COMFORT IN SETTEES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 860, 2 January 1930, Page 7

COMFORT IN SETTEES

AVOIDING SHABBINESS WASHABLE UPHOLSTERY The really comfortable sofa receives quite an unfair amount of wear and tear, so that its covering soon looks shabby, while those of less congenial seats remain fresh and uncrushed. To re-upliolster a settee is a fairly costly business, and it is up to the thrifty housewife to keep it in good order on economical lines. One of the best plans is to give the settee a loose cover of plain holland in a very thick, strong weave. This can be laundered frequently, and will form an excellent background for coloured pillows and spread. A spread that will wear well is a Kelim rug, which, being of smooth aud supple surface, fits into the contours of a sofa and does not ruffle up in use. Such rugs are often used nowadays, instead of tapestry, for fixed coverings, but if used loose their positions can be changed to secure even wear all over and they will last longer. Some Oriental rugs of silk pile, too delicate for the floor, also accommodate themselves well as sofa spreads. “Animal plush,” lately used for coat collars and cuffs, makes a good sofa rug, being hard wearing and comparatively cheap. So great is its width that a single strip may be used for both seat and back. Velveteen printed in the “calf” design so much in vogue has also been exploited on a couch with excellent effect. Inexpensive in the first instance, it will withstand careful washing when soiled, and thus should have a long life of usefulness. Crochet woolwork has returned to fashion of late, and amusing covers, in gay, jazzy, inspiration, crocheted in squares, would prove quite in the furnishing mode of the moment and exceedingly practical. Nothing wears better than close crochet.

When threading elastic, if there is not sufficient of it to complete the task, using half tape will be found satisfactory. This is an economical hint where there are lots of children’s clothes and elastic ceases to be a small item.