loss is somewhat similar,
but it has a slight twist in it, making it easier to work, though
producing a less satisfactory result. Filosel is useful for some kinds
of work, but it is a poorer quality of silk. The purse silks, and what
is called embroidery silk, are all excellent; they are tightly twisted
varieties of fine quality. There are various others in use; a visit to a
good embroidery depot will probably be the best means of finding out
about these and about materials in general.

Wools can be obtained in various thicknesses and twistings, each good in
their way. Some workers prefer a but slightly twisted wool; however,
examples of old wool work are to be found in which a finely twisted
variety is used with most satisfactory effect.

Flax threads can be obtained in very good colours, and are to be highly
recommended. There are various cottons procurable, either coloured or
white, that are good for marking and other embroidery purposes where an
evenly twisted thread is desirable.

Pearls and precious stones take their place in rich embroideries, also
various less expensive but pretty stones may often be made use of
effectively.

Beads are a fascinating material to work with; all kinds of pretty
things can be done with them, either sewing them upon a ground, knitting
or crocheting, or making use of a small bead loom. A good deal of the
ready-made bought bead work, that only requires a monotonous ground to
be filled in around an already worked pattern of sorts, is not at all
suggestive of its possibilities. Beads of both paste and glass can be
obtained in much greater variety than is usually known, from the most
minute in size to large varieties of all kinds of shapes and patterns,
the colours of most of them being particularly good. The larger
ornamental beads are useful in many ways, sometimes taking the place of
tassels or fringes.

Many kinds of most curious materials are at times brought into the
service of embroidery, but the above-mentioned ones are the most usual.

CHAPTER III

PATTERN DESIGNING

The Difficulties of Pattern Making--A Stock-in-Trade--Some
Principles upon which Patterns are Built Up--Spacing-Out--Nature and
Convention--Shading--Figure Work--Limitations--Colour.

A beginner sometimes experiences difficulty in preparing her own
patterns. A designer needs a wide knowledge of many subjects, which
necessitates much time being given to study; also drawing ability is
necessar