CHAPTER XIX.

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

In bringing the Ladies' Work-Table Book to a close, we cannot persuade ourselves to dismiss the subject, without a word or two to our fair friends, as to the use, necessary to be made, of all the useful or ornamental accomplishments their circumstances and situations may enable them to acquire. We should never, for one moment, suffer the utile to be absent from our thoughts: she who has no definite aim in what she does, can never have any good ground of hope, that, in her progress through life, she can attain to excellence.

These remarks apply principally to that large class, who are dependent upon exertion of some kind, for the means of comfort and respectability, in their respective stations. But, as those ladies, whose circumstances render a practical acquaintance with the arts here treated of, a matter of indifference, a knowledge of them is, by no means, unnecessary. In many ways indeed, a lady, blessed with affluence, may render an acquaintance with the details of needlework extensively useful.

It is often the case that young persons are engaged in families, whose education has been, from some cause or other, lamentably neglected. In those cases, the lady who feels her obligations, and is actuated by a true Christian spirit, will consider herself as standing in the place of a mother to her humble dependents; and, under a deep sense of her high responsibilities, will endeavor to improve, and fit them, by suitable and kindly-imparted instructions, for the proper discharge of the duties of that station, which it may be presumed they will in after days be called upon to fill. In this case, how useful will the kind and careful mistress find a knowledge of that art, which teaches the proper method of making those articles of dress which are so essential to every family who, however humble, are desirous of securing the respect of the wise and the good, by judicious economy, and a neat and respectable appearance.

Those ladies who are in the habit of devoting a portion of their time to the superintendence of our female charity schools, will also find such knowledge extremely beneficial. To those who are disposed to follow the example of the holy Dorcas, in providing garments for the deserving and destitute poor, an acquaintance with _plain needlework_ is indispensible; and indeed, it will, in every walk of life, be found useful to her who is, by the animating love of the Lord Jesus, disposed

"To seek the wretched out, And court the offices of soft humanity."

Another advantage may also be gained, by a manifestation of the kindly solicitude for the improvement of domestics, here pointed out. In cases where the secular tuition of young persons has been neglected, it will be generally found that their religious and moral training has been equally uncared for. Let the Christian lady evince a real desire to improve the temporal condition of those beneath her influence, and she will soon find that the best affections of the heart are opened to the reception of instructions of a higher and still more important character. Hard indeed must be that heart which can resist the influence of genuine kindness exercised in a friendly Christian spirit. We once had the pleasure of seeing a young servant baptized in the faith of Christ, while those in whose service she was, and two others, highly respectable persons, answered for her at the font. This beautiful meeting together of the rich and the poor, took place in one of the most splendid parish churches in England, and left on our minds an impression which will never be effaced.

In the foregoing pages we have endeavored to lay before the young votary of the needle, such instructions as we hope will be found sufficiently clear to enable her to produce many a delightful specimen of her assiduity, taste, and judgment. We have sought to be concise, without being obscure; and to give plain directions, without making our readers mere imitators, or copyists. One fault which is to be found in all the books on these subjects, which we have seen, we have carefully avoided; that is, the giving a list of the various colours to be employed in the fabrication of each example given. Nothing can be more absurd, and mischievous than this. The young work-woman can only exercise her judgment, to any extent, in this department of her labors. The various stitches she must form according to the prescribed rule; because, in most instances, they can be performed in no other manner; but in the choice of materials, and colors, she should have free scope: here judgment, taste, and fancy, should range untrammelled by rules and forms; and yet this is rarely done, because the lady is taught to rely upon her patterns, and scarcely ever to consult her own sense of beauty or propriety. We see the effect of this, in the sameness, and monotonous appearance of almost all kinds of fancy-work: and we have endeavored to do our best, to introduce a more correct taste and principle into this department of the elegant arts, in which females are engaged. We know that much native genius exists among our fair countrywomen; and we wish to see it expand, as freely as the refreshing breeze, that sweeps over our native hills.

We have before alluded to the various and interesting uses to which the needle can be applied, and the high moral ends it is so well calculated to promote: and if such be its importance, then it will be readily admitted by all, that he who has made the most improvements, and produced the most finished specimens of this all-important instrument, has conferred a real benefit upon his race.

We have a higher end in view, than promoting the acquisition of accomplishments, however elegant or pleasing. We wish to direct the minds of those whom we are thus endeavoring to interest and instruct, to the immortal beauties of moral excellence. These works may be made conducive, in a high degree, to the development of family affection, and the promotion, to a vast extent, of the purposes of genuine charity, benevolence, and friendship. But there is yet a higher kind of use, to which we would apply them. We would have the young lady, who is becoming expert and clever at her needle to reflect, as the beautiful fabric grows beneath her forming hand, that her work, and the power and skill to plan and execute it, is an emanation of the Immortal Mind; of that Mind, whose creative powers are a faint, but legible transcript of the Omnipotent Wisdom of the Deity. This thought gives a permanency to what would, in any other light be only transitory as the summer cloud. It is Omnipotent Wisdom and Power, which has contrived and executed all the beautiful wonders of creation; and that Wisdom and Power were called into activity by Omnipotent Love. We wish to impress this sublime truth upon the mind of our young readers, because we wish them to place their Heavenly Father before them--as their pattern and example--in all that they take in hand; and to remember that, as He formed the universe by Wisdom, from Love--so all their actions and elegant contrivances should be the result of judgment, guided by affection--that they may thus become like their Father, who is in Heaven.

Indeed, it is only when accomplishments are rendered subservient to the development of moral goodness, that they may become pursuits at all worthy of an accountable being. We were not sent into this world to flutter through life, like the gaudy butterfly, only to be seen and admired. We were designed to be useful to our fellow beings; and to make all our powers and capabilities, in some way or other conducive to the happiness and welfare of our co-journeyers on the path of time. To this end, we wish our fair countrywomen to devote their best attention; and, in its attainment, to exert every energy which they possess. We wish them to make all the knowledge which they may acquire subserve some noble purpose; which will outlive the present hour. But to do this, the well-spring of the purest affections must be opened in the soul; and the elegant productions of taste and genius become vitalized, and animated, by the spirit of love. Thus, and thus only, can the occupations of a leisure hour be converted into efficient ministers of good; and such they will assuredly be found, if practised from right motives, and placed in due subordination to the right exercise of more important duties. The young votaress of the needle, of drawing, or of music, should ever bear in mind, that the time employed in those pursuits, will be accounted lost or improved, by the impartial Judge of all--just in proportion as they have been made to serve the purposes of selfish gratification, or to minister to the development of an elevated moral character--generous and warm affections--and the cultivation of those virtues, which, as essentials of the Christian character, shall outlive the ravages of time, and qualify the soul for all the beatitudes of a coming eternity.

In all then that the young lady aims to learn, or to accomplish, let her place a high and moral standard before her, and resolve to render every transaction of her life conducive to her preparation for a higher state of being. Our various faculties and powers were not given us to be wasted, but to be used to the honor of our Creator--the comfort and welfare of those around us--and, as a consequence of our faithful discharge of our several obligations, conducive, in an eminent degree, to our happiness. No mistake can be more fatal, than an idea that, for what we call trifles, we shall have no account to render. What we call trifles, may be, in their consequence, both to ourselves and others, the most important acts of our lives. It is not by great events that our characters are formed; but by the neglect or performance of our duties in that state of life, into which the Wisdom of our Heavenly Father has seen fit to call us. To elevate the sufferings, soothe the sorrows, increase the comforts, and enhance the joys of all around us, should be the highest aim of a laudable ambition--and every endeavor should be most assiduously devoted to the accomplishment of these important ends. It is, in fact, only when we thus employ our various talents and capabilities, that they are really useful, in any other case, they are only ministers to our personal pride, and selfish gratification, instead of becoming links in that golden chain, by which the faithful performance of appointed duties is elevated to the possession of "a crown of righteousness, that fadeth not away."

Let, then, the youthful female, as she plies her needle, or exercises her judgment or ingenuity, in the choice of colors or materials, or in the invention of new developments of creative genius, ever remember to exercise those powers as a Christian--let her cultivate, in her inmost soul, the conviction, that all her skill and power is imparted from on high--and let her be careful to make all she does, a sacrifice, acceptable to her God, by doing all in the spirit, and under the influence of that sacred charity--that boundless benevolence--which ever rejoices, in making its various capabilities subservient to the good of others, and thus gives to the otherwise perishable occurrences of time, an endurance and a continuity, that shall endure for ever.

INDEX.

Algerine Work, 69

Angular Stitch, 33

Applique, 84, 89

Apron, Girl's, 40

----, Morning, 40

----, Vandyke, 40

---- for a young person, 40

Aprons, 38

----, Dress, 39

Armorial Bearings, 83, 89

Baby's Cap, 111

---- Hood, 112

---- Shoe, 112

Barege Knitting for Shawls, 115

Basket Stitch, 66, 88

Bathing Gown, 40

Bead Stitch, 127, 145

Bead Work, 84

Beaufort Star, 71

Beautiful Fringe and Border, 113

Bed-room Linen, 54

Bee's Stitch, 101

Berlin Wire Stitch, 101

Biassing, 35

Binding, 59

Biroche, A, 111

Blankets, 54

Border for a Shawl, 124

Braces, 85

Braiding, 59

Braid Work, 84, 89

Brief Description of Wools, 22

Bustles, 41

Button-hole Stitch, 31

Cap Border Scollop, 140

Caps, 41

Cashmere Shawl, 49

Cast off, To, 100

Cast on, To, 98

Cast over, To, 99

Chain Stitch, 32, 102

---- ---- on Gathers, 34

Checked Patterns, 115

Chenille Embroidery, 80

Chess Pattern, 71

Child's Collar, 41

Cloaks, 42

Close Stitch for Waistcoats, 115

Comforter, A, 113

Comforter, Another, 113

Common Plait, 101

Common Tatting Edging, 155

Coral Pattern, 35

Corner for a Shawl, 122

Corners, To fill up, 69

Cravats, 42

Crochet Edging, for Collars, 148

---- ---- for Hdkfs., 150

---- Neck Chain, 152

Cross Stitch, 65

Crow's-foot Stitch, 102

Diagram, 61

Diamond Netting, 128

---- ---- 5 stitches, 128

Dice Pattern, 72

---- ---- Purse, 135

Dinner Napkins, 56

Dividing Line, A, 146

Dotted Knitting, Baby's shoe, 117

---- Netting, 129

Double Cross Stitch, 65

---- Diamond, long stitch, 72

---- Herring-boning, 34

---- Knitting, 103

---- Nightcap, 117

---- Open Crochet, 144

---- Plait Stitch, 69

---- Stitch Crochet, 144

---- Straight Cross Stitch, 65

Dressing Table Covers, 55

Dress Shawl, 49

Dutch Common Knitting, 104

Edge Stitch, 145

Elastic Rib, 105

Embroidery, 88

---- in Wool, 80

---- with Silk, 79

Embossed Diamond, 104

---- Hexagon Stitch, 104

Fancy Bobbin Edging, 34

---- Button-hole Stitch, 31

---- Chain Stitch, 31

---- Herring-boning, 33

Fantail Stitch, 105

Fasten on, To, 100

---- off, To, 146

Feather Stitch, 67

French Ground Net, 130

---- Stitch, 105

Frills, 42

Frame, to Dress for Cloth Work, 82

----, to Dress for Cross Stitch, 82

----, to Dress for Tent Stitch, 83

Gathering, Double, or Puffing, 30

----, 30

Gem, or Set Patterns, 85

Gentlemen's Belts, 43

---- Braces, 89

---- Collars, 43

---- Fronts, 43

---- Travelling Cap, 118

---- Waistcoats, 85, 89

German Knitting, 105

---- Pattern, 72, 88

Gobelin, 85

---- Stitch, 66

Grecian Netting, 130

Greek Cap, coarse Chenille, 152

Habit Shirt, 119

Half Handkerchief, 118

Harlequin Quilt, with Tufts, 119

Heart Pattern, 73

Hemming, 29

----, German, 29

Herring-bone Bag Stitch, 106

---- Purse, 118

Herring-boning, 33

Honeycombing, 36

Honeycomb Mittens, 136

---- Netting, 131

---- ----, with two Meshes, 131

----, Another kind, 130

---- Stitch, 106

Horse-shoe Stitch, 34

Housemaid and Kitchen Linen, 57

Imitation Net-work Stitch, 106

Indian Scarf, 49

Insertion, Crochet Beading, 150

Instructions in Grounding, 91

Irish Diamond, 73

---- Stitch, 66

Jelly Bag, 58

Joining the Threads, 146

Knee Caps, 116

Knit Herring-bone Stitch, 107

Knitted Footing, 117

---- Fringe, 117

---- Muff, 114

Knitting Stitch, 99

Lace, 73, 88

---- Wave Stitch, 107

Ladies' Drawers, 43

---- Flannel Waistcoats, 44

---- Night Jackets, 44

---- Purses, 139

---- Walking Shawls, 50

Landscapes, 85

Leaf Netting, 132

Long Purse, in Points, 141

Loop Stitch, 100

Making Buttons, 60

Maltese Netting in Spots, 133

Mantuamaker's Hem, 29

Materials for Plain Needlework, 17

---- for Embroidery, 21

---- for Fancy Needlework, 20

---- for Knitting, Netting and Crochet, 21

Marking, 59

Medallion Pattern, 90

Mosaic Work, 86, 89

Moss Stitch, 107

Mourning Shawls, 50

Narrowing, 99

Necessary Implements in Crochet, 26

Necessary Implements in Fancy Needlework, 25

Necessary Implements in Knitting, 25

Necessary Implements in Netting, 25

Neck and Pocket Handkerchiefs, 45

Net Cravat, 141

---- Scarf, 141

---- with Points, 132

Netted Bag, with Ring, 135

---- Cuffs, with Silk and Wool, 137

---- Cuffs, 137

---- Fringe, 138

---- Opera Cap, 138

---- Scollop Edging, 139

Night Gowns, 45

---- Stockings, 122

Open Cross Stitch, 108

---- Crochet, 143

---- Hem, 107

---- Work Stockings, 121

Ornamental Ladder Stitch, 108

Over Shoe, 114

Pantry Linen, 56

Pattern for a Light Scarf, 120

Patterns on Canvas, 86

Pearl Stitch, 99

Perforated Card, 86, 89

Petticoat Crochet Edging, 149

Petticoats, 46

----, Flannel, 46

Pillow Covers, 54

Pinafore, 47

Pincushion Covers, 55

Pine Apple Purse, 115

---- ---- Stitch, 108

Piping, 60

Plain Crochet, 143

---- Crochet Bag, in Silk, 151

---- ---- Purse, 152

---- Double Crochet, 143

---- Knitted Muffatees, 120

---- ---- Gentleman's Purse, 139

---- Netted Mittens, 139

---- Netting, 126

---- Open Netting, 133

---- ---- Stitch, 109

---- ---- Elastic Crochet, 144

---- Stitch Open Crochet, 143

---- Scarf, 48

---- Scollop, 140

Plaiting, 60

Pockets, 48

Point Stitch, 68, 88

Porcupine Stitch, 109

Princess Royal, 74, 88

Pudding Cloth, 58

Purse, with China Silk, 135

Queen Stitch, 68

Queen's Vandyke, 68

Quilts, 54

Raised Embroidery, 80

---- Stitch, A, 145

---- Work, 93

Raising, 99

Rib, To, 99

Ribbon Scarf, 48

Roman Pattern, 74

Round Netting, 133

Rough Cast Stitch, 110

Row, A, 99

Rug Bordering, 87, 88

Running, 29

Russian Pattern, 74

Scale of Canvases, 21

Seam, To, 99

Seam Purse, with Beads, 135

Serpentine Stitch, 35

Sewing and Felling, 29

Shaded Silk Netting, 129

Sheets, 54

Shifts, 50

Shirts, 51

Single Plait Stitch, 68

Slip Stitch, 100

Socks, 122

Sofa Pillow, 150

Star Pattern, 90

---- Tatting, 154

---- with Eight Points, 116

Stitches in Crochet, 142

Stitching, 30

Stitch, To take in a, 147

----, To increase or decrease a, 145

----, To incr. in Crochet, 147

Stitches, To cast on the Loops or, 98

Stockings, 120

Straight Cross Stitch, 65

Strong Knitted Purse, 114

Suggestions as to Patterns, 77

Table Cloths, 56

---- Linen, 56

Tatting, Open Stitch, 153

Tent Stitch, 64

Thread, To bring forward a, 100

----, To carry on a, in Double Crochet, 146

Towels, 55

Travelling Shawl, 50

Treble Open Crochet, 144

True Stitch, 145

Tucks, 60

Turkish Pattern for a Table Cover, 151

Veils, 52

Velvet Stitch, 69

Victoria Pattern, 75

Wave Pattern, 75

---- Knitting, 110

Welts, 100

Whipping, 31

Windsor Pattern, 76

Wire Work, 87, 89

Working Berlin Pattern, 93

---- Figures, 89, 92

Zephyr, A, 114

THE END.

Transcriber's Note

The following typographical errors were corrected.

iv human felicity changed to human felicity. v fair one changed to fair one. v then, how, to fabricate changed to then, how to fabricate vi form and utilty changed to form and utility ix netting of a purse, changed to netting of a purse. 18 very difficult t changed to very difficult to 19 both sides, This changed to both sides. This 20 MATERIALS FOE changed to MATERIALS FOR 21 Knitting Netting, changed to Knitting, Netting, 22 than others changed to than others. 22 Wool.--This changed to WOOL.--This 22 yarn, for mitts, changed to yarn, for mitts. 24 her to devise changed to her to devise. 25 Tissue Paper changed to Tissue Paper. 27 extacy;" changed to extacy; 27 native sky. changed to native sky." 28 principal stiches changed to principal stitches 29 thread with out changed to thread without 30 GATHERING changed to GATHERING. 30 are gathered, Then changed to are gathered. Then 33 appropriate situations changed to appropriate situations. 34 intricate to describle changed to intricate to describe 36 must take grest changed to must take great 38 visiter changed to visitor 41 colico, ore changed to calico, are 44 ADIES' NIGHT JACKETS. changed to LADIES' NIGHT JACKETS. 48 wrong, side changed to wrong side 48 PLAIN SCARF changed to PLAIN SCARF. 51 Another meth d changed to Another method 55 into the other, changed to into the other. 60 in the middle changed to in the middle. 60 like a star changed to like a star. 64 painting in oil, changed to painting in oil. 65 CROSS STITCH changed to CROSS STITCH. 65 This is a stich changed to This is a stitch 66 arrangment changed to arrangement 67 same color changed to same color. 70 unavailable repentance changed to unavailable repentance. 71 increas-increasing changed to increasing 72 inprovement changed to improvement 76 is complete changed to is complete. 76 ane xtremly changed to an extremely fn 79-* The footnote marker was missing on the footnote 80 CHENILLE EMBROIDERY changed to CHENILLE EMBROIDERY. 81 perseverence changed to perseverance 83 restored to changed to resorted to 84 braided with ther changed to braided with their 85 lavendar changed to lavender 88 CHAPTER X changed to CHAPTER X. 88 considerable size changed to considerable size. 89 assidously changed to assiduously 93 the, first changed to the first 96 forgotton changed to forgotten 96 incovenience changed to inconvenience 98 Lee., M. A, changed to Lee, M. A., 98 first intoduction changed to first introduction 98 the means changed to the means, 99 PEARL STITCH changed to PEARL STITCH. 100 NOTE, in cas tingon changed to NOTE, in casting on 102 other three stiches changed to other three stitches 102 that tbe pins changed to that the pins 103 previous methods changed to previous methods. 104 stitches, you choose changed to stitches you choose 104 taking careto changed to taking care to 106 loops, and kniting changed to loops, and knitting 107 knit three siitches changed to knit three stitches 111 preceeding changed to preceding 112 five rows o changed to five rows of 113 ancle changed to ankle 113 each stitch; The changed to each stitch. The 114 fringe and borber changed to fringe and border 115 knitting three stiches changed to knitting three stitches 118 when it ouccurs changed to when it occurs 120 PATTERN FOR A LIGHT SCARF changed to PATTERN FOR A LIGHT SCARF. 120 generaly changed to generally 122 every other stich changed to every other stitch 123 Eleventh row plain changed to Eleventh row plain. 123 make a siitch changed to make a stitch 123 knit two togteher changed to knit two together 124 twenty-seeond changed to twenty-second 127 bottom of the preceeding changed to bottom of the preceding 128 For the fouth changed to For the fourth 129 principal beauty changed to principal beauty. 131 the end Work changed to the end. Work 134 You every is missing a word, probably "work." This change was not made in the text 134 succeding changed to succeeding 135 ninety-eight stiiches changed to ninety-eight stitches 136 net seven stiches changed to net seven stitches 137 double silk changed to double silk. 137 to the whole, changed to to the whole. 140 loop Net changed to loop. Net 143 can be be varied changed to can be varied 144 each square, changed to each square. 145 back or the changed to back of the 145 loose in each changed to lose in each 145 TO INCREASE OR DECREASE A STITCH. changed to TO INCREASE OR DECREASE A STITCH. 145 conceal the the half changed to conceal the half 146 means meaking changed to means making 150 This is done it changed to This is done in 152 same color changed to same color. 153 Take you tatting changed to Take your tatting 157 of a highe changed to of a higher 160 puposes of selfish changed to purposes of selfish 161 sooth changed to soothe 163 Bedroom changed to Bed-room 163 ---- on Gathers changed to ---- ---- on Gathers 164 Tatting Edging changed to Tatting Edging, 164 Fan-tail changed to Fantail 165 Travelling Cap changed to Travelling Cap, 165 Imitation Network changed to Imitation Net-work

The Index has been standardized to have a , between the index entry and the page number.

The following words had inconsistent spelling and hyphenation.

cross-way / crossway honey-comb / honeycomb indispensible / indispensable needle-woman / needlewoman needle-work / needlework net-work / network pin-cushion / pincushion vitalized / vitalised

End of Project Gutenberg's The Ladies' Work-Table Book, by Anonymous