Man-made fibres and clothing

The “Autumn flowers” composition is made from fabric scraps; both natural and man-made fabrics are used, and old fabric is washed first. A piece of fabric must be stiffened: cotton and man-made pieces with starch, silk and knitwear with gelatine (gelatine is firmer, more moisture-resistant and keeps shape longer). Starching: mix two tablespoons of starch into half a cup of cold water, then an adult pours in half a cup of boiling water; the warm paste is spread on fabric laid on an oilcloth, then the fabric is hung up without wringing, dried and ironed. For a rose, wide satin ribbon is cut into equal pieces; each piece is folded into a corner and gathered with small running stitches along its lower edge to form a petal; sewing more than ten petals round a centre gives a flower, and a few petals give a bud. Leaves are cut from green ribbon and the flowers are glued into the basket. The book also suggests burning ribbon ends in a candle flame and melting synthetic ribbon to stick it; at school only the teacher or an adult does this, because candle and matches are a fire risk and molten synthetic burns skin. Safe substitutes: anti-fray liquid, cutting with zigzag scissors, or cold glue. Glues such as “Moment” smell strongly and their fumes are harmful: open the window, do not breathe it in, protect skin and eyes, and use only the glue the teacher allows. Put pins and needles in a box and count them. Pass scissors closed.