Among the most popular home occupations for present-day ladies may be named embroidery. The loom and the spinning-wheel, in one form or another, are as old as civilization, and our devotion to the embroidery frame is but a return to the occupation in which mediaeval ladies found delight. Few of them could read or write, and the needle was their only form of expression. This is no longer the case; we are not so narrowed in our range, and yet embroidery continues to be pleasant work for a group of merry girls or thoughtful women.

The most expensive materials for this work are silk, velvet, tissue, gold and silver cloth, velveteen, and plush. Among cheaper materials are linens of various degrees of fineness, crash, sateen, sheeting, serge, and Canton flannel.

Every lady who gives her mind to it, even if her skill is not great, can improve an unattractive room by a few judicious alterations, and every young girl may learn to embroider at odd moments, and by the work of her hands transform her abode from ugliness to beauty.

Crewels are used for working on linen, serge and flannel. Tapestry wool, a thicker substance, is useful on coarse fabrics. Embroidery silk is preferred for silk, satin, or fine materials. In working with crewels.

For bridal or festive occasions very simple and pretty decorations may be made by the arrangement of a few flowers on the table and good taste in arranging the china, the threads should be cut into short lengths, it being difficult to use a long thread without puckering the work.

Silk plush, the most elegant and effective material for banners, draperies, and covers, is very costly. Woolen plush is a little less costly, but is also expensive. Canton flannel, in all the rich and desirable colors, is a much cheaper material. As regards the cost of these and the other materials named, our lady readers are probably well informed.