attain to the highest branches, it would
at least enable her to decorate her home with such things as the
counterpanes, curtains, and other objects that set such a personal
stamp upon the English domestic work of several centuries, and which
nowadays can hardly be found except stored up in museums.

It is advisable as a general rule that the design be both made and
carried out by the same person. From the worker's own point of view the
interest must be much greater when working out her own ideas than when
merely acting as amanuensis to another. The idea is more likely to be
expressed with spirit; further there is the possibility of adding to or
altering, and thereby improving, the work as it progresses. The designer
must in any case be well acquainted with stitches and materials, for
they play an important part in achieving good results. The individuality
of the worker should be evident in her work; indeed it generally is, for
even plain hems by two people bear quite different characters; the
degree of individuality present, varies with each one, but in any case
it will be much more marked if the design and stitching bear the stamp
of the same personality.

The difference between good and unsatisfactory results should be
carefully thought out, for it is often but a small matter. The best
kind of work is that which appeals to the intelligence as well as to the
eye, which is another way of saying there should be evidence of mind
upon the material. Work must be interesting in some way if it is to be
attractive; it had better almost be faulty and interesting than dull,
dry, and correct. It can interest by reminding us of pleasant things,
such as familiar flowers, shady woods, or green lawns; birds, beasts,
and so forth can be depicted in their characteristic attitudes, or a
story can be told; in fact, work can be made attractive in a hundred
different ways. It must not show signs of having wearied the worker in
the doing; variety and evidence of thought lavishly expended upon it
will prevent this, and enthusiasm will quicken it with life.

The selection of the object to work comes at an early stage, and is a
matter to be well considered, for it is a pity to spend time and labour
upon unsuitable objects when there are many excellent ones to choose
from. In thinking over what to work it should be realised that it takes
no longer to execute one rather important piece than several of a less
ambitious character, and that the f