper — Peacocks — Golden Rod — Asters — Panel of Hollyhocks — Washable Painting — Medium — How to Use — Water Color Painting — Roses — White Flowers — The Primrose — Blue Flowers — The Convolvulus— Figures in Water Colors — Fabric Tinting — Paris Tinting — Painting on Celluloid or Ivorine — Lilacs in Oil on Celluloid —Lilacs in Water Colors on Celluloid— Luster Painting — Materials for— Brushes for — Medium for — Colors for — Method of Using — Kensington Painting — Parrots — Crayon Painting — Portraits — Painting on Birch Bark — Scorch Painting— Tapestry Painting — Canvas for — Dyes — Brushes — Mixing Colors — Flesh Colors — Flesh Painting — Palette for Sky— Colors for Draperies — Hair and Drapery — Decorative Painting for Profit 257

Chapter XV

Point Lace — Honiton Lace — Novelty Lace — Point Lace Braid — Lace Thread — Lace Stitches — Tracing Cloth — Foundation Cloth — or Leather — Designs for Lace Work — Outlining Design with Braid — Method Working — Laying Braid — Stitches — Proper or Point — Finishing Edge — Connecting Bars — Wheels — Rosettes — Ground Stitches — Brussels Point — Venice Point — Little Venice Point — Spanish Point — Grecian Point — Valenciennes Stitch — Point d'Alencon — Turkish Point — Net Groundwork Stitch — Mechlin Lace Stitch — Venetian Bars — Dotted Venice Point— Raleigh Bars — Point Lace — Handkerchief — Fischu — Border — Cushion — Cover — Handkerchief Centers and Borders 309

CHAPTER XVL

Knitting and Crocheting — Terms Used in Crocheting — Explanation of Abbreviations Used — Child's Dress — Purse — Infant's Sacque — Baby's Shirt — Lady's Vest — Ladies' Basket Pattern Vest — Baby's Hood — Fancy Bag Fringe — Pine Apple Edge — Insertion — Border Crochet — Trimming Crochet — Design for Bed Spread — Wheels forToiletSet — Edging — Diamond Edge — Fern Edge — Crochet Trimming — Narrow Edging — Broad Edging — Coral Edging— Reticella Crochet — Table Cover — Child's Petticoat — Cro chet Towel — Daisy Crochet Lace — Crocheted Guimpure Lace — Crocheted Table Cover — Skirt Edge, Crochet and Braid — Infant's Knitted Jacket — Moss Edge — Fern Edge — French Edge — Serpentine Edge — Crochet and Fancy Braid — Shell Edge — Palm Edge — Knitted Hood for Child — Crocheted Hood for Child — Crocheted Pillow Shams — Table Mats — Border to Mat — Crocheted Doll — Torchon Lace — Comfort for Lounge — Porcupine

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Stitch— Wheels— Petticoat For Child— Border and Corners for Table Cover— Crocheted Skirt— Infant's Vest— Crocheted Mop Duster— Crocheted Novelties 325

Chapter XVII

Dainty Work for Profit — Work for the Stay-at-homes — The First Start — Commenced Samples — Cost of — Materials for — Designs for Order Work — How to Solicit — Orders for Embroidery — The first Days' Work — Teaching Embroidery — What to Charge — How to Collect — How to Open an Art Bazaar or Fancy Goods Store — How to Conduct — Selection of Location— Store Fittings — How to divide Store — The Work Room — The Show Window— How to Dress — What Stock to Carry — How to Buy — Art Fabrics — Sample and Display Work — List of Desirable Samples — Materials for Made-up Samples — Cost of Commenced Samples— Window Display — Stock — Cost of — Quantity Necessary — How to Buy and Sell Novelties — Description of Articles for Stock — Toilet Set — Glasseine Handkerchief Sachet — Glass Panel Screen — Tobacco Pouch — Glasseine Toilet Set — Parasol Catch-all — Traveling Roll — Duster Case — Calendar 400

Chapter XVIII

Description of Full Page Illustrations — Cushions — Head Rests- -Roman Embroidery — Star Quilt — Drapes — Doyleys — Carafe Mat — Table Covers — Easel Drapes — Portieres — Mantel Drapes — Window Drape — Magnolia Doyley — Maple Leaf Doyley — Dresden Plate Doyley — Draped Beds — Colored Plates — Fleur de lis — Poppies — Oranges — Oak Leaves — Sumac — Golden Rod 426

Chapter XIX

Doyley Designs — Five o'clock Tea Cloths — Screens — Butterfly Center Cloth — Louis XIV Design — Violet Center Cloth — Bed Spreads — Rose Center Cloths — Flower Doyleys — Violet Basket Center Cloth — Sponge Bags — Traveling Cases — Picture Frames — Handkerchief Bag — Glove and Veil Case — Infant's Flannel Robe — Hammock Cushion — Ideal Honiton Lace Work— Dresden Crib Cover and Pillow, 435-458

Chapter XX

Hardanger Embroidery, how to Start, What to Avoid — Used for Gowns and Decoration — Details of White Centerpiece — Centerpiece in Colors 459

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXL

Crocheted Purses and Bags — What to Avoid — Rules for Round End Purses — Seven-Point Star Pattern — The Stitch — Details by Rounds — Eight-Point Star Pattern — Stringing The Beads — Crocheted Silk Chatelaine Bag — Purse — Card Case — Beaded Silk Purse — Circular Beaded Silk Coin Purse — Turkish Tobacco Pouch 469

CHAPTER XXn.

Pyrography for the Beginner — Practical Lessons — The Outfit — How the Point is Made and Heated — How the Blaze Works — First Lessons — The Japanese Effect — The Kind of Wood to Use — Work on Leather, Plush and Cardboard — Burning on Glass 491

ILLUSTRATIONS.

fc'lG. PP.

Devonshire cloth. . 1-12

Embroidery frame 2-15

" 3-16

Embroidery hoop 4-17

Embroidery scissors 5-18

Work apron 6-18

Pantagraph 7-23

Stem stitch 8-28

Three outline stitches 9-28

Fancy chain 10- 20

Loop outline 11- 29

Kensington stitch, detail 12- 30

Kensington stitch 13- 30

Short and long stitch 14- 31

Satin stitch, detail 15- 32

Buttonhole stitch 18-33

Buttonhole edge 19-33

Buttonhole and spot stitch 20- 33

Antique embroidery 21- 34

Persian embroidery. 22- 34

French knot 23-34

Couching outline 24- 35

Couching groups 25- 35

Spanish laid ^ork 27-37

Diamond couching 28- 38

Fancy couching 29- 38

Fancy couching 30- 38

Brick stitch. . , . 31-40

Honey comb stitch 32- 40

Honey comb applied 33- 40

Simple star 34- 41

Daisy star 35- 41

Crows' feet 36-41

Grouped star stitch 37- 41

Grouped star stitch No. 2 38-41

Darning stitch 39-42

Cushion 40- 42

Janina stitch 41- 42

Janina stitch close 42- 43

Single basket stitch 43- 44

Double and close basket stitch 44- 44

D'Alencon bars 45- 45

Spider wheel 46-46

FIG. PB.

Grape vine applique ... 51- 58

Design in Kensington stitch 52- 54

Flower head rest 53- 55

Branch of cherries, filling stitches 54- 56

Poppy correctly shaded No. 1 55- 63

Poppy correctly shaded No. 2 56- 63

Poppy correctly shaded No. 3 57- 64

Roman embroidery design 58- 6i)

detail 59- 69

Lunch cloth 61-74

Napkin 62- 75

Carving cloth 64- 75

Tray cloth 65-76

Daisy center cloth 66- 77

Geranium center cloth 67- 78

Cruel mat, leaf shape 69- 79

Set vegetable mats 70- 79

Coffee cozy 71-80

Caraffe mat 72-80

Sideboard scarf 73-81

Dresser scarf, Roman emb. design 74- 83

Toilet bottle 75-84

" 76-84

Toilet cushions 77- 84

Poppy for pillow sham 78- 85

" 79- 85

Leaf for pillow shams 80- 86

Splashers 81-87

Leaf -bordered lunch cloth 82- 88

Dresser scarfs 83- 89

" 84- 90

Clover doyley 85-91

Snowdrop doyley 86- 92

Dresden doyleys 87- 94

Grape vine center cloth 88- 96

Cherry center cloth 89-96

Scroll border 90-98

Floral center cloth 91-99

Dresden book cover 92-100

Conventional book cover 93-100

Round cushion 94-101

Cross stitch design 95-102

Stand cover 97-104

JIQ. PP.

FQintdepriv 47-46

Rosettestitch 48-47

Spot and daisy loop 49- 61

Combination leaf border 60- 62

Handkerchief corner 102-109

Butterfly design 103-109

Edge for collar and cuffs 104-110

Scallop edge 105-111

Corner of scallop 106-111

Daisy design 107-111

Scallop corner 108-112

Deep scallop 109-112

Flannel scallop 110-112

Infant's shawl 111-113

Cross for altar front 112-116

Jeweled border 113-118

Raised basket couching 114-119

Raised basket couching 115-119

Wavy couching 116-120

Battlemented couching 117-12o

Brick flat couching 118-120

Plain brick couching 119-121

Broad couching 120-121

Diamond couching 121-121

Plain flat couching .122-121

Plain flat couching 123-122

Bullion knot 124-122

Detail of couched design 125-123

Detail of couched design 126-124

Detail of long stitch design 127-125

Conventional fleur de lis 128-126

Design for chausable 129-127

Ecclesiastical design .130-128

Triangle for ecclesiastical work 131-130

Circles for ecclesiastical work 132-130

Latin cross and anchor work 133-131

Greek cross 134-131

Bullion monograms 135-132

Letters 136-132

Border, jeweled 138-133

Easter banner 139-134

Easter banner 140-135

Bleeding heart. The 141-136

Passion flowers 142-137

Dragon border 143-140

Easy chair 144-141

Cross stitch design 145-142

Cross stitch design 146-143

Long cross stitch 147-143

Persian cross 148-144

German stitch 149-144

Tapestry stitch 150-144

Double Leviathan stitch ^ M-145

Darnhig stitch 98-104

Darned background 99-106

Applique on net 101-108

Trent stitch 162-146

Cross and long stitch , 154-147

Raised Calla lily 155-159

Raised Japan lily 156-160

Raised coxcomb and sumac 157-164

Raised thistles and golden rod 158-166

Flat thistles for cover 159-166

Raised snow balls 160-167

Raised cotton plant 161-171

Pattern for cotton plant 162-172

Memorandum card case 163-176

Bouquet holder 164-177

Invalid's writing board 165-178

Paper stand 167-179

Pattern for decoration of shoe box 168-180

Covered shoe box 169-180

Sunflower pin cushion 170-181

Foldmg work basket .171-182

Hair-phi holder 172-18r.

Puff toilet cushion 173-183

Round toilet cushion 174-183

Chair seat 175-184

Chair back 176-184

Lamp shade 177-185

Wall pocket 178-185

Bolster, covered 179-186

Infant's pillow 180-186

Detail of handkerchief case 181-187

Handkerchief case 182-187

Double photograph case. 183-188

Single photograph case 184-188

Night-dress sachet 185-189

Puff head rest 187-190

Decorated egg shell 188-190

Mending bag 190-191

Ornamental holders 191-192

Paper holders 192-193

Handkerchief sachets 193-194

Fancy table 194-194

Sunflower pen-wipe 195-195

Sofa cushion 196-195

Linen covered cushion 197-196

Forget-me-not toilet cushion 198-196

Fancy work basket 199-197

Spanish foot-rest 200-197

Ottoman cushion 201-198

ILLUSrilATIONSo

FIG. PP.

\moman cushion. . . 202-198

Owl shaving case 203-199

Laundry bag 204-200

Pumpkin toilet cushion 205-201

Photograph frame 206-202

Photograph envelope 207-203

Pin trays 208-203

Glass handkerchief box 209-204

Eiffel Tower scrap bag 210-205

Handy bag 211-207

Square toilet cushion 212-210

Emery cushion 213-211

Artificial butterfles 214-212

Music stand 215-213

Scissors case 216-214

Crawling rug 217-215

Rose doyley .218-216

Magnolia doyley 219-217

Center mat 220-218

Centerpiece 221-219

Fruit plate doyley .222-220

Burnt match holder 224-222

Pilgrim toilet cushion 225-222

New England footstool 226-223

Catch-all 228-224

Head rest 229-225

Hanging pin cushion 230-226

Fruit pin cushion 231-226

Fruit pin cushion 232-227

Infant's crib coverlet 233-228

Cross stitch table cover 234-228

Detail cross stitch 235-229

Chicken pen-wipe 236-280

Branch of fruit 237-231

Ladies' dust cap 238-231

Sachet bags— crepe paper 239-232

Leaf pen-wipes 242-233

Water lily caraffe mat 245-285

Needle case 246-235

Needle case, closed 247-236

Pocket needle case 248-236

Kensington cushion cover 249-237

Nasturtium cushion 250-238

Infant's toilet case 251-239 i<iO. fP

Drawn work in frame . . .252-241

Prepared corner 253-242

Prepared corner 254-242

Four corners prepared . . .255-243

Henistitching 256-243

Duck's tail stitch 257-244

Hemstitching, No. 2 258-244

Hemstitching, No. 3 259-244

Block insertion 260-248

Detail a. b. of 260-248

Insertion of border 201-249

Cross border 262-250

Basket insertion 263-247

Lunch cloth with corner and border 264-246

Block border ... 265-252

Cut-in corner 266-253

Pattern to fill cut-in corner 267-246

All-over design for drawn work 268-253

Detail of 268-253

Brussels point filling 269-25^

Antique border and corner 270-255

Toilet set, cushion and bottles 271-261

Details of a. and b of 271-261

Handkerchief sachet, glasseine 272-263

Glass panel screen 273-273

Chamois tobacco pouch 274-287

Glasseine toilet set . . 275-290

Details of a. and b. of 275-290

Parchment parasol catch 276-293

Traveling bag 277-307

Duster case 278-307

Calendar 279-808

Plate 1, lace braid 810

Plate 2, lace stitches 312

Plate 3, lace stitches 814

Plate 4, lace stitches 316

Handkerchief center 313

Handkerchief square 313

Lace collar 310

Lace insertion 3^*0

Detail of crocheted dress for child 280-328

Detail of crocheted dress f(ir child 281-328

Detail of crocheted dress for child 282-329

Crocheied dress for child 282-4-330

Knitted purse 285-330

Baby's sacque 286-331

Lady's vest. 287-334

Baby's crocheted hood 288-338

ILLUSTKATIO.N S.

FIG. PP.

Fancy spool bag ,.,.. 289-339

Pine apple edge. . 291-341

Insertion, crocliet 292-342

Border, crochet 293-343

Trimming crochet ..294-344

Square for counterpane 298-345

Wheels, crochet 296-347

Toilet mat 297-348

Edging, crochet 298-349

Diamond edging. 299-351

Fern edging. 300-353

Crochet trlmiiLing 301-354

Narrow edging, crochet 302-355

Broad edging 303-356

Narrow coral edging 304-357

Table cover crocheted insertion. 305-860

Reticule crochet 306-358

Crocheted petticoat, for child 307-361

Crocheted petticoat, for child 308-361

Crocheted petticoat, for child detail 309-362

Crochet tassels detail 310-363

Daisy crochet lace 311-365

Guipure crocheted lace .312-366

Detail crocheted table cover 313-368

Edge for table cover 314-369

Crocheted table cover 315-370

Ladie'sskirt „ , 316-372

Crochet braid trimming , 317-373

Infant's knitted jacket 318-375

Moss edging 319-376

French edging 321-376

Serpentine braid edge » 322-376

Fancy crotchet edge, No. 1 325-377

Shell trimming. , .325-377

Palm trimming , = 328-378

Knitted hood.. , 327-379

Knitted hood, detail of , . . 328-380

Knitted hood detail of 329-381

Knitted hood Cor child 330-881

Knitted liood, detail of 331-382

Pillow sham, crocheted 332-383

Crocheted table mats 333-385

Crocheted wheels 334-390

Child's petticoat. .... 335-392

Crocheted border 336-393

Ladies crocheted skirt 337-394

Infant's knitted bodice 338-896

Crocheted dust mop ..339-397

Group of head rests 58

Corner mantel.

Table doyley and drape. -.

Picture and easel drape

Bedspreads and pillow shams

Louis XIV design

Cover for library table

Calla lily working design

Caraffe mat.

Point lace braids, plate 1

Point lace stitches, plate 2

Point lace stitches, plate 3

Point lace stitches, plate 4

Window drapery

Portierres

Mantel drapery

Easel drape ,

Maple leaf doyley c

Magnolia doyley

Dresden doyley

Fancy cup board

Four doyley desigUB. .,„

Five-o'clock tea cloth

Three-panel screen, ,

Butterfly center cloth-

Louis XIV. center cloth desigfXL.o

Violet center cloth

Bed spreads

Bed spreads

Rose center cloth

Buttercup, daisy, violet, and forget-me-not doyleys

Violet basket center cloth

Sponge bags.

Picture Frames »

Handkerchief bag

Glove and veil case

Infant's flannel robe

Hammock cushion

Ideal Honiton center cloth

Plate doyley

Cup doyley and center cloth

Crib pillow

Crib cover

Infant's Dresden pillow.....*..,

PIG. PP

439 440 441 442 443

Birds and Butterflies.

Needlework.

DAiyNTg WOKK

Introduction

E HAVE tried in the following pages to inculcate a love for home beautifying; to show how every home in this broad land can be rendered beautiful, according to surrounding circumstances and the financial ability of the owners; to teach economy, appropriateness and harmony in interior decorations; how to make use of the homely, every-day articles, transforming them from unsightly objects into things beautiful to behold. In a word, we have tried to give instructions in all things pertaining to the home beautiful so clear and simple that no household, however humble, need be without the refining influences of dainty environments.

We have always recognized that the first requisite of a true home is order and cleanliness, for without these there can be no beauty, no true refinement, even though mother and daughters be able to paint like a Raphael and embroider like a Queen Matilda; without the first, the last accomplishment is worse than useless as a means of home decoration. It is better to be a good cook than a poor painter, better to be a deft and handy garment-maker than an indifferent embroideress, better to have order and system than a small knowledge of china painting, but given the former, the latter are beautiful and useful accomplishments for wife, mother, sisters and daughters.

It is certainly the first duty of a wife and mother to make home the pleasantest and happiest spot on earth for the members of her family, and to do this requires more than order, system, immaculate cleanliness, more than the purchase of expensive carpets and pieces of heavy furniture. It requires the home-making, home-beautifying talent. It needs the exercise of an ingenious mind and nimble fingers in fashioning dainty accessories in the shape of mantel drapes, screens, v^all-pockets, toilet sets, dainty table linen, cushions, photograph holders, and all the numberless odds and ends that go to make up the pretty home comfort of a room.

Taste, more than money, is needed in the decorating of American homes; oftentimes the simplest and least expensive efforts are those vi^hich give the most homelike, pleasing and restful effects. And now, dear reader, right here let me say a few words directly and individually to j/ou. Do not wait to build a fine residence before you begin to make a home, in the only sense in which the word should ever be used. Do not let your children grow up amid uncouth and unlovely surroundings, while you are waiting for the dollars to grow. Remember, the young will seek for beauty elsewhere, if it is denied them at home. The old house maybe too square or too long, too low or too high, too old fashioned, aye, even *' tumble-down" may be the only word to fully express its appearance, yet it can be made a lovely home, if only the spirit of home beautifying abides in the heart of its mistress. Now, do not say you cannot afford it; you can afford it, because it is one of the necessities and not a luxury of life. With the facilities offered in these pages for learning the different kinds of needle-work, and the making up of an almost innumerable amount of fancy and pretty articles, and the present low prices of materials, there is no excuse for bare, cheerless looking rooms in any part of our country. And beside, decorative effort of some kind is a necessary part of home culture. We say effort advisedly, as the result is not so much the thing to be considered as that the spirit, wish or desire to make our homes not only orderly places of abode, but beautiful as well, should exist. And we repeat, this effort at home decoration may be costly or simple, according to individual means; but there is no home so poor that some attempt at beautifying cannot be made. An attempt with crudest results is better than none at all. If one lives in few rooms, and curtains and carpets have so far been unattainable, the first effort at

INTRODUCTION. 7

decoration will naturally be to drape the curtainless windows and cover the bare floors. The curtains may be of cheese cloth, and covering the floors may mean to simply stain them, and, later on, to lay rugs of home manufacture; but what a change this effort to beautify will have made. Having begun the work of beautifying, how simple it seems to go a step further, and add a few pots of healthy plants to the curtained windows. Expensively embroidered cushions, table spreads, lambrequins, etc., would here be out of place, and so far from adding to the effect would be inharmonious. The embroidered spread would laugh at the homemade rugs, and the expensive cushion turn up its nose at the homely lounge.

We hear some dissenting voice cry out: "You would have the mistress of this primitive home cease her efforts at home beautifying ere she has fairly begun?" By no means ! We simply wish to say that articles of mere luxury should give way to those of necessity, and that the decorations should be harmonious with the general surroundings. If the household means will allow it, we would have the mistress thereof purchase a good supply of nice firm table linen, a good supply of bedding and towels, and embroider the family initial or monogram on each piece. The constant use of dainty linen, the constant sight of a well-appointed table, are factors in the home education of every child; we hold, therefore, that embroidered household linen is a decorative necessity and within the reach of the very poor. The trouble with those who exclaim most loudly at the expense attached to fancy work, lies in the fact that articles of mere ornament are begun with only the vaguest idea on the part of the worker as to the ultimate cost; hence, discredit is brought upon the very name of fancy work. All this might be obviated if as much thought were given to the subject and the same rules governed the purchase of art materials as is given to the ordinary purchases of the household.

When women cease to make ^15 to ;^20 lambrequins for a room whose It entire furnishings did not cost three times that amount, and $\o table

spreads when the income would not warrant an outlay of more than one-third as much; when they learn that a few dollars' worth of embroidery silks disposed over several articles in keeping with all the surroundings is far more effective than one elaborate piece whose very richness renders shabby what before was passable, then will "Home Decoration" occupy its rightful

DAINTY WORK FOR PLEASURE AND PROFIT.

position as a necessary and useful art. And now a last word before we enter upon the subject of this work. If anything must be dispensed with in your furnishings let it be the carpet. You can do quite well in procuring a pretty effect with a few home-made rugs and an oiled floor. Ingenuity, taste and skill are to you worth dollars. If you cannot afford silk bolting at ^3.50 per yard for your doyleys and dressing case covers, use scrim at 15 cents per yard. If you cannot afford a Persian rug, or even a very good imitation of one, buy a Ross rug hook, take a piece of coffee sacking, ravel pieces of old carpet for the necessary yarn, and make one; it will cost about $1.50, and perhaps less; if neatly done, it will look almost as well as one that sells at ^15 to ^25. And remember, first, last and all the time, that "Refined ornamentation in every room in the house, especially those of the boys and the help, and a union of effort in this kind of work, partic ularly in the parlor and all other family apartments, will have a wonderful effect in developing character and preserving harmony in the household."