Ironing
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Ironing
The ironing of vintage linens, while very rewarding, does take care and time. Turn on your favorite music to make the ironing task productive and enjoyable. Ironing is learned art-practice makes perfect. Use a well padded ironing board and a clean steam iron in excellent working order. Use the proper iron temperature for each fabric. Steam helps smooth out wrinkles as long as the irons's heat setting is appropriate for steam. If unsure of the fabric content, start with a very low heat setting and test a small section first.
While ironing always keep the iron moving while smoothing and positioning the piece with your other hand. This will prevent iron impressions and scorching.
Heavily wrinkled pieces can be first steam pressed to lie flat, then lightly dampened with a water spray bottle, spray starch or spray sizing. A second ironing should make the wrinkles disappear.
Linen fabric may be ironed when slightly damp, in fact some linen experts recommend this.
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| Tammi Reynolds |
