VELVET VOGUE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 666, 18 May 1929, Page 23

VELVET VOGUE

HOW TO CLEAN VALUE OF STEAM With the vogue for velvets and velveteens this season, the problem arises of how to clean, remove spots from, bring up the pile and generally keep fresh, garments made of these materials. As a rule silk, velvets, velveteens and plushes, when stained or soiled throughout from wear, should be sent to a cleaner, or dyed. When only slightly soiled, these fabrics should be brushed to get rid of the dust, and then sponged with a weak solution of borax or benzine. When very much soiled, they should be dipped in a bath of benzine weakened by the addition of a little water. Allow the garment to dry thoroughly, but not quickly, and then brush the pile quickly the right way. Before brushing the pile, it is essential to stiffen the back of the material, and this is done by having a strong solution of gum arabic and warm water ready, and, as soon as the garment is dry, brushing the back all over with the solution. STIFFENING THE FABRIC In addition to stiffening the fabric, this has the effect of preventing the pile from working loose. When dry again have the garment turned on to the right side and brush it smartly along the right direction so that the pile lies upright. If the pile is brushed without stiffening the back, a great deal of harm is done to the material. In the case of figured or patterned velvets, these precautions will prevent the patterns being spoilt. If the directions are followed carefully, there is no reason why the effort should not meet with complete success. To remove stains and creases the following solution will prove useful: Mix two tablespoons of liquid ammonia with an equal quantity of water, put it on to the stained part with a stiff brush, rubbing it well into the pile until the stain is removed and all the creases are straightened.

To raise the pile of velvets, first clean in the way already described then hold the wrong side over steam from boiling water until the pile rises, or if more convenient, damp the back of the material and hold over a hot oven, taking care not to scorch the fabric. The steam will raise the pile.

CRETONNE WARDROBE MAKE IT AT HOME A novel Idea for protecting those i clothes which have to be put away as not for use this season, is a cretonne ! bag which is dustproof, and will prevent frocks from becoming crushed, and also avoid that faded look. Any floral material will do, as long as the texture is closely woven and fairly stiff. Single width cretonne is the best medium, and looks attractive in the wardrobe, or hanging in a room. About 12yds of material are necessary, from which two lengths of : 2Jyds are cut off. By folding the j long strip in half, the centre is 1 marked, and then the shorter strips I are joined to form a cross. Before closing the sides, a good i plan is to stitch a strong coathanger | on to the centre of the long strip of | material, which will be the top end, j and make a hole just to allow the hook of the hanger to go through. ] Next, join up three sides of this I box-like arrangement, weighting the j bottom hems, and fix large press j fasteners or buttons to the remaining j end, which will allow it to be used as a flap. The width at the top will allow' several coathangers to be nxed, | and coats and frocks hung inside are j well protected against dust and crush- j ing. | CHIC Not just yet. but in a little w hile j when we have discarded top coats and tailleurs, ‘‘we are going to be pleated.” Pleats are controlling the new' i modes; everything that lends itself to } this mode of trimming will be so : i treated; handbags even have pleated | sides and surfaces; glove cuffs, yokes of dresses, capes, skirts, hat hands and ; j hat brims —pleats and pleats, and still more pleats, but so cleverly done that j | they are a delight. Meanwhile, if you are thinking up something to carry you through the i smart season of the cold months, try ; a brightly-flecked tweed two-piece; ' have the coat long, but just showing ‘ the skirt edge. Trim with black caracul or lamb, and have your jumper I or blouse to tone with the main colour. ! Black and yellow and white is a good ! combination, brown, yellow' and black is another. Have it different from ! your neighbours; therein lies tlistinc-