LAUNDERING ORGANDIE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22068, 26 September 1933, Page 13

LAUNDERING ORGANDIE

Nothing„ looks daintier than organdie when it is properly got up. Despite its fragile appearance, it washes well, when treated geutly in a soapy lather, but it needs plenty of rinsing in tepid water to get rid of all the soap. - Thin materials of this kind can be starched in thick etarch without getting too/stiff, but the starch must be made -without a single lump. ''■',' To a tablespoonful of starch a teaspoouful of borax can be added, to give extra whiteness, and a few shreds of wax, make, the ironing easier. After mixing borax, wax, and starch smoothly, with the usual three tablespoonfuls of cold water, the mixture is stirred while, the boiling water is poured on as quickly as possible. If the wax is to be of use, the starch ought to be stirred well as it cools, so that no skin forms on top. As much water, as possible should be pressed out before starching. Organdie should be starched twice and then squeezed to get rid of loose starch. Thorough drying is needed, though it is fatal to dry organdie in a wind, for this takes out every bit of stiffness. It is equally fatal not to dry it completely, for if the iron sticks it may pull a hole. Careful and even sprinking with tepid water is the best way with damping. Then roll the article tightly in a towel for a couple of hours. A very clean iron and rather a small one is needed for getting into puffs and ruches. Smooth out a small piece and then lift up the gathers with the left hand while pushing the point of the iron into them with the right one.

The " lifting up" prevents the ugly creases caused by ironing flat. Circular bands cut on the cross are decidedly difficult to iron and need the greatest care. All pulling and stretching is strictly prohibited; the material must first be coaxed until it lies smooth and flat. Then it should be ironed across as near as possible the way of the selvedge, as these are the strongest threads, —An exchange.