The Brussels Post, 1949-8-17, Page 7They Make Lace
And Lace -Machines
It was a sunny day, with white
clouds in a blue sky, when 1 ar-
rived in the city of Nottingham,
famous in legend and in- history.
Who has not heard of its castle
and of Robin Hood? Yes, and
famous in industry, too, for who has
not heard of Nottingham lace?
Tiffs industry of machine -made
lace was started in Nottingham over
100 years ago, and Nottingham
,makes not :only lace, it makes the
machines that make the lace. And
here is a striking fact: Did yoti
'know that :all the lace machines in
the world have been made in Not-.
:lingharn, England?
Qt
wog •John Heathcoat's inven-
tion of his second' bobbin net ma-
chine in 1809 that was really the
start of the lace machine. This was
followed later by John Levers'
adaptation of it to make the proto-
. type of the machine still known by
his name and which, when the im-
proved thread control was achieved
by the use of the Jacquard principle
became the basis of the fancy -lace
machines of today. The fancy -lace
section of the industry today is
known as the Levers' Section and
is called after the inventor's name,
Of course, these machines have
greatly increased in size and speed,
but their main principles have re-
mained unchanged, writes William
1-Tolt in "London Calling."
These lace machines, invented in
Nottingham and first built over 100
years ago, are now used all over
the world.
The whole of the French plants
were made in Nottingham. At the
plant of the largest lace -making
firm in the world, at Philadelphia,
U.S.A., there are as many as 300
of these Nottingham -made ma.
chines. They are very expensive
machines, costing today about
$25;000 each. Many people have left
Nottingham to go to other countries
to set up and to operate these mar-
velous machines, and some of these
skilled people have settled down
and stayed there.
The Nottingham lace factories
are built of brick°;'' most of thein
single storey, with a high roof built
in slanting bays, each bay having
glass on one side and slate on the
other, the glass letting in the north
light. Inside the sheds, the lace
machines stand in rows — tall, iron
frames of massive weight. That is
one of the sanitising things about
machine lace -making, for you find
machines weighing upwards of 15
tons are used to manufacture some
of the most delicate lace,
The web of lace is woven upright.
One man looks after each frame.
The pattern of lace is formed at
about the height of the man's eyes.
He stands on a wooden step or plat-
form that runs the whole length of
the machine.
On my visit to Nottingham, 1
first went into a lace curtain or
"furnishing' firm, tie oldest estab-
lished firm in the Nottingham lace
industry. As in all the lace factories,
the floors of the sheds are of wood,
The sheds must be kept warm.
You sec, the lace has to be made
in a constant temperature of about
65 degrees. This temperature must
not vary as the long strings that
control the threads, and which are
operated by the Jacquard system,
arc very subject to the atmosphere
and might expand or contract—or
"run up" or "run clown," as they
say—and this would interfere,with
the perfect control of the pattern.
The director, who was with me,
said: "Here is an example 01 a
firm that was closed down com-
pletely during the war, our space
being taken over for manufacturing
aero engines.. All our Lace machines
were dismantled and taken away. It
is taking u5 a long time to reassem-
ble these machines; they have to
be so very carefully set up, and
then they have to be run in again.
We have been nearly two years re-
assembling these machines, and, as
yon see, we have ndt got theta all
going yet."
I stood talking to the director in
that half-filled shed, where five ma-
chines were working and three more
were being assembled. On the
shiny, black, wooden floor which
VMS covered with "trodden graph-
ite," which is used for lubricating
the machines, were wooden cases
anti baskets—os "skips," as they are
called in the textile industry—full
of cotton yarn, spun in Lancashire
and wound into tight bundles.
I went into the narrow alley be-
tween two of these curtain ma-
chines, one of which was matting
rayon curtains and the other cotton.
The men who Operate tete machines
in Nottingham call themselves
"twist 'hands." The machine twists
the,•,thrcads rather than weaves
them, There it no shuttle. There are
hundreds, of, thin, disc-shaped, brass
bobbins. The yarn is wound into
then the way the ribbon of a type-
writer is wound into the spoof, only
these discs are about as thin as
large coins. These disc-like, ,brass
bobbins move pendulum -wise be-
tween the upright pillar threads of
the warp and the upright threads
as they are being drawn sideways,
to and fro, to form the pattern,
I ant giving you these technical
details so that you will have a bet-
ter idea of the ingenuity of those
Nottingham inventors, and the skill
that'is needed to draught the pat-
terns of the lace and to operate
the machines,
NIeLIES
itt
IftliGERF
L.
Gw¢tt.d.attna. P. Ct6.0.cz
It came at last! Real, wet, soak-
ing rain, „ In fact, it managed it
twice The first time there was a
nice gentle rain that lasted most of
one morning.We thought that was
our gonia filer possibly another
month. But Saturday it just tun -
bled doWii:oiit of-the.sky and there
seemed ntsdet-up to it at all. - ft '
rained outside and it rained inside.,
The kitcheltsroof that had dried out:
hopelessly.` 11tring the drought ;did
no more than act as a sieve for the
heavy- do;vnpoiir,• Bob -went up, in
the attic with pots, pans, boilers and
a wash tab :while 1 placed dish`e's
and kettles at strategic positions
around the kitchen. After about'an
hour .the rain settled down to a
more moderate • tempo and we
thought "the worst was over, The.,.
lull in the storm encouraged the
young folk to dross up and go out
—although it is more than likely
they would have goneanyway,
storm or no storm. But around 10
o'clock, we were treated to another
deluge and the roof found new
places to leak. This time Partner
- went up in the attic, and by the
time he was through every avail-
able- pan, pail and kettle was up
there catching drips. ; It was a
happy, restful Saturday evening!
Did we' grumble? We did not!
There was a timeor two when I
heard Partner talking to himself up -
iu the attic, but no doubt he was
just saying, "Oh, my, isn't this a •
lovely ,rain!" -
We were glad there wasn't much
wind because we haven't cut our
wheat yet. My menfolk were a little
undecided last Friday — should
they cut it or shouldn't they? Now
`they are glad they didn't becauke
as long as it was able to withstand
the storm, it was better standing
there than it would have been in'
the stook, So that's that!
And am I glad we have cooler,
weather at last as our influx of
summer visitors has really begun.
Friday was quite a day. Bob was to
meet one visitor coming off the
Toronto bus at 7.20, while I was
to meet two others off the Hamilton
bus at 7. When it was almost time
for me to .get away there was still
no sign of Bob. Then he 'phoned..
He had gone out with -a load on
his truck and was really mired—
wasn't sure whether he would be
back in time to meet the bus or
not Partner was milking, so after
explaining the situation to him, 1
had to trust to luck and go, After
I had gone, 'a young neighbor came
in for, eggs so Partner asked him
to meet the Toronto bus — you
sec, we couldn't send a taxi . be-
cause our niece was getting off
along the highway. To cut a long
story short, this is what happened:
The bus stopped at the intersection
and Niece Joy got off. To meet her
she found our neighbor on one cor-
ner with his truck; on'another cor-
ner, and right behind each other,
was Bob with his truck and I with
the pick-up with our two other
visitors. Quite a welcoming party, -
wasn't. it? Poor Joy didn't know
which one to go and speak to first.
ANNE ADAMS
Bias side sections mean much
in slip construction; No side -seams
to sewl No slipping, twisting!
Yes, it's the most wond"erftil slip
you ever had! Transfer included.
Pattern 4913 conies in sizes 34,
36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, Size
36 takes 2% yards 39 -inch.
This pattern, easy to use, sinb
plc td sew, is tested fbr fit. ITas
complete illustrated instructions,
Send TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
(25c) in coins (stamps cannot be
accepted) for this pattern, Print
plainly STZIO„ NAME, ADDRESS,
STYLE NUMB3Elt,
Send your order tot I.3ox 1, 123:
Eighteenth St. New TOrointo, Ont.
What's In A Name? Just A Hundred Bucks ! — Name this
apron and win $100, The C.N.E. Women's Division offers $100.
prize for best name for apron, especially designed for the Ex-
hibition and worn here by Mary Beck. Entries nittst reach
C.N.E. Women's Division by August 4th.
Another night there was a tele-
phone call from Fort William—
from Daughter, of course. Between
the lot of ,us no one had told her
definitely her English aunt would
be returning the,_end.of the month,
Daughter had planned her holidays
for September so now she is trying
to arrange to get home this month
• instead. And that is easier said -
than done—an employee can hardly
wallc off a job just when she feels,
like it
It seems so strange to have our
small family of three. increased to
six and sometimes eight — and
there may be more. I put an extra
leaf in the table, and then another,
and yesterday all three as we had
friends in for supper. And the
dishes! But I don't have to worry
as nobody will let me do them. All
I do is go to bed at night and figure
out -what I shall give them to eat
next day. So far no one has starved.
Tlie rain Saturday night was the
cause of an annoying aftermath.
Sister-in-law tookthe screen out of
her bedroom window in order to
shut it. When she opened it again,
she didn't get the screen in right.
Last night when she went to bed,
she carte down again in an awful
dither—tier room was full of flies!
I went to investigate, spray gun in
hand. Flies . . . they were every-
wherel The ceiling and walls
were plastered with them! How
thankful I was for modern science
and DDT. People from England
generally wonder why we in Canada
always have our windows screened.
But they learn — one such experi-
ence as I have mentioned is enough.
Well, the men are just getting
set to cut the wheat — and for the
first time is I don't know how many
years l.liaven't had to fix binder
canvas. :Bob took over that job,—
and without any argument from
mel '
Now 1 will hand ,over what I
have written to my secretary to,
type. Olt, yes, 1 have a secretary
now ..... Niece Betty , .. but un-
fortunately site leaves for a more
lucrative position next Wednesday.
HOW YAN I?
By Anne Ashley
Q. How can I ge?trid of silver
fish?
A, If the cupboard is infested
with these insects, it is VL -cause
there is some dampness attracting
them. Sprinkle some borax around
liberally to frighten them away.
Q. How can I mail cut flowers
and be assured that they will keep
fresh for a few days?
A. Before packing for mailing,
cut slits in raw potatoes and insert
the stems of the flowers into these
openings, The juice of the potato
will nourish the flowers, and keep
thein fresh for several days.
Q. How can I remove stubborn
peach stains from linens?
A. Sprinkle with lemon juice and
salt, and place for two days in the
-hot sun, Then rinse out in cold
water and waste withwarns water
and soap suds.
Q. How can 1 relieve chafed skin,
Laused by perspiration during the
hot weather?
A, By the use of fuller's earth.
Wash the chafed portions and dry
just a little. Dust the fuller's earth
on the dampened surface and rub
in carefully. Follow this procedure
before retiring and there will be no
trace of irritation the next morning.
Q. How can I change white shoes
that have become too dirty to clean
to a nice brown?
A. By rubbing them over with a
,exture of 20 drops of saffron, and
twO tablespoons of olive oil; tWo
applications a r e necessary for
proper color.
UNDtY SCHOOL
LESSON
By Rev. R. Barclay Warren
-SONGS OF THANKFULNESS
Ps. 92:1-5; 103:1-11
Golden Text: 'It is -a good thing -
to give thanks unto the Lord, and
to sing praises unto Thy name, 0
Most High." Psalm 92:1. -
On Sunday, July 10, fervent
prayers of thanksgiving were offer-
ed in the churches of southern On-
tario. There was deep gratitude in
the hearts of the people,—particu-
larly of those most directly and im-
mediately affected,—for the bounti-
ful rains' that had just fallen,
terminating the ,long and- serious
period of drought. It is a good
thing to give thanks onto the Loril.",
Too often we forget to say,- "Thank
you." Bobby Burns was right when
he said, "Man's base ingratitude to
man, makes countless thousands,
mourn." But it is not only to man
that we are ungrateful but to God,
the Creator of all good. Paraphras-
ing Phil. 4:6, 11, Paul has said, "Be
worried about nothing, prayerful in
everything, and thankful for any-
thing." Such an attitude is strongly
conductive to mental health. In the
morning we should thank God- for
His lovingkindncss throughout the
night; at night we should give
thanks and sing praises because
God has proved His faithfulness to
us throughout another day. We
ought all to join with the Psalmist
in tinging, "Thou, Lord, hast made
glad through Thy work."
The Psalmist strikes the best key-
note when he begins with stirring
up his inmost self to magnify the
Lord. He enumerates some of the
benefits, "Who forgivcth all thine
iniquities." Pardon received on re-
nunciation of sin and faith in Jesus
Christ brings unspeakable joy to
the soul. "Who healeth all they dis-
eases." That God can heal all man-
ner of disease and sickness is a clear
Bible teaching. "Who satisfieth thy
mouth with good things," "The
Lord is merciful and gracious." For
these and many others we should be
tltanlcful.
If we were more thankful to God,
we would have more to be thankful
for. Prayer is effective when offered
with thanksgiving, "Let us give
thanks unto the Lord."
Sense of Humor
The Latin teacher was in fine
humor after lunch and instead of
settling right down to Latin, he de-
cided to tell the. class a couple of
jokes he'd heard the night before,
Everybody laughed and laughed—
except one girl in the first row.
"What's the matter?" naked the
Latin, teacher, "haven't you got n
sense of humor?"
"I don't have to laugh," said the
girl, "I'm transferring to another
school Friday,
New Gadgets and Inventions
You'll Probably Be Seeing
Protects Chairs
Scuff plates for bases of swivel
chairs to prevent scratching are
being made of plastic. Plates at-
tached to ckair bases by cement
make bases chip -proof and easily
clean ed, Ohio maker states.
* * *
Pocket Radio
Pocket Radio weighing less than
six ounces is said to fit snugly in
palm of hand. Operates on stan-
dard broadcast band, has volume
control, Plastic case protects deli-
cate parts and maker recommends
it for use by travellers and by the
hard of hearing,
* * *
Ketchup Dispenser
New dispenser molded of odor-
less and tastless Lustron plastic
is said -to end the need to pound
the ketchup bottle; serves exact
amount; is easy to clean,
* * *
Protects Farm Equipment
Complete line of enamels for pro-
tection of expensive farm equip-
ment and machinery has been
developed. May be applied over
previously painted surfaces and
used for touching up spots before
applying them as finish coats maker
states. Said to provide a tough film
resistant to weather, rust, grease
and, oil, Will come in black, red,
grey, green, orange and yellow to
match shades of original paint coat-
ings of major farm equipment
manufacturers,
* * *.
Bomb Waxes Car
Aerosol bomb is now available to
ease waxing of floors and auto-
mobiles. Previous handicap to use
of spray wax for general household
purposes was high cost of spray
guns that would develop pressure
necessary for adequate application.
This handicap is said to have been
overcome by the low pressure aero-
sol bomb. Bombs can now be pro-
duced which contain enough wax to
cover two automobiles at cost of
less than $1 a car, maker states.
Where use of prior cleaners is not
necessary, entire job can be com-
pleted in from fivetoten minutes.'
Tests under way ;said tos indicate
that combination cleaner -wax can -
be incorporated in single dispenser,
* * *
Stores Paint Brush
Plastic film bag for storage of
paint brush is said to keep it soft
and usable for long periods. Brush
is put in bag after excess paint re-
moved; top of bag is twisted tightly
and tied with string or elastic band,
Will keep brush from drying out
for as long as a year.
* * *
Pinking Shears
Light weight pinking shears said
to be standard in size, but almost
half weight of -any .comparable
shears, feature handles molded of
cellulose. Plastic handles also make
for comfortable pinking since they
are molded to fit the hand and are
flexible enough to adjust to • indi-
vidual hand and arm pressure.
* * *
Holderette
Eliminates necessity for juggling
handbag or umbrella while dining in
a restaurant, playing cards, etc.
Consists of rubber -cushioned metal
disc about size of a 50 -cent piece
and a projecting metal arm. Simply
place, flat rubber base face down on
table and hang your handbag at
your side., la finished 3n 24 karat
gold plate and Lacquered for long
wear, .Hinge at top makes it fit on
any thickness of table or counter,
Including a flush top and side,
* * *
Individual ' -Ice Cubes .-
Ali plastic refrigerator tray fits
freezing 'compartment' of all stand-
ard refrigerators. Features tunneled
centre in each cube which promotes
fast freezing, . Made of tasteless,
odorless, non -breakable plastic.
* * *
Headlight Unit
Sealed qieam headlight unit, fea-
turing a specially designed lens has
been introduc€d. New unit' delivers
a driving beam of higher intensity,
accomplisehd by prisms which pick
up the reflected light from the bulb
filament and collimate it into a
beam which projects the light into
the main headlamp beam, company
explains, Other features include
aluminized reflector which whitens
the light and keeps it white, and ..
new method of sealing glass lens to
metal back of unit. Product is said
to be light in weight, but rugged in
construction; will operate even
though lens is cracked or broken.
Wall Finish
Quick -drying, one -coat wall finish
that "paints and plasters" in one
application is offered to cut home
building and remodelling costa and
to speed interior finish work. De-
signed especially for use ' on wall.
board and other., modern .dry wail
construction, the new synthetic
rubber -based coating gives'a "rough
plaster" finish without high cost of
lathing and plastering, maker states.
Is brushed on like ordinary paint.
Scrolls and design patterns can be.
worked into the teture, Comes in
cream,blue, peach, green, rose and
white. Finish is said to expand and
contract on wall surfaces with the
changes in temperature and weath-
er. Fills in wall blemishes such as
cracks, seams, small holes, etc. Can,
also be used on old_ plaster walls.
p
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ETER
TTIER
White Bread
Recipe
Measure into largo, bowl, 3•§ e.
lukewarm water, 1 tsp. granulated
sugar; stir until eager Is dissolved.
Sprinkle with 1 envelope Moloch-
mann's Royal Fast Rising Dry
Yeast. Let stand 10 min., THEN
stir well, sceld 2 e. milk and stir In
6 tbs. granulated auger, 6 tap, salt;
cool to lukewarm. Add to yeast
mixture and stir in 1}§ e. lukewarm
water. Beat in 6 e. once -sifted bread
flour; beat well. Beat 3n 6 tbs. melted
shortening. Work in. 6. c. more once -
sifted bread :lour, .Knead until
smooth and elastic; place in
greased bowl and brush top with
melted butter or shortening. Cover
and set in warn place, free from
draught. Let rise until doubled in
bulk. Punch downdough in bowl;
grease top, cover and let rise again
until about as high as first rise.
'Punch down dough and divide into
4 equal portions; form into smooth
balls. Grease tops, cover with
cloth; let rent 10-15 min. Shape into
loaves; place in greased bread pans.
Grease tope, cover and let rise until
doubled in bulk. Bake in hot oven,
426°, 15 min., then reduce heat to
moderately hot, - 975°, and bake
30-35 minutes longer.
New Fast -Acting Dry Yeast
Needs NO Refrigeration!
Thousands of women every
week are switching to0lte new
modern Fleischmann; Royal
Past Rising Dry Yeast, It'c fast
—it's active—keeps for Wer%! sin
the cupboard. Perfect resllts in
rolls, buns, breads !
Who would envy the early -Victorian house-
wife? Up with the lark to cook a heavy break-
fast! Today's favorite breakfast dish is ready -
to -eat, easy -to -digest Post's Grape -Nuts Flakes.
Pour a bowlful with milk (add fruit if you wish)
and presto! ... there's a simply scrumptious
start to the day.
Post's Grape -Nuts Flakes are made from TWO
grains—wheat and barley — to give you the flu:
beatable Grape -Nuts flavor . . , In delicious,
honey -golden flakes. They supply useful quanti-
ties of carbohydrates, protein, phosphors, iron
and other food essentials to sot you up for work
or play. Try Post's Grape -Nuts Flakes tomorrow.
GF -N9
IT'l'LE RE4.G1E
REGINALD BEFORE WE
DINE, i ,SUGGEST YOU
WASH YOUR HANDS./
By Margarita
=9