TRIFLES FOR A BAZAAR

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1764, 15 October 1879, Page 4

TRIFLES FOR A BAZAAR

[From the “ Queen.”] Housewives, as a rule, find ready purchasers, especially during this time of excursions. The strongest, by far, consist of American cloth ; but those most easily ornamented are in satin, cashmere, linen, crash, and even ticking, all bound with colored libbon, and many lined with flannel. These handy articles vary in make according to their contents ; the most complicated perhaps are the work of soldiers and sailors, whose favorite material is military cloth, on which they lavish embroidery or application. A single housewife can be reproduced by a Sin strip, finished at one end by a triangular flap ; down the length sets of needles are placed in a row on flannel, each set divided by feather stitching, and numbered according to the size by a cross-stitch figure. To the plain end is firmly sewn a silk mattrass, Sin by 2in, round the border of which pins describe little designs or letters. A larger kind forms quite a compendium of useful things. It is made with a piece of flannel-lined leather, 16in long by 7in wide, 4in of the length being shaped for a flip, and fitted with elastic loops in which to slip the scissors, thimble, bodkin, and stiletto. The remainder of the piece is thus divided : Three rows of perpendicular stitching, Jin apart form places for threads on f-ilks on either side, buttonholes top and bottom, allowing the skeins to pass through. The central 4in has an extra piece of flannel pinked out on one edge and separated by horizontal stitchinga into twelve or thirteen compartments for buttons, a sample one of each being sewn outside. The strip terminates either with a needle-book or as a cotton box, in which case an extra Sin must be given in length, and two small squares fitted In the sides, in the same way as for sofa bolsters. All these housewives either fold over flat, secured by a button, or are rolled up, when, instead of tying them as formerly, the ribbons fasten as a miniature travelling strap. Really elegant housewives have a covering of silk treble crochet, guipure, or darned net, mounted on colored silk and surrounded with cord. One of this kind, measuring 20in by 6in, is separated by chain or coral stitch into four vertical divisions for white and black cotton embroidery, cotton, and silk. Below these, leaves of pinked-ont flannel are tied across by ribbons, and form a little book for needles and pins ; the lower part finishes as a pocket to contain thireble and a small piece of tatting, crochet, or other odd work. Out of cardboard boxes may be contrived many pretty receptacles. A collar box, for instance, lined and covered with bright silk, will give two compartments when divided by a piece of stiff buckram, one of which will hold loose cottons, tec,, and the other, wellstuffed, make a pincushion. In a similar way handkerchief boxes, or shallow cases for packing sweets, &0., are effectively covered by silk or velvet, and bordered inside by a xow of little pockets for reels, silk winders, and tape measures. The lid comprises four flaps, closing like an envelope, the two side ones overlaid with flannel for needles, the Upper and lower ones securing bodkins, crochet hooks, and other odds and ends by elastic straps.

A very favorite shape on the Continent for ewel boxes can easily be reproduced with spare bits of cardboard and silk or satin, It requires ten pieces, and consists of a central box, 4£in high, Sin square at the upper part, and tapering towards the base to Sin. Four open pockets surround the sides, corresponding with them in height and graduated shape, but as many as 7 in wide, and hollowed out at the top- Two contrasting colors are employed for lining and cover, or, with a little taste, even scraps of silk, velvet, or brocade might be charmingly utilised. A scented pincushion surmounts the lid attached to the casket by ribbon hinges, and opened by a loop to match ; this cushion, together with the pockets, displays a piece of satin previously embroidered, and the whole is enhanced by a ruching, often replaced by lace, a string of shells, tiny feathers, or roses. This inexpensive knicknack may fitly adorn any dressing table. Embossed and other fancy strips come in very nicely for photo frames, and are newer than the ordinary velvet ; while larger bauds, stretched over looking-glasses, have quite an artistic air about them, and, moreover, the advantage of concealing shabby frames. Still another good use for these antiquated remnants is the lining of whatnots, sideboards and mantel shelves, now so fashionable for displaying old china, A few trifles must be prepared for gentlemen, and one of the most uncommon is a case for razor paper, made from a piece of faille, oatmeal, &0., 15in long by 6in wide. A border of vandkyes or lace finishes the strip, which doubles in two, the crease being marked by a runner for the insertion of a cane or whalebone that supports the cord and tassels to be slipped over a nail on the wall near the shavicg-glass, luitia's, _or embroidery, enhances the front flap, which, lifted up from the lower end shows the paper, attached by one corner to an inner piece of frayed-out linen merely secured at the centre.

As a companion to this case, make a hanging bag for brushes, in similar material, and bound with bright braid. The back, stiffened by cardboard, will consist of a flat piece, shaped at the upper end, and finished by a trefoil, and long loop of cord, meeting the ornamental monogram. On the lower half, two square pieces, with expanding sides, are stitched to the foundation, and form pockets, adorned by Holbein or crewel embroidery. Wc will conclude with two of the daintiest novelties—one a workbasket, fashioned with a large square of Irish crochet, gnipure, lace, or antique stuff, lined with colored silk. This square is doubled corner-ways over a silk bag previously stitched round it, and the two sides reaching to the gathered mouth of the bag are connected by twisted cord handles, completed with tassels. The side angles themselves are slightly bent in and secured by a few stitches. A piece of cardboard cunningly introduced into the bottom gives the necessary firmness. The other, a handy lady’s companion, stands on the work table as a small tripod, exhibiting all its contents at a glance. Four bamboo canes compose the frame ; the middle one, exceeding in height, is topped by a ring, and sustains the three shorter posts, between which are stretched triangles of cardboard-mounted silk, framed with lace, and decorated at the foot of each pillar with ribbon bows. On these divisions elastic loops keep in place the scissors, thimble, stiletto, cotton, &c., ranged round tiny bags and a diamond-shaped pincushion.