Page 288

Curtains and Coverlet
HE CRAFTSMAN for June illustrated the treatment of
a casement window which has been the subject of numer-
ous letters of approval addressed to the publishers. In
response, therefore, to this mark of appreciation, a de-
          taiiect description of the draperies of the window is here
subjoined, together with that of a bed-coverlet to accompany them.
    The fabric is linen, of peculiar weave and of that natural color
known in France as beige. Hemstitching an inch in width, done
in Delft blue embroidery silk, outlines the side and foot, making a
hem of two and one-quarter inches at the side, and of two and three-
quarters inches at the foot. The hem is made in the ordinary can-
vas stitch, by taking diagonally upon the needle four threads of the
fabric. The threads thus loosened are tied midway by the silk, in
groups of fours; thus producing the usual hour-glass effect. The
corners are marked by the wheel or flower familiar in hemstitch
needlework.
    The coverlet is designed to fit a wooden bedstead six feet. two
inches long by four feet, eight inches wide. One breadth of the fab-
ric, thirty-one inches in width, is taken for the center, and to this
piece half-widths are added, one on either side; thus completing the
top part of the coverlet. Thence, a valance twenty inches wide, with
a hem of three and one-half inches, falls to meet the floor line. The
hemstitching of the valance is, like that of the draperies, one inch in
width, but five instead of four threads are taken as the unit of the
stitch. All the seams of the coverlet are outlined with needlework
in canvas stitch: six threads being taken on the needle, and the stitch
made twelve threads high; while further emphasis is given to the
seams by the 'tree ornaments shown in the design, embroidered one
inch in height, and eight inches apart, alternating on the two sides
of the canvas stitch. It may be added that the coverlet, when fin-
ished, should be eight feet in length, and the top part fifty-six inches
in width; also that the pillows, according to the English custom,
should be concealed beneath it. Pleasing variations of this design
are now under consideration in the needle-work department of The
Craftsman, one of which, in the French style of bed-drapery, will
be illustrated in the August issue of the Magazine.
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