7. Damask by the yard is slightly cheaper than by the cloth. One dollar a yard is a fair price. Table cloths from 2½ to 3 yards are a good size for a family of six. A cloth wears about as long as 1½ or 2 dozen napkins. The price of one dozen napkins about equals the cost of a cloth. Napkins come in three sizes: ⅝, 17-22 inches; ¾, 23-27 inches; ⅞, 29-31 inches. 8. Scotch, French, and Irish linens are the best for quality, beauty, and variety of patterns. German damask is good; but German patterns are perhaps the least attractive. Unbleached linen will wear much longer, is less expensive, and is bought by many housewives and bleached as used. 9. For family towels huckaback is the most serviceable, although damask is used a great deal. Linen towels vary in price from $3.00 a dozen up, according to size and quality. Dish towels of linen crash are very serviceable. 10. The microscope is the only sure test for distinguishing cotton and linen fibers. EXERCISES AND PROBLEMS 1. Ask mother if she knows any other methods of judging good linen. 2. When you go to town, price some tablecloths and napkins. How much will a good cloth and napkins cost? REVIEW PROBLEMS I. Plan a systematic way of looking over your clothing and keeping it in repair. II. How do you store your winter clothing for protection during summer? Your summer clothes during winter? III. How does your knowledge of buying linens help you in going shopping with mother? [Illustration] CHAPTER V THE PLEASANT VALLEY GIRLS LEARN TO MAKE MORE GARMENTS Would you like to learn to make some useful garments? Perhaps, then, you can help with the family sewing and make some useful garments for your sister or mother. Some day you may wish to be a seamstress or a dressmaker and to earn money in that way. Barbara Oakes says she expects to do so. Now is the time to begin to learn how, and later perhaps you may go to a dressmaking school. Barbara Oakes and some of the League girls have a class which meets once a week for instruction in gymnastics and fancy dancing. In the spring or early summer they expect to give a dance outdoors. A pageant will be prepared by some of the members of the Mothers' Club; and the dance is part of that pageant.