Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 December 1891 — THE HOUSEHOLD. [ARTICLE]

THE HOUSEHOLD.

All Around the House. A very effective pillow case can be made with strips of line linen joined with embroidery i nsertion an inch to an inch and a half wide, the breadth of the linen strips to vary according to taste. This can be trimmed either with a frill of linen or lace. The pillow itself should he covered with plain colored sateen, to show through the insertion. A spare bed is usually stripped when not in use, the sheets being aired and put on as the bed is required, the blankets neatly folded and laid on the mattress, butacolored chintz counterpane, with a frill of its own or coarse Torchon lace trimming, has a very good effect and makes a room look cheerful. For half window curtains there is nothing more attractive than a soft, muslin with a frill of the same passed on the rod, made rather full and allowed to hang straight down, pushing them back or drawing them together, as desired. Two pretty ways of arranging short muslin curtains are as follows: Divide the muslin (plain or figured) into three pieces, and edge the center one with a small frill down each side,'tho others with a frill only on the inside. Hem them at the top, and pass the brass or ribbon band through them; tie the center pieces together in the middle with ribbon and how; loop hack the sides also with ribbons and bows. The bottom of the blinds may be cither left loose (hemmed and frilled) or passed through another brass or ribbon band; or, hem the muslin at the top and frill it each side; run the rod or band through the hem. Then gather the bottom into a band of the muslin about one inch deep and six long, and fasten (fan shape) with tiny tacks or drawing pins onto the center of the window frame.

Old Thing's Woith Saving. An old shade hat, if the straw he good, may be twisted, turned up at tho side or behind, and retrimmed, and come out as good as new. It is poor economy to throw awav any artificial flowers, unless very shabby, and old ribbons are always coming into play. Old gloves have many uses. Large sizes may he worn in dusting, or in garden work. The undressed kid may serve many useful purposes; the long wrists sewed up into bags make excellent cases for silver forks, spoons, and jewelry; the shorter pieces may be cut into pretty shapes and fastened together for penwipers, or small decorated bags. Of course no good housekeeper throws away old soft handkerchiefs, napkins, or towels, but puts them carefully into the drawer where she has old sheets and pillow'cases saved for a time when there is sickness in the liousb.