Drying.—Hang out the clothes, having pieces of a kind together, and the threads straight. If out of doors, hang in such a way that the air will have easy access.
Take down, when dry, and fold lightly in a basket.
Sprinkle, roll tightly, and leave them until ironing time. Thin fabrics should be very moist, as they dry quickly.
Ironing.—This art must be acquired by watching the expert and by practice.
Fig. 81.—Folding of nightdresses. Courtesy of Balderston and Limerick.
Shake or stretch the article, and lay it straight upon the board. Iron from right to left, arranging the material with the left hand, and iron with the long thread of the material. Bring the article on the board toward you. Iron first the parts that will wrinkle least, such as ruffles and trimming and sleeves. Embroidery and damask should be ironed on a very soft material like a Turkish towel, right side down. Always iron until the fabric is dry.
All tucks and folds must be carefully straightened, and if ironed crooked, they must be made very wet and done over again. When ironing a waist will you do the sleeve or the body first?