BLACK CATS AND OTHER DOLL MASCOTS.—Any woman or girl who is good at needlework can make cats and doll-shaped mascots fairly readily. The first thing is to cut a paper pattern of the parts, using newspaper for the purpose. Usually, it is advisable to make the pattern in no more than two parts; one for the left side, the other for the right, or one for the front, the other for the back, according to the way the creature is to be executed. If this is done, it must be recognized that each part should be considerably larger than the animal is to appear, since although the pattern looks as though it need only serve for the front or back, or sides, it really has to supply the width as well.
When the paper pattern has been suitably shaped, cut out the stuff to agree with it, allowing an edging for turning in. Use black velvet or black fur cloth, unless some color is desired. Then, place the two pieces together, face to face, stitch round most of the edges; follow by turning the outside in and stuff the interior through the gap of stitches. Old but soft rags do for the stuffing. When nice and evenly plump, stitch up the gap, taking care to fold in the seams. The last stage is to ornament the creature and form its features. Buttons serve for eyes, stitches of red wool or silk make the mouth and nose, and whiskers are supplied by hairs taken from a broom. A band of ribbon, tied in a bow, round the neck, completes the mascot.
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