working small figures, d'oyleys,
&c.; but there is also a difficulty about obtaining these in all
shades, as there is not much demand for them at present.

* * * * *

_Arrasene_ is a new material. It is a species of worsted chenille, but
is not twisted round fine wire or silk, like ordinary chenille; though
it is woven first into a fabric, and then cut in the same manner. It
serves to produce broad effects for screen panels, or borders, and has
a very soft, rich appearance when carefully used. It is made also in
silk; but this is inferior to worsted arrasene, or the old-fashioned
chenille.

[Decoration]

SILKS.

_"Embroidery," or Bobbin Silk_, which has now almost superseded
floss, is used for working on satin and silk, or for any fine work. It
is made in strands, each of which has a slight twist in it to prevent
its fraying as floss does. As this silk is required in all varieties
of thickness, it is manufactured in what is technically called "rope,"
that is, with about twelve strands in each thread. When not "rope"
silk, it is in single strands, and is then called "fine" silk. As it
is almost always necessary to use several strands, and these in
varying number, according to the embroidery in hand, the rope silk has
to be divided, or the fine doubled or trebled, as the case may be.

If rope silk is being used, the length required for a needleful must
be cut and passed carefully between finger and thumb once or twice,
that it may not be twisted. It should then be carefully separated into
the number of strands most suitable for the embroidery in hand; for
ordinary work three is about the best number.

These must be threaded together through the needle, care being taken
not to tangle the piece of "rope" from which they have been detached.
There need be no waste if this operation is carefully done, as good
silk will always divide into strands without fraying.

In using "fine silk," one length must be cut first, then other strands
laid on it,--as many as are needed to form the thickness required.
They should be carefully laid in the same direction as they leave the
reel or card. If placed carelessly backwards and forwards, they are
sure to fray, and will not work evenly together. With silk still more
than with crewel, it is necessary to thread all the strands through
the needle together, never to double one back, and never to make a
knot.

It is intended in future to do away with