18 



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

 floes not approve of French seams in shii't waists and she says all seams to Iftok 

 well slionld be of a good width, an inch or three-qnartei's of an ineli at least. 



When we began the skirts, each one M'as given a pattern which could l)e 

 used for a 2, 3, or -t piece skirt, and we used this pattern witli a panel for our 

 separate skirts, and are iising it again as a 3 or 4 piece skirt in the one-piece 

 dress. "We were given very clear directions for cutting tbe panel 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 tbe length, each 

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

 edge of the hen^, distributing the fulness so as 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 Afrs. A"s. 

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

 watchful eye there were no mishaps. The little 3 inch s<|uare wliich sbc 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 l)etter qualified after our course with 

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

 making. 



ExTIiACT FFMM COMMUXICATIOX KeCEIVED FROM MiSS FuAXCES BeVAX, AxCASTEK. 



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 |)rint 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 tbe \V. T.. and attend the meetings. 



