GENERAL EMBROIDERY, DUCHESS SET

This stamped linen duchess set with lyrebird design for embroidery was offered by New Idea Magazine to readers in the mid 20th century. The three mats are an unusual shape, in keeping with the large tail of the lyre bird.
Accompanying the stamped linen is a coloured picture of the final design with instructions on the colours of the Semco stranded cotton to be used and instructions for working. Embroidering stamped linen was a very popular pastime in this period and enabled the lady of the house to showcase her skills..
(a) The duchess set, unworked, is stamped in three parts, centre mat and two accompanying mats.
Stamped on the linen, are the words; “SEMCO Design 870 Novelty Vanity Set.” At the base are the words:
“Also in cushions, centres & 36 x 36 Supper cloth. Embroider with Semco Stranded Cotton”
(b) Illustration of embroidered duchess set with instructions on working - colours and stitches.
(c) Two transfer designs - lyre bird and a kookaburra. On the transfer are the words “New Idea TRNASFER designs
by SEMCO” at the bottom of the transfer the words “Supplement to NEW IDEA”.