Page:Australian enquiry book of household and general information.djvu/141



Fighting Cock.—This is only suitable for a little boy. It is a most effective dress if well carried out. Loose knickerbockers of copper coloured silk (this is the correct colour, but I have seen them made of red Turkey twill) edged with black feather trimming, dark green silk stockings and light coloured shoes with the cock's foot painted upon them. The blouse and knickers can be made all in one with a running string at the waste, and the neck edged with feather trimming, or a separate blouse can be made and worn with a little jacket made entirely of the feathers worn over it. The cap should be made to represent the cock's head as nearly as possible, and little velvet spurs should be attached to the heels of the shoes. A hen can be carried out just as well using a particular shade of brown for the dress.

Phyllis, a Milk Maid.—This is a very pretty dress and very easily carried out—is suitable for any young girl. A short red cashmere or print skirt (the former material looks best) with a blue band round at the top of the deep hem, an overskirt of the blue made so as to turn over or up on one side and a band of red round it, the same width as the blue on the red, make pretty full round the waist. A white full bodice with long loose sleeves reaching to the wrists and black velveteen basket body laced in front with red laces. The neck of the blouse can be made with a deep turn down collar, like a man's Oxford shirt and fastened with blue ribbon strings, a handkerchief tied under the chin, and the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, a bucket and a milking stool in the hand. A young married couple look well, the lady as Phyllis and the gentleman as Herdsman in corduroy breeches, or velveteen would be better, red stockings, white shirt, velveteen waistcoat, blue or red sash with fringed end, red cap and cow whip in hand.

A Charity Girl.—This is a very becoming dress to a pretty young girl, and can be made up in any sombre colour, such as navy blue, dark brown, grey or black. The best, and most like the actual dress, is dark blue print or dungaree. The latter if possible, and it had better be washed before making up as it sometimes has an unpleasant smell. A short, perfectly plain skirt, and the body to fasten down the back. A large white muslin kerchief folded across the chest artistically, white apron and large mob cap, dark blue stockings and shoes with bright buckles.

Flower Girl.—Pink striped or a a pretty figured material are suitable for this character. Short skirt with lace or muslin overskirt, looped up at the side, lace bodice, rustic hat trimmed with flowers, muslin apron and basket of flowers.

Gipsy.—For this character the face, neck and arms and hands should be stained, unless the wearer is naturally dark. A simple stain and one easily washed off can be made of sepia. You require a red, blue, or deep orange and black skirt. It matters not which colour is chosen so long as it is bright. Scallop the skirt and adorn it with hundreds of sequins. For the bodice a full white blouse and a Swiss belt in black, and full white sleeves. A small red cap trimmed also with sequins. This is a very pretty dress but only suitable for a dark brunette.

Forget-me-not.—Pale blue underskirt of silk, sateen or nuns' veiling, broad wreath of forget-me-nots across the front near the bottom. Bodice of white or cream lace, with or without a tunic, according to one's own taste. Wreath round waist and looping tunic at one side.