So inexpensively can ready-made garments be bought that it is scarcely worth while to spend weeks before the wedding at the sewing machine, as did the brides-to-be of forty years ago.

At the same time, however, there are many little things, such as blouses, slips, camisoles, and neckwear that can be made at home, and some girls are even clever enough to make a gown or two, with the aid of well-cut paper patterns,

Provided with a good design for blouses, and one that is not only up to date, but likely to last in fashion for some time, a few mornings may be spent profitably in sewing.

There is on record the case of a bride who made every article in her trousseau, including boots and corsets. One wonders, however, if the marriage turned out to be a success, because one of the most valuable things in the guidance of life is a sense of proportion, Had the young lady in question possessed this she would probably have perceived that the amount of time spent in making boots and corsets, was out of proportion to the sums she saved in doing so.

There is such a thing as a partly home-made trousseau, which may be recommended to the attention of engaged girls. The large drapery shops sell quantities of " robes," and other gowns, of which the skirts are finished. but the bodices unmade. The girl, therefore, who is clever enough to make the bodice at home secures a pretty gown at very low cost.

In the same way, blouses bought ready-made can be fitted to the purchaser's figure by her own skilful fingers, and the half-guinea charged at the shop or by dressmakers for the alteration is thereby saved.

Not everyone enjoys the advantage of being "stock-size," that is, of the dimensions to which ready-made gowns are cut. The most usual stock size has a bust of 34 inches, waist, 24; and front of skirt, 44. Some of the best houses keep a larger size as well. But even when the measurements approximate to those of the figure there may be some divergence of line, and when this can be corrected at home, there is considerable saving.

The marking with daintily embroidered initials, moreover, may be done at home.

It is pretty work, and docs not call for ex-pert skill. The initials or monogram, however, should be distinct enough to serve for a laundry mark.

There are many firms which, if entrusted with the whole of the lingerie, will make a proportionate reduction, and will supply an estimate. One can know, therefore, exactly how much one is going to spend. This. however, need not prevent the engaged girl running up a few things at home.