ps of waste material. Unless, however,
the product shows evidence of well thought out colour and arrangement,
it cannot come under the heading of embroidery. Interesting results,
however, of many kinds can be produced from this paint-box of brightly
coloured scraps of material by ingenious mixing and shaping of them.
Patchwork infers a rather more mosaic-like design than inlaid work, to
which it is in some respects similar. The geometrically planned mosaic
and inlay pavements that are to be seen so commonly in Italy and the
East suggest great variety of patterns that could be applied to
patchwork. The illustration at fig. 97 is a simple example taken from
this source. Too often the results are only "alarming," as the Countess
of Wilton expressively puts it, thinking, probably, of the patterns
frequently seen upon cushions, patterns more resembling bright-coloured
bricks set in cornerwise than anything else. They are the most unrestful
looking things imaginable. The important elements of the work lie in the
colour, shape, and texture of the pieces used, for upon the right
selection the result wholly depends. The shapes chosen must be simple
owing to the necessity of fitting and stitching them together, but there
is plenty of variety obtainable with simplicity. The design may consist
of one shape repeated or several. If only one, it is limited to a few
geometrical figures, such as the square, hexagon, or shell shape; if
more than one, there can be greater variety of pattern. Fig. 98 is an
example in which four shapes are made use of, a large and small circle,
an octagon, and an S-like twist. Four of these twists together make the
figure that interlaces over the surface. Embroidery stitching can be
added to patchwork; for instance, this example might have a neat border
pattern worked on all the S-shapes, as suggested in the diagram, which
would probably considerably increase its interest. Fig. 99 shows flowers
springing from the base of the shell-form in use upon it. The embroidery
could be simply carried out in one colour, or if a more gorgeous result
were required, variety could be introduced in this way as well as in the
ground, and a marvellous combination of intricate colour could be thus
produced.

[Illustration: Fig. 97.]

[Illustration: Fig. 98.]

For the work to be made up satisfactorily it is necessary that the
shapes be accurately cut out. To ensure this, a metal plate is cut and
all the shapes are taken from