Seasonal Fabrics, Quilts, & Linen in Summer

Seasonal Fabrics, Quilts, & Linen in Summer

In addition to the regular commercial linens and cretonnes, are some splendid hand-stenciled sunfast fabrics. The background is of rather coarse grained, natural colored linen of splendid wearing quality and the designs are direct, vigorous and of good symmetry. They have a decorative quality distinctly Viennese in character. These fabrics are new, and have all the interest that handwork possesses. Set bouquets of clear colored flowers, stiff black flowers with a lined background, impossible blossoms never seen on land or sea, these are the designs. They are particularly adaptable to summer use, as we can stand strong color in summer, and the colors are fadeless.

Peasant work has its especial appeal and this idea is being carried out in a new industry established here in the States. A linen cloth of homespun texture has colored patterns worked out partly by hand, partly by machine. This combination lessens the cost of production and the hand and machine work are so cleverly interwoven as to appear like handwork entirely. The designs are well chosen, one"mille fleur" with its varied odd flowers scattered here and there has tremendous decorative possibilities. For bedspreads nothing could be better. There are also designs of garlands of flowers and fruit baskets suitable for window hangings, chair coverings and pillows.

Another fabric of summer decorative possibilities is knotted and dyed batik work. With this, too, is combined stenciling. For some time costumes have been made from this material, but only lately has it been brought within the reach and to the notice of house furnishers. The material, cotton or silk, is tied in knots and dyed, the knotted parts remaining uncolored. With the changing of the tightness and position of the knots, the effect of the color is varied.

If one wishes to go in for a rather expensive summer linen, it were best to choose a design with many colors, because good linen gives many years of service and one can change the color scheme of the room from year to year, picking out each season a new tone from the fabric and matching it up with plain fabrics. Nothing is cooler than a gray and rose linen. Use with it gray painted furniture and plain rose upholstery, alternating with a few pieces done in linen. The room becomes tiresome when all the pieces are upholstered alike and is, perhaps, too reminiscent of the "suite." On the other hand the room with conglomerate upholstered pieces has neither restfulness nor dignity. Plain walls, figured hangings, plain and figured upholstered furniture, this is a fairly good rule to follow.

Summer chair coverings are so inexpensive that they may be laundered often and kept fresh. With the help of a good upholsterer who comes in by the day, a complete summer garnishing may be easily accomplished. Before putting on the covers, it is well to rub the furniture down with a good polish, as summer heat is hard on furniture finish. If the oil is well rubbed in, there is little chance of the finish blistering or cracking.

In place of holland slip covers that give a room such a transitory appearance, chintz covers are advisable. Chintz is better for the purpose than linen as linen crushes and creases easily. Using the winter furniture with chintz covers and with the addition of a few pieces of wicker, the room is completely transformed. There is an endless variety of wicker, willow and rattan furniture, and whereas at one time it was relegated to the porch, it is now used the year round in all rooms.

Next Page: Summer Furniture.