196 



HOME DECORATION. 



colored feathers, mottled in brown, white, gray, black, 

 and dun. Even the common crow has feathers of jet 

 black, which are very beautiful when arranged in direct 

 contrast to white. 



Toilet mats may be made by covering pasteboard forms 

 plainly with bright colored silk or velveteen, and trimmed 

 and covered by shingling inwards from 

 the edge with pretty feathers of various 

 outlines. For trimming large mats, 

 lanceolate feathers are generally em- 

 ployed, though feathers with rounded 

 ends may be arranged effectively. 



When the last row of feathers has 

 been sewn on, their bases should be 

 concealed by covering with a narrow- 

 pleated ribbon or piece of large che- 

 nille, the color of the silk. 



In making ornamental rugs, use a 

 foundation of heavy canvas. Cover the 

 center with velveteen or broadcloth, 

 and trim the outer edges with scolloped 

 bordering of the same. Short, fluffy 

 feathers work to the best advantage, and should be sewn 

 on singly and in rows, closely shingled from the border^ - 

 ing. The first row of feathers should be extended nearly 

 to the edge of the bordering. In completing the last 

 row, reverse them and sew in position, so the quills will 

 be concealed under other feathers. 



Sofa cushions may be made to match rugs, and trimmed 

 with borders of short feathers. The centers of rugs and 

 cushions may be neatly embroidered. 



Lambrequins may be prettily trimmed with feathers of 

 medium size. They may be selected from fowls, pheas- 

 ants, sea-birds, and birds of prey, as the smaller birds' 

 feathers are not large enough for thirj kind of trimming. 

 A variety of brackets may be made from the wings, 



■FEATHER FOB HUM- 

 MING SOFA CUSHIONS 



