18 



gathers in the sleeve to the vanishing point, a feat of no mean order. Mrs. A. 

 does not api^rove of French seams in shirt waists and she says all scams to look 

 well shonld be of a good width, an inch or three-qnarters of an inch at least. 



When we l)egan the skirts, each one was given a pattern which could ije 

 used for a 2, 3, or 4: piece skirt, and we used this pattern with a panel for our 

 separate skirts, and are using it again as a 3 or 4 piece skii-t in the one-piece 

 dress. We were given very clear directions for cutting the jianel and had no 

 difficulty in doing it without the pattern. When basted up the skirts fitted per- 

 fectly. We were shown how to pin the belt on and how to get tlie length, each 

 member of the class doing this for some other member. Mrs. A. gathers the 

 edge of the heui, distributing the fulness so a-^ to do away with all ])laits. 



The kimona waist seemed to be the object of the greatest interest and many 

 were the conversations on the relative merits of a kimona and a waist of the set-in 

 sleeve variety. We were given no pattern for the kimona waist, but ^[rs. A's. 

 instructions, as in the draughting of the panel, were most explicit and umler her 

 watchful eye there were no mishaps. The little 3 inch square which she used under 

 the arm was a surprise to most of us, and being placed so as to draw on the bias 

 will prevent tearing which has always been a serious defect in the kimona waist. 

 When through we each had a shirt waist, a skirt, a one-piece dress and perfect 

 fitting patterns for each of these, which we shall be able to use for ourselves with 

 profit and pleasure; for surely we must be better qualitied after our course with 

 Mrs. Altenburg to meet the difficulties that so often present themselves in dress- 

 making. 



Extract from Commuxic atiox Deceived from Miss Frances Bevax, Axcaster. 



Our Branch his just finished the class in dressmaking under Mrs. Altenburg, 

 and everyone is more than pleased with it. 



Each woman has such pretty new things and so beautifully made, quite 

 elaborate silk dresses and some muslins, but one and all are satisfied, with the one 

 exception; one woman who made a print dress has been so angry with herself for 

 not making up better stuff. She was rather skeptical about the class and thought 

 any old thing would do, but when she saw the lovely dresses of the others she wished 

 she had something better. 



The class has done the Institute a world of good. We charged each non- 

 member 25c. extra, so they should become members, and already they are showing 

 great interest in the work of tlie W. T.. and attend tiie meetings. 



