TO STEAM COLLAR.
Place iron on its side, cover with a piece of paper, over this lay a wet sponge cloth; then hold coat collar very close to steaming cloth (when one is familiar with the work they may allow the collar to rest on the steaming cloth for a minute), and move back and forth, allowing steam to come through the velvet. Then remove the collar and shape by hand, as when worn. Brush the nap gently to freshen while steaming, but with a very soft brush. Place on coat hanger, and allow to dry before wearing or delivering.
Good sewing, good pressing, well finished ends and corners, lightness of touch which holds the work without apparently touching it, will give to the finished garment a fresh look.
All these are important considerations.
When darning, great care must be taken to have the work finished up neatly, as darning and mending is an art, and like everything else, requires patience and practice.
Basting is only used in the preparation of work, to hold stuff and lining, or any two or more parts of the work together, while it is being stitched, as none of the basting is left in the finished garment. It is also used as a guide for sewing and marking on light colored goods as it will not leave a mark as would colored chalk. For ordinary work, basting stitches should be cut every few inches and drawn out.
It is impossible to prevent trousers bagging at the knee, but here is an idea that will help materially to keep knees in shape. Fasten a piece of silk to the forepart of trousers on the inside to the seams and across bottom and top seven inches above and ten inches below the knee, being careful not to allow stitches to show through on right side.
Buttonholes may be made easy to work by spacing off the number required, with pins or thread marks.
Mark length of hole, and stitch on a machine the desired length, then turn at right angles and take two stitches, then turn back and stitch other side. Turn at right angles and take two more stitches, thereby tacking both ends. All buttonholes may be stitched in one garment without removing from the machine.
This method takes the place of serging or overcasting and is much better for thin ravelly goods.