Princess Mary’s Trosseau

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1922, Page 3

Princess Mary’s Trosseau

ENGAGEMENT RINGS. IRISH WORK FAVOURED. LONDON, Dec. 6. What will Princess Mary have as a wedding gown? All the modish world is agog, but so far nothing lias yet been made kiiowli authoritatively on this question, Only precedents are being quoted. Queen Mary, for example, iiad the brocade of hers woven specially at Spitalfields. Many people do not appreciate fully the great beauty of the best English designs in silk. If for Princess Mary’s wedding dress it is decided once more to rely on English weaving, no one need be afraid of the result. | The Queen’s siik brocade gown was ' made on the Warner hand-looms, and a very pretty design incorporating national emblems was introduced. The looms are now situated at Braintree, where much was done ill connection with the Coronation. Should it be dfcsided to weave the silk specially some very busy weeks would follow in order to permit of the work being completed

in time. But the trousseau is well under way. Fifteen Irish peasant girls, picked needle-workers, are to make part of the lingerie for Princess Mary’s trousseau in their homes. The Princess has selected the models and the order has been given for three sets. The .girls have been selected from those who supply the Royal Irish Industries Association.

There arc to lie .six of cadi set of iugerie. They are all to he of very, •cry fine Irish linen. On one set is to ie what the Irish call “fine stitchcry.” The threads are drawn, and when stitched have the appearance of lace-work, they are so' fine. This stitchcrv is to be headed, with a Space til linen between, with real lace foil if cl the necks and sleeves of the garments. The lace, which is about half stn inch" wide, is set on plain. The nightdresses will have short sleeves, and satin ribbon, about an inch wide, in Princess Mary’s colour—pale blue—is to bo threaded round the waist. This set is to lie lace encrusted, which makes it look as if it is part of the fine linen. The models for the third set are delicately embroidered with Irish poiritstitch. Beautiful simplicity is the keynot of all the trousseau garments. Princess Mary has chosen camisoles to be made of georgette, with a hand quite four inches deep of Cnrrick-ma-cross lace round the top. Shamrocks are on the lace. Beneath are pin tucks, and the shoulder straps are of white ribbon. All the garments ordered arc white, and only white or pale blue ribbons are to be used. The lingerie will take the girls six weeks to complete. Some of them will walk miles to the centre and feteli the work, hut cheerfully, for their task is an honoured and enviable one. Ireland is well in favour, but this is no new‘thing, for the Royal Irsli Industries Association has frequently made garments for members of the Royal Family