Domestic science (Johnson, for schools and homes)

Class of Work: Pupils should be set to work on abides of practical value as soon as possible; first, from the view point of interest; second, from the point of utility. These girls are to become home-makers. They can not be overtrained in the subject in so short a time. Knots: "Tie a knot in the thread and you will not miss the first stitch." This is the taiWs motto, and one worthy of following. "Pratice pieces" for exhibition, may be made without knots, but garments should be sewed to stay. Biting off the Thread injures the enamel of the tooth. Unfinished Work: Work not completed at the regu- lar time may be finished at home, or as "busy work** at school. Red Thread is not a necessity in the "pr^ictice work,** but a convenience. It should be discarded with the begin- ning of the making of articles of use. The French Seam is better adapted to the sewing machine than to hand work. It should not be backstitched; as the material will be more or less drawn by it. Felled Seams should be used in making all under- garments instead of the French seam. Right to Left: All seams, fells, hems, and overcast- ing, should be sewed from right to left. Holding Work: There is no laudible reason for not pinning the work to the knee, or the waist, on occasions seeming to require it. Note L The (*), used in this syllabui denotes that the material for the article or garment is to be furnished SEWING 143 by the pupils. All other cloth for pratice is to be furnished by the Board. Note II. Each girl should provide herself with a neat work-box, containing a pair of five inch scissors, a thim- ble, and an emery cushion and pins. As necessity requires, a tape measure may be added to the contents of the work box, to be used in drafting. Note III. For the sake of uniformity, and to further the progress of the work, the Board furnishes all needles and thread, and bleached and unbleached muslin for 'practice pieces"; also cards, 4x4 inches for first lessons in darning, and stockinet for more advanced work. Note IV, Where the boys are sent to Manual Train- ing, the girls can do the sewing in the regular class room; perhaps more eflFectively than to go to another room. Note V. This syllabus is prepared for one lesson a week and each number indicates a week's work. SIXTH YEAR. 1. (a) Enrollment, (b) Directions concerning the individual equipment and material to be furnished by the pupils. 2. Drills: (a) Threading the needle. (b) Knotting the thread. (c) Use of the thimble. (d) Use of scissors. (e) Position in sewing. 3. Basting: Uneven basting, only. Material: For each pupil, one piece unbleached muslin, cut (not torn) 6in.xl2in., folded in the middle crosswise. This piece to be used for all practice stitches in lessons third to eighth inclusive. Red cotton No. 50 and needles No. 8 for these four lessons, also. 4. The Running Stitch. 5. The Back Stitch. (a) The whole back-stitch. 144 DOMESTIC SCIENCE (b) The half back-stitch. (c) The back-and-fore stitch. Great care should be taken that the thread is not "drawn" in back-stitching. It is the prevailing weakness in the work of beginners. 6. Overcasting: (the raw edge). 7. Oversewing: (the seam). 8. The Hem: (a) Turning the hem. (b) Basting the hem. (c) The hemming stitch. 9. Hemming: Dish towels and dish cloths.