"Am I to use the same pattern for the bottom of the basket?"
"Not in its present form; but if you repeat the design, _reversed_, from the lower part, so as to leave the _points_ for the ends, it will be very suitable. You may add a star or diamond, or something very simple, to fill the spaces at the sides. When all the darning is done, detach the card-board which forms the bottom, tack the wadding down on one side of it, and cover it on this side with the black satin and netting, and on the other with the black satin only. Now all the framework of the basket is to be entirely covered with the narrow sarsnet ribbon I have given you for the purpose, the short wires being covered, and the ends secured, before the handle, top, and bottom of the frame are done. Stretch the netting which forms the sides very carefully on. Sew it at the joint, and also at the edges of the net. Now quill the satin ribbon in the centre, into a full and handsome plait; trim the handle with it. Sew the pasteboard bottom in, and add the gimps round the top, while one only may be used for the lower part."
"I might easily add a cover, might I not, mamma?"
"You might, my dear; but in that case the basket should be lined with satin, of some good color, and the piece of netting you did for the bottom would form the upper part of the top. In the inner part of the cover you might then add a double-stitched ribbon across, to hold scissors, stiletto, &c. But your basket, though more useful, perhaps, would not be so light and elegant as it is at present."
"If you think so, mamma, we will have it so, and for once let well alone."
It will be noticed that we have adopted the excellent fashion of the "_Moniteur_," and now give an undersleeve and chemisette to correspond. No French woman would be guilty of wearing a collar of one style and sleeves of another, yet our countrywomen constantly commit this breach of toilet etiquette.
Figs. 1 and 2 are one set, intended for winter wear, as will be seen from the close cuff of the sleeve; it is composed of lace insertion and edging. The large square collar has superseded the frills, bands, and even the deep-pointed _mousquetaire_ of the past season.
Figs. 3 and 4 are in excellent taste though of different styles. The chemisette and sleeve are composed of Swiss muslin, insertion, and edging. They can be copied at a very small expense, but will need particular care in clear-starching and ironing.
