WORK.
Judy.—The cashmere skirt with the beaded bodice would be quite suitable for a quiet evening at home.
Gertrude.—The only way is to procure orders for the things you make by going round with a collection of them to the shops, and showing what you can do; but it would be a very precarious way of living.
Grannie must send the cloth to a good French cleaner. We fear the crimson spot is a dye, not a stain.
Daisy Randolph.—Alas! so many of our correspondents write to us about “a little work they could do at home to add to their incomes.” Such work is the most difficult to get; but dressmakers are always in request. Why cannot “Daisy” try dressmaking or millinery, and make a small home business?
E. Gemmell writes in behalf of the Decorative Needlework Society, 45, Baker-street, W., to say that scientific or other dressmaking is not taught at their institution. The art of decorative needlework, including church embroidery, is taught, and all desiring such instruction should address the hon. secretary, Miss Mary Haworth. The promoters of this society were formerly engaged in that of the Royal School of Art Needlework.
Seventeen, minus the Sweetness.—Nun’s-cloth, cashmere, or fine alpaca, are all suitable for inexpensive evening gowns for young girls. We should think that a crimson or ruby-coloured material would suit you, though as a rule youth looks best in white. Black lace over a red foundation is also used by young girls at present, and is not expensive.
Thermometer.—Steam the plush on the wrong side and shake it well. Curl the feather with a blunt penknife, drawing each filament separately and gently between your thumb and the blade.
Miss Rendell.—Inquiries being perpetually made by our correspondents as to any method of disposing of their needlework, we are glad to have found one at last in a society for the aid of girls and young women. To those who live by their work, the yearly subscription is 2s. 6d., and Miss Rendell’s depôt is at 12, Shawfield-street, King’s-road, Chelsea, S.W. The names of all lady workers are kept quite private. The depôt is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays excepted. A commission of 2d. in the shilling is charged on all work sold, the rent of the house, etc., having to be met.
Miss E. Radcliffe.—The Pinafore Society is one conducted by this lady, to which each member subscribes one shilling annually, and must contribute, as we understand, two pinafores a year likewise. For further particulars write to the hon. secretary, Balmore, Caversham, Oxon.
Amy W.—To make a handsome sermon-case, embroider an ecclesiastical design upon strong linen with floss silk and gold threads. Transfer this to good dark velvet, and hide the linen edges by couching a gold cord round them, lining the velvet with rep silk of same shade of colour.
F. L. C. W. (Leicester).—A verse of four lines suitable to embroider on a needlebook is not easy to find, especially as you give no particulars as to the receiver of your gift.