Lengthen Children's Dresses 
"^{Needlecraft" October 1914}

"To lengthen children’s dresses when the material is yet good enough to pay for doing it, put a strip of insertion above the hem. Sleeves may be lengthened in the same way." (This idea could also be used to lengthen an antique adult’s dress, if only a little more length is needed. – Claire)^"
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Adjusting Snap-Fasteners 
^{"Needlecraft" September 1915}

 Ironing Skirts 
^{"Needlecraft" February 1913}

General Maintenance Suggestions

Temporarily Shorten  Long Skirt
^{"Needlecraft" December 1913}

"When a somewhat long skirt is worn, perhaps for an evening, and under a wrap, it can be trimly shortened for the time being by tying a ribbon or hooking an elastic band rather snugly around the hips. The skirt is drawn up though this and allowed to blouse over, hidden by the wrap. This is a wet-evening hint." (Well, I guess that’s OK if you don’t mind having a slightly wrinkled skirt, but suppose that’s better than getting it wet! – Claire)

If starch is used, be sure it is not one of the synthetic, permanent types, as these may cause the fibers to break. Also, do not store a garment starched, as bugs love to each such fabrics. This is the reason for many of the little round "chomp" holes in many of the old clothes.

Do not store anything on hangers for any length of time, especially the heavier things such as beaded dresses, or sheer, delicate items. Light and dust are hard on old things, and the best way to preserve them is by storing in boxes, trunks, etc. Don’t overcrowd, but pack with tissue to keep deep wrinkles from forming. It wouldn’t hurt to throw in a few moth balls, as well.

It’s best to sew full hems and hems on dresses with trains by machine, as heels will catch on them less easily. Most of the old hems were machine stitched for this reason.

Re-sew all buttons and snaps, because they’ll let you down (and maybe out!) at the most inopportune times. Be sure to replace completely any snaps or hooks that have begun to rust, or look like they might have worn plating. Don’t forget to put hooks on the waist band of skirt and top to prevent that well-known malady, "gaposis"! By using the same spacing, you can interchange different blouses and skirts, thus increasing your wardrobe.

Discolored Ribbons or Flowers 
^{"Needlecraft" December 1913}

"White or cream-colored ribbons or flowers which seem hopelessly discolored can be given a beautiful shrimp pink by dipping in water into which red ink has been dropped, the amount of the latter being determined by the depth of the color desired. Ordinary liquid wash-bluing used in the same way will tint feathers, wings, etc. a pretty pale-blue." (I’m afraid I’d have to be really desperate before I’d dare to dip most of the old flowers. – Claire)

Hair Ornament for Evening
^{"Needlecraft" January 1913}

"A lovely hair-ornament for evening is made by braiding loosely silk cord of three different shades the necessary length to crown the head. Make two rosebuds of silk to match the cord and sew these to one end of the cord. This ornament is fastened together by a hook and eye. A pretty color scheme is to have the cords of pink, green, and gold; the rosebuds of pink and gold shaded ribbon with green velvet leaves as a background for the roses." (This is why it’s always a good idea to save bits and pieces – you never know when some way to use them will surface. – Claire)

Veil Repair
^{"Needlecraft" November 1913}

"Often a veil that is otherwise good will become torn at the edge of the hat-rim. Instead of throwing it away, thread a needle with two strands of dark hair, pass the needle between the broken meshes, draw them together to look like the original mesh, tie the hair in several knots, so that it will hold securely and clip the ends. Until you have tried this you have no idea what a neat bit of mending it is."