Old-Time Needlework.

A popular revival in fascinating needlework is the old-time patchwork, which has an appeal all its own. Bedspreads, cushion-covers, borders for curtains, and duchess runners are some of the delightful articles that can be made. Among the fabrics used are cotton, linen-silk and velvet. The revival of patchwork fits in well with the modern trend of simplicity in furniture.

The original method of joining the pieces was to sew them together with featherstitching. A quicker method, which is both neat and strong, is to machine the pieces together. Use left-over scraps which can form a crazy pattern, or oddments and remnants bought at sales, to carry out a colour scheme. Cut the pieces about three inches square. Join the squares into strips the length needed, and press seams flat; then join the strips together. Alternate strips of patterned and plain material are most effective in cotton or linen patchwork. The work should be lined with a plain material, and a border the same as the lining makes a decorative finish. Silk or satin articles, such as bedspreads, must be interlined with flannelette or similar material and then lined with silk.

Rooms in which patchwork is to be introduced must have plain wall papers and floor-coverings. Patchwork in conjunction with the new painted furniture and pastel tinted walls would make a charming combination. Most cotton materials are now fadeless and in wonderful colourings and patterns, and are fresh and bright after repeated launderings. This fascinating work can be utilised for delightful furnishings in bedroom, kitchen, breakfast room or alcove.

Charming dressing gowns of silk or velvet patchwork are made for grown-ups and small girls. A crazy, or the old-fashioned box pattern, can be used with wonderful effect. The garment must be interlined, then lined with silk or washing satin, the trimming being of the same material as the lining. There is no end to the useful and delightful articles that can be evolved from the patchwork.

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