refined of the fair sex, they may attain the same perfection in diversity and beauty of design, that they have already achieved in the more mechanical portion of their art. HOW TO COPY AND IMITATE OLD POINT LACE. N order to render the present volume useful to those who are novices in the art of lace-making, as well as to those who are already proficient, it is necessary not only to make a display of beautiful designs, but also to describe the means by which the same designs can be reproduced with needle and thread. Having procured the necessary materials, viz., linen thread, linen lace braid, cord, and good needles, select a braid of the width indicated by the pattern, and tack it firmly on to the pattern between the parallel lines. Where a fulness is caused at either edge of the braid by the curves, whip over the edge of the braid, and thus draw it to the shape. Where two braids come in contact, sew them finely but firmly together by the outer threads. All the varied stitches with which the scrolls are filled, and all the bars or "brides" are produced by button-hole-stitch, worked (as in embroidery) from left to right, and each row below the other. Bearing this rule in mind, it is easy for every worker to originate fresh varieties of stitches during the progress of her work. Venetian or Spanish Rose Point is to be copied without the introduction of any braid. A series of threads (or if preferred a fine cord) should be tacked on to the pattern, following the exact outline of every scroll, and afterwards sewn over, the intervening space being filled entirely with button-holestitch. Attach a needleful of thread firmly to the outline threads or cord at the right hand side, carry it tightly across the space to the left-hand side and attach it there, then work a row of button-hole-stitch very small and even, taking each stitch through the outline of the scroll, and including in it the thread that is fastened across. Continue to work other rows in the same manner until the scroll is filled up. Observe that these rows of stitches generally run in a horizontal direction with regard to the whole piece of lace, as though the work had been executed as far as possible whilst retaining it in its B |