Hand Knitting.

Now that March is here, with the approach of the autumn season and almost the end of our wonderful summer, our thoughts turn once more to the winter clothes problem. Hand knitting seems more popular than ever, and woolly wear is more delightfully original and well-fitting. The wool this season is in fascinating colourings, and for outdoor wear will match the new materials. For winter undies wools are obtained in lovely pastel shades. Children's wear is charming, and the loveliest little hand-knitted garments are seen. There should be

Railway Staff at Oamaru Station, 53 Years Ago.
Standing (left to right).—Messrs. Hurst (Clerk), D. Wallace (Cadet), H. Pearce (afterwards Stationmaster, Milton), W. Vincent (Goods Foreman), —. Todd (Clerk).
Sitting (left to right).—A. Heskett (Cadet, afterwards Stationmaster, Kurow), A. Weir (Shipping Foreman). T. W. Brebner (Chief Clerk, afterwards Traffic Manager, Invercargill), S. J. Loring (Stationmaster, afterwards District Traffic Manager, Greymouth), G. Brownlee (Cadet, afterwards District Traffic Manager, Wanganui), —. Farquhar (Cadet).
Mr. G. Brownlee, who was District Traffic Manager at Wanganui at the time of his retirement in 1919, has kindly supplied the above photograph. Mr. Brownlee is well known to railwaymen and also as a public man in Auckland, where, subsequent to his retirement, he became interested in educational matters and is now a member of the Auckland Education Board, a position he has occupied for the last 12 years. He was also a member of the Auckland City Council for four years, and of the Auckland Grammar School Board and other school controlling authorities. It is interesting to recall that Mr. Brownlee was an original member of the Government Railways Superannuation Board, a position he occupied for five years.

page 43 more women wielding knitting needles this season than even last year.

Hints for Beginners.—Do not wind the wool into a hard ball, as this stretches the wool and takes away its elasticity. Wind loosely over the fingers, withdrawing them frequently to change the position of the ball and to keep it symmetrical.

To join wool, thread one end into a darning needle and run needle about three inches along into the other end, drawing the wool through. This does away with unsightly knots on the inside of the garment.

To produce a firm edge to your work always knit into the back of cast-on stitches.

Before making up a garment run in all the ends neatly and securely on the wrong side. Lay each part separately wrong side up, on an ironing blanket, and pin or tack down exactly to the size and shape required. Then with a damp cloth and hot iron carefully press. Sew up the seams neatly with wool, placing the two edges together and sewing stitch to stitch.

The seams of knitted jumpers may be stitched with a machine. It is quicker and straighter and makes a better job. Join the shoulder seams first, then stitch the sleeves into the armholes. The sleeve and sideseam can then be sewn in one. Press all the seams carefully and they will hardly show. A great deal depends upon the care taken in pressing and making up a knitted garment. Many a well-knitted garment has been spoiled by careless finishing off.

To Utilise Old Wool.—Most of us have some good out-of-date hand-knitted garments in our wardrobes. This wool may be washed and re-knitted and, provided it is not faded, will make up like new. First, carefully unpick all the seams. Unravel the wool and wind into skeins, tying them in several places with wool of a different colour to make the skeins secure.

Now soak each skein of wool in warm soapsuds, using Lux for preference. Wash well, squeezing with the hands. Do not rub or wring the wool. Rinse thoroughly in warm water and lay on newspaper or a towel in a shady place to dry. The careful washing and drying removes all the crinkles from the wool.

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