1922—Millinery
by Charlotte Rankin Aiken, B.A.
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
In gathering the information for this manual the author found few publications dealing with the processes of hat-making in foreign countries, except the United States Government's report on "Philippine Hats." This is due to the zeal with which foreign producers and exporters have guarded the secrets of their industry, and also to the lack of any systematic investigation of the subject. The weaving of braids in distant countries has been carried on in the homes, and the art has been handed down from one generation to another; therefore the facts concerning it have been difficult to discover. Information as to the millinery manufactories in this country was more easily obtained, as the extensive and progressive establishments of the trade have shown a most generous co-operation.
The author is greatly indebted to the original researches of Miss B. Cannon, Educational Director Wm. Filene Sons Company, Boston. Miss Cannon secured reports and information from United States consular officials in foreign countries and made a compilation of data on the subject. The author is also indebted to the kindness of the United States Government expert on commercial fibers; to the practical suggestions of Mr. M. B. Kreeger of the Kreeger Store, Inc., of New Orleans; to The Dry Goods Economist, and The Millinery Trade Review for certain information; also to R. H. Comey and Company, dyers and bleachers of straw braids, to Gage Brothers and Company, to Mrs. E. G. McClelland of Woman's Wear, and to the editor of the series for the preparation of Chapter XII. For illustrations thanks are due to the United States Department of Agriculture, The Philippine Bureau of Education, The Millinery Trade Review, The Philippine Craftsman, The National Geographic Magazine, and Robert M. McBride and Company.
This volume, with the exception of Chapters I and XVI, applies to the buying of hats, since the greater knowledge of the subject the purchaser possesses, the wiser will be her selections. Obviously, if she knows materials, straws, etc., she will buy with greater assurance. Thus the knowledge she may have gained by observation will be greatly increased by study. A knowledge of the colors that are becoming and of the lines which bring out the best features of the face, is essential in buying hats. Everyone has picked up miscellaneous information about hats, but the scientific study of them will no doubt be an aid to many. It is a pleasure also, to learn the romance of millinery, and to know how the peoples in the far corners of the earth toil for the adornment of our heads.
It is sincerely hoped that those who take up these studies for use in the home, the store, or the school may find this book of some service for practical application to their needs.
CHARLOTTE RANKIN AIKEN.
