“I think we’ll need a dainty Stitcher to sew these frills, don’t you?” his little mistress asked him.
“Yes, and harness of fine white cotton thread,” answered his Majesty. He then called all the Stitchers out of the work-basket. They were up on the table-top in a twinkling, waiting for their King to choose those needed for the work. Two Stitchers were selected, one larger than the other.
“One for gathering the lace and one for sewing it on,” explained Sir Bodkin.
“Before you begin, take a plunge through the emery to make you glisten and glide,” said the King.
Margaret took out her emery-bag and held it for the Stitchers to take several quick plunges. They waited in the pincushion while she went to wash her hands, to keep the lace clean as it was being sewed on the dress.
The fine Stitcher was harnessed with white cotton thread number 80. The larger one was harnessed with the same thread doubled for gathering the lace.
“Make his harness longer than the frill is to be when finished,” said the King.
“How much lace shall I cut off for the collar and sleeves?” asked Margaret.
“This is the rule for the length of a ruffle or a lace edging,” said Sir Bodkin and sang: