variety of ways, to suit taste and convenience.
The border is often made to resemble black lace, and when properly
executed, looks extremely well. The parts filled up, should be worked in
black floss or black wool. Leaves may be worked with gold twist, or
beads may be employed. The grounding should be in fine twisted silk: any
color may be used. In other cases, white wool, white silk, silver and
glass beads, and several other materials are in requisition; so that
here is ample scope for classification and arrangement. A mourning bag
looks well done to imitate lace, worked in black floss silk, and
ornamented with black glass and silver beads, disposed in a tasteful and
ornamental style. Sometimes a bag is worked as a shield of four squares;
in such a case, two squares should be worked in feather stitch, and the
others in any stitch that will form a pleasing contrast: the border
should be a simple, but elegant lace pattern.

For braces and bracelets, any small border pattern may be adopted. They
should be worked in two colors, highly contrasted, for bracelets: gold
twist round the edge is a great addition.

These suggestions in reference to patterns, might have been greatly
extended; but we wish every young lady to draw upon the resources of her
own mind, and to think for herself. To one, who is desirous to excel, we
have said enough; a little thought will enable her to apply the general
principles, here laid down, to any particular case; and, without the
employment of the thinking faculty, the most minute instructions, in
this or any other art, would fail in producing their intended effects.

CHAPTER VIII.

FANCY NEEDLEWORK.

INSTRUCTIONS IN EMBROIDERY.

EMBROIDERY WITH SILK.--The materials used as foundations, are various,
embracing silk, satin, cloth, and velvet; and the silk employed in
working is purse silk, deckers, half twist, and floss; but floss is most
in request.

Embroidery should always be worked in a frame, as it cannot be done well
on the hand, except in very small pieces. The same careful attention to
shades, before recommended, is necessary here; for small flowers two or
three shades are sufficient; but in roses and others, that are large,
five shades are in general required; the darker shades should be worked
into the centre of the flower, (and it is often advisable to work them
in French knots,)[79-*] and thence proceed with the lighter, until you
come to the lightest, which forms the ou