ps of wood, about eight inches in diameter. One is rather
smaller than the other. On it the muslin is stretched, and the larger
one being slipped over it, and fitting tightly, keeps the muslin in
its place.

1869. Embroidery on Satin, &c.

Satin and velvet are embroidered in coloured silks, gold and silver
bullion, pearls, &c. A very fashionable style is the work with _ombre_
or shaded silks.

1870. Netting Silk in Embroidery.

The most delicate kinds of embroidery are worked with fine netting
silk, one strand of which is drawn out. This makes the silk appear
softer and richer.

1871. Shading in Silks.

It requires considerable care to work well with ombre silks, to avoid
incorrect shading. Nature should be followed as closely as possible.
Not only must the form be carefully preserved, but the lights and
shades must be disposed in an artistic manner. For instance: the point
of a leaf is never the darkest part, nor should the lower leaves and
flowers of a group of the same kind be light.

1872. Materials used in Embroidery and Canvas Work.

The materials for canvas work and embroidery may be classed under the
names of wool, silk, chenille, and braid; beads, straw, and a variety
of other fancy materials, are also brought into use. A knowledge of
the proper mode of using them, and the varieties of each which are
made, is one of the most useful things it is possible for the amateur
needle-woman to become acquainted with. We will, therefore, take them
in their order.

1873. Wool.

German wool (or Berlin wool, as it is commonly called) is the most
beautiful material manufactured for canvas-work. The vast variety of
shades, the exquisite tints produced, the softness and evenness of the
fabric, are beyond all praise. We speak of Berlin wool _as it ought to
be_; for no article is more frequently of inferior quality. From damp,
or bad packing, or many other causes, it is frequently crushed and
injured, and in that state is not fit to be used for good work. Berlin
wool is supposed to be all dyed, as well as made, abroad; at present a
large proportion is entirely produced in our own country, which is
little, if at all, inferior to the foreign. Berlin wool is made only
in two sizes, 4-thread and 8-thread; unless the latter is specified in
directions, the other is always implied.

Berlin wools are either dyed in one colour, or in shades of t