MAKING OVER To Lengthen a Skirt. — To make a girl's wash skirts and petticoats keep pace with her rapid growth, have on hand a few yards of in sertion. If this is too expensive or is unsuitable, then it is possible to make an attractive band by taking a strip an inch to two inches wide of any plain cotton goods, or, if it is a colored skirt to be lengthened, then a strip to match the skirt. Hem on each side and ornament with rows of feath er stitching, with a row of French knots through the middle. For a plain skirt cut about one inch above the hem, placing this narrow band of in sertion or made strip between. Two or more such bands may be employed if desired or necessary. If it be a trimmed or tucked skirt, cut off above the tucks to allow for a seam and the width of the tuck and insert bands.
Or make a new top and sew above the tucks. Take up the tuck on the right side with the seam on the folded edge and stitch to match the other tucks.
To Make Over Sleeves.—One season it becomes necessary to shorten the sleeves, another to lengthen them. If the sleeves are to be made short, a good way is to cut out a piece just above the elbow. Hide the seam by a fold that resembles a tuck. Make two or more tucks, and you have a pretty sleeve with much less trouble than removing them from the shoul ders.
Aprons. — The first place a work apron gives way is near the waist binding, because of the constant rub bing against the table. When mak ing a work apron, if a double thick ness is placed underneath in front from the waist binding down about 12 inches and stitched at the lower edge, the apron will last as long again.
Or, if this is not done and the apron becomes thin, cut it in half through the middle, turn it end for end, and stitch the two outer edges together, making a seam down the front; face the worn edges, which now become the outer edges, stitch what was hereto fore the bottom in the band, and you have an apron rehabilitated.
Collars.—A coat may have found its way to the sewing room for mend ing day. The buttons have been sewed on, the rents mended, and still the collar remains creased. A very simple
process will add the finishing touch and make it worth the time it takes. Take a piece of very thin muslin, brush it lightly with white of egg, and lay it over the creases on the wrong side. Press lightly with a warm iron, and the creases will disappear. The collar will stand stiffer than was the original canvas.
Hints for Making Over.—In mak ing over garments much depends on care in renovating the material. First rip the garment entirely apart, allow ing no two pieces to remain joined. Then pick out every thread carefully. Lay each piece separately on a table and brush carefully.
If 'there are stains or spots be sure that they are removed. The cleaning must be thorough or the fact that the article is made over will be very ap parent.
If the material is faded have it dyed. Black dresses that are not worn, but faded, will look like new after they have been dipped in dye. When redyeing an article, put the new pieces of the material along with the old in the dye. Remember that any color will take black dye.
It often happens that goods are faded on one side, but the color is perfectly fresh on the other. If the weave is such that the reverse side may be used, turn the goods and make them up with the fresh side out.
Some goods, such as cashmere and silk, may be put in the tub and washed in the usual way, being careful, of course, to thoroughly dust them first. They should be ironed on the wrong side before they are dry with an iron not too hot, and pressed until dry.
Wheat bran put in the water in which you wash black goods greatly improves them.
Sometimes, when using ammonia to get out grease, the color is taken out. This you can restore by applying care fully a weak solution of oxalic acid and water. Stop as soon as the color returns.
Light-colored goods and figured fabrics may be sponged with warm water, alcohol, or gasoline. Very light colors should be sponged on the wrong side of the goods, taking care that every fiber is thoroughly dampened. Go over every piece separately and carefully.