CHAPTER XXXVIII.
WINDOW DECORATION.
NOW, girls, we must have practicable ideas in regard to our decorations; they should consist of something which we know will be easy to make and at the same time look well; the materials employed must be within possible reach of all, and nothing expensive or difficult to obtain allowed to enter into their manufacture. What are commonly called Dutch curtains are very popular; they are short curtains of some thin, transparent fabric, fastened with rings to a slender rod of bamboo, and when drawn, cover the lower part of the window without intercepting the light. The curtains are very useful, but, while they do not obstruct the light, they do obstruct the vision.
Fig. 358.—Fringe of Macaroni and Beads.
We all know that the front window is just the place to sit when sewing or doing fancy-work, and although few ladies care to be seen by every passer-by, yet they all like to see what is going on outside, and while their deft fingers ply the needle their bright eyes take in the landscape out of doors and derive amusement and entertainment from the birds and flowers, if it be in the country, or the ever-moving throng, if in the city.
An ornamental screen, therefore, that will shield one and yet not interfere with the view is desirable. What might be termed the
Oriental Window-Shade
not only comes up to the above requirements, but is inexpensive, and not difficult to construct.