60 
KERAMIC STUDIO 
THE LINEN PAGE. 
JETTA EHLERS 
Editor 
328 Belmont Avenue, Newark, N. J. 
AMONG the very simple things which are especially 
good may be counted the set of doilies which is illus- 
trated in this number. The linen of which this is made is 
a warm light brown with a crocheted edge of heavy ecru 
linen thread. It was designed for use with a breakfast 
service of yellow Wedgwood. The set consists of two sorts 
of doilies, plate and a smaller size, and an oblong center 
mat. A square or runner could be used instead, if pre- 
ferred. Where more than one color is desired in a set, this 
idea suggests a very happy way in which to work out the 
problem. 
There are many delightful color schemes in which to 
develop such a service. A lavender linen with blue cro- 
cheted edge would be lovely. A soft yellow linen with silver 
grey edges is another interesting combination. Oyster 
white centers, with dull blue thread for the edge, would 
appeal to many who never tire of the "freshness" of the 
blue and white. 
Grey linen with mulberry crochet is also a good scheme. 
In fact there are many charming combinations, bounded 
only by the taste and invention of the individual. It is 
doubtful if this set illustrated would be very attractive 
carried out in a fine weave of linen and with the necessar- 
ily finer thread for the crocheted edge. It is the almost 
peasant-like quality of the coarser material that is so very 
charming. A thing of this kind is particularly appropriate 
for summer home or bungalow use. 
The small doilies are seven inches square when fin- 
ished. The linen centers are five inches, with an eighth of 
an inch hem. The plate size are ten and a half finished, 
with the linen center eight and a half. The crocheted edge 
is just one inch in width on all pieces. The first row of this 
is worked directly into the linen, the weave being very soft 
and rather coarse. It consists of a row of filet squares. 
Care must be taken in turning the corners to make a good 
square. The next two rows are of double crochet, and the 
last row is single crochet, or half stitch as some know it. 
There should be several extra stitches allowed in turning 
the corners, so that they won't hoop. It is impossible to 
realize, from either this description or the illustration, how 
very good looking this set is. The stitches employed are 
so simple that the veriest beginner could make a success of 
it. Two things are of note, the coarse weave of the ma- 
terial, and the heavy thread. It is this quality that makes 
the charm of this particular set. Though this was made 
for a breakfast service it would be equally attractive for 
luncheon or an informal spread. More and more as one 
sees the usual fussy over-elaborated table furnishing, do 
these very simple things make an insistent appeal. Why 
almost put out one's eyes with fine and intricate needle- 
work, when one can with a very small part of the time re- 
quired for such work, turn out something that has real 
distinction because of its simplicity, and is a joy to make 
because of its not being labored. Of course, you say you 
have read all this so many times on this linen page, but 
it is part of the gospel this department is preaching and 
therefore often harped upon. 
In these days when so much of our energy is used up 
in war work, it would be almost out of the question to do 
anything for our homes requiring any great outlay of time. 
But let us not forget that, with all the ugliness and deso- 
lation of war around about us, we must not let go of things 
here. We never needed beauty more. We are apt to for- 
get that it is a patriotic duty to "carry on" here the plain 
every-day things of life. If by putting some beauty into 
them we keep ourselves in better spirits, surely that is 
patriotic too. Then too, if one gives up and does nothing, 
buying no materials, etc., how is the fellow who sells ma- 
terials going to buy his thrift stamps? 
We cannot all be soldiers, 
Some even cannot knit. 
It almost seems tho' some folks 
Can't ever do their bit. 
But keep your corner cheerful, 
Don't sit down and whine; 
Keep your smile a-going, 
Say you're feeling fine, 
That may help some fellow 
Feeling pretty blue, 
Who only needed someone 
With a smile or two. 
So if you can't do big things 
To help our laddies win, 
Do at least this service — 
Just show a cheerful grin. 
TUMBLERS OR MILK MUGS (Page 62) 
Ruth M. Ruck 
pORGET-ME-NOT Design— Outline with Black. Flowers 
are Deep Blue Green and Sea Green with a little Band- 
ing Blue added for shading. Buds are Sea Green and Violet. 
Centers are Albert Yellow and Yellow Brown. Stems are 
Apple Green. 
Rose Design — Outline and stems are Black. Leaves are 
Brown Green and Albert Yellow. Light roses are Rose and 
the darker ones Rose and a little Yellow Brown. 
