Encyclop Dia of Household Economy

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 Excerpt: ... Chapter EIGHTEEN Clje JFamtlp Vetoing, Pain Vetoing PLAIN sewing threatens to become a lost art; very much more's the pity. Perfect needlecraft is a liberal education to the eye, the fingers, and the sense of proportion. Moreover, there are few things a house-mother may practise to more profit, either artistically or financially. Practically there are but four seams, though in execution they may be almost infinitely varied. First comes the over-seam. Commonly it joins selvages, or else hemmed edges with inset ribbon or lace. This is also the carpet-stitch. Carpet-sewing, of course, means a big needle and the very stoutest flax-thread, double and well waxed. Match the figures ahead of the needle, and make them fit, even though the fitting demands a slight puckering. Take shallow hold, never more than a quarterinch, setting the needle in the farther side, and thrusting' it well through before attempting to pull it out. Make regular stitches, and be careful not to draw one tight enough to crease the selvage, yet leave the next loose enough to stand slack upon top of it. That makes a zigzag wabbly seam, which causes puckers, wrinkles, and wear of the laid carpet. For anything else than carpet, use rather a fine needle, and thread proportionate. Thus the work is much easier; the resultant seam much neater. Pin the edges together six inches ahead; this insures against holding one fuller than the other. Take neat short stitches of even depth, and as shallow as will hold. After a seam is finished, separate the parts, and smooth the join hard upon the wrong side with the end of the thimble. The shorter and more regular the stitches, the daintier the joining. It is especially useful for infants' skirts--indeed, for all infantile belongings--for bed and table furnish...