Show WOMANS WORLD pretty table doilies dailies easily made alade from odd scraps of goods rj et alfa ajla ley woman whom i know aas ONE a charming home with vilh 1 lots of 01 room for entertaining I 1 it seems cm that t no matter how often she has visitors there are always bridge cloths claths or freshly laundered doilies dailies tor for the table when I 1 asked her how she managed she showed me a drawer full of placemats place mats and table cloths claths ot of assorted sizes my secret is that I 1 never throw away a piece of material if theres any possible use for it she confided A partially word worn sheet or damaged tablecloth is cut into dolies dos dois lies and matching napkins napkin embroidered or crocheted on the edge laundered starched and well pressed then ready for the table you know its surprising how many sheets pillow cases tablecloths and odd pieces of material can be nade anade into attractive luncheon or breakfast dollies doi lies or they can be cut to fit smaller sized tables and usei uil as such it takes but a little utting and sewing to convert the pieces of material into something really attractive and useful only suitable fabrics should be used for table linens this means that the fabric must not be too soft as we like a semi starched appearance pe arance in table linen it adds neatness and crispness to the setting select select if at all possible a material that has a rough weave or linen like finish something that Is too closely woven is not desirable as table linens most certainly will old tablecloths make nice doilies dailies doi lies spot and a close tight weave makes it difficult to remove stains for informal table linens these cottons are good to use gingham chambray percale unbleached or bleached muslin organdy and dimity some of the are fine too but steer away from those that you know will not hold their shape directions for sewing cutting the secret of having table mats or cloths claths look neat and attractive Is to cut them perfectly straight pull a thread from the fabric to make sure the edges are straight then fold and hem carefully the same applies tor for napkins the edges and corners should lie flat and smooth it take much time to baste and press to make sure you are getting everything straight and even and the time Is well worth the extra effort th napery hem is used on our very finest linens for sheer place mats you may use a small and very even seam that gives the appearance pe arance almost of a tolled rolled hem A whipping stitch or running hem can be used on the sheer fabrics on informal cotton sets you might like to use a hem of contrasting colored thread made in even stitches remember that hems show up easily easi ily once the linen is set on a table and its important to have good careful sewing to make it look its very best one of the best guides guide sas as to what should be used in decoration is to look at the new linens being shown t conceal a patch with an to find what motifs are currently popular you might like to use in the corners of bright flower designs or south ot of the border prints these add sparkle to break fast and luncheon cloths claths contrasting colored hems are very popular and are conservative enough even to please the most discriminating hostess this may be done with a fabric ot of a different color added to the mat itself or it may be in the form of a bias tape used for finishing the edges use your ingenuity in decorations feather stitching is very popular on the very simple doilies dailies doi lies and gay colored ric rac is always welcome A simple crochet stitch often adds newness to doilies dailies doi lies and this may be worked out in white or in other colors that combine well with your dishes and accessories for formal doilies dailies such as you might want to use when entertaining stay with the simple designs use ue bands panels or classic designs A band might be run through the middle but choose its width carefully so that it does not look like patchwork always miter the corners carefully so that the placemat will lie flat on the table if your machine has an edge it will be easy to insert lace bands to run around the dolly doily this gives particularly fine effects on the sheer materials like dimity and organdy for decorative stitching on the machine use the durable buttonhole twist or yarn this washes and irons beautifully and is just the right weight to give an excellent line when stitching mark and measure where you want to stitch before starting out on the machine if you make good flat fell seams on your dollies doi lies they can often be used on both sides they will also launder and wear much better than it if you are haphazard in doing the seams |