The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-25
Laundering Fine NeedIework.

4 T it takes the hand of a lady to make a
light cake. then just as truly the hand of
the skilled needlewoman is the best one
to launder fine laces and embroidery.
The most important don't in regard
to the dainty needlework of the household is
Don't put it in the regular wash" Most
small doilies, embroidered or lace trimmed
centerpieces. table and bureau scarfs, ans
what not require individual treatment and
washerwomen are impatient of the amount
of time it takes to launder such fancy work
Therefore it will repay some member of the
family to do up these articles herself or else
set apart some half day for the laundress to
do them separately.
Separate the all-white from the colored
pieces. Remove II stains from ta BILE linen
and doilies before the pieces are put into the
suds. Nearly all fruit and berry stains can
be removed from cotton and linen by pouring
boiling water on the spot. the fabric being
stretched over basin. Small doiies may be
swished about in the boiling water until the
stains disappear.
Tea. coffee, and claret stains also yield
to boiling water; but peach stain. mildew
and iron rust are more obstinate. Cover
such spots with salt and squeeze lemon
then lay the pieces in the sun. The stains
will gradually fade out; but it may be nec-
essary to put lemon and salt on the worst
places several times drying them each time
in the sun.
Very large, deep stains and those which
have become set may be removed by dipping
the spot in a solution consisting of a level
teaspoon of oxalc acid to pint of hot water
This acid is a strong bleach and must not
be allowed to remain in the piece as ii
will injure the fabric Dip the stained part
in the solution, letting it remain about two
minutes. Dip the goods again IL the stain
Is not entirely gone. AS soon as the stain
disappears rinse the piece to remove the
acid. and drop it into warm suds.
While the spots are being removed from
the stained pieces the rest of the white
articles may be soaking in a tepid suds of
white soap and soft water. Soap should not
pe rubbed directly on the dainty needle
work, and 1t will be found that soaking II
as directed will loosen the dirt so that a
gentle patting and rubbing with the hands
VIII nnish the cleansing. After rinsing the
suds out thoroughly put the pieces through
another rinsing which has a little blpino
In 1t. Test this water SO as not to get n
too blue.
AS it is tedious process to pin doilies and
nne neckwear to clothesine they NAV he
partially dried in bath towel while tbe
larger pieces are put on the line. Such
articles should be ironed while still damn
Spread out large bath towel and smoof,
each piece into shape as it is laid on the
towel Leave enough Of the towel uncov
cred to fold over the pieces near the end
Then roll the towel up firmly, pressing If
hard and slapping the roll with the hands so
that the towel will absorb the water TT
this is allowed to stand half an hour t,a
pieces will be in good condition to iron.
If the quantity of fancy work to be laun
dered is not too great the colored pieces NAV
be washed and spread out to dry while tie
white pieces are drying. First set the coiors
by dipping the pieces in water in which there
is a tablespoonful of white vinegar to eacf,
pint of water. CThe acids recommended to
remove stains from the white articles must
not to be used on the colored ones, as they will
take the colors out.) Wash through a tepid
suds and rinse the soap out thoroughly Col
ored fancy work should never be soaked ,cr
allowed to lie wet, as the colors will nevita-
bly, " bleed and the piece be spoiled. After
rinsing squeeze the pieces gently and pat
them between the hands. This will get most
or the water out. Dry them as quickly as
possible to prevent the colors running az