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Rh the stitches of the double part, but be careful not to increase the number of stitches.

PATCHWORK.

Patchwork is by no means without its literary associations. Mary Scudder's attic boudoir, curtained off with patchwork quilts, has been pictured by Mrs. Stowe's pleasant pen, and, in the same novel, Miss Prissy's enthusiasm over a new quilting pattern is quite realistic to any who have attended the country sewing societies of a few years ago, where "rising sun" and "basket" patterns were solemnly discussed. But the old fashioned patchwork quilts are "out," and crazy quilts are "in," so I give a few practical directions for this work.

The first thing is to collect scraps of silk, satin, plush, velvet, etc. Very good packages of silk may be bought at most of the large city stores, but you need not confine yourselves entirely to new pieces. Any scraps that are bright and fresh can be used. A good deal of black is desirable, and you should by all means have a varied assortment of colors. Soft shades, and neutral tints are very useful. Brocades are especially desirable. It is wise to begin with a small piece of work, such as a sofa-pillow or a border for a table-scarf, or a chair-seat, and thus save yourself from becoming discouraged by too great an undertaking.

A band of patchwork can be inserted between two pieces of plain material, such as satin, velvet, plush or silk. Take a piece of thin muslin or cheese-cloth for a foundation, and on this baste your pieces, turning in the edges as in log-cabin patchwork. If you wish your work to be artistic have a plan or motive in laying out your work. For instance, if you are making a band for a table-scarf, you can have a series of square or oblong tiles of a plain material, each one embroidered with a