Silk Braces   Godey's Ladies Book Feb. 1863 page 191            

This sort of work allows much taste to be displayed in it, as, a variety of colors being employed, the advantageous effect of shading can be introduced, which, however slight, is still a great improvement to all flower-work.  The material on which the embroidery is executed should for this purpose be a stont ribbon, either plain or watered; the latter looks the most handsome.  The color of the ribbon must depend on the taste of the worker, as well as the arrangement of the work; the leaves of the pattern must be in a variety of greens, from light to dark; and the more different shades of green, the better the work looks. The color of the flowers must depend upon the color chosen for the ribbon; if a white or a black watered ribbon were selected, then the flowers might be in various colors; crimson, violet, and maize look well among the green leaves, on either a white or black ground.  This sort of embroidery is worked in thee same manner as muslin - that is, in satin stitch; the silk used should be the proper embroidery silk, which is less twisted than sewing silk, and fills up better.  When the ornamental part of the work is completed, it must be sent to a proper person, accustomed to the manner of making up these articles, the work being previously covered with a strip of muslin to preserve it from either being frayed or soiled.  When finished, they will be found a very ornamental and suitable present.