To Smooth Wrinkled Silk.—Sponge on the right side with very weak gum-arabic water, and iron on the wrong side.
To Renew Wrinkled Crape.
Stretch over a basin of boiling water, holding it smooth, but not tight, over the top, and shifting as the steam fairly penetrates it. Fold, while damp, in the original creases, and lay under a heavy book or board to dry. It will look almost as well as new.
To Restore the Pile of Velvet.
If but slightly pressed, treat as you would crape. Steam on the right side until heated through. If very badly crushed, wet on the wrong side; let an assistant hold a hot iron, bottom upward, and pass the wet side of the velvet slowly over the flat surface—a sort of upside-down ironing. When the steam rises thickly through to the right side, it will raise the pile with it. Dry without handling.
To Curl Tumbled Feathers.
Hold over the heated top of the range or stove, not near enough to burn; withdraw, shake them out, and hold them over it again until curled.
To Clean Straw Matting.
Wash with a cloth dipped in clean salt and water; then wipe dry at once. This prevents it from turning yellow.