Shiny Serge

New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 147, 17 April 1942, Page 23

Shiny Serge

Dear Aunt Daisy, I wonder if you could tell me if there is any remedy for shiny serge. My husband’s navy serge suit is getting shiny, and I was wondering whether there is anything I can do to take the shine off, Also, please, is it possible to get a navy costume dyed a wine colour? I have one, and would like a change, and as I am not able to afford a new one at the moment, I: thought I would ask you whether I can get it dyed a wine col-our.-"Interested Auckland Listener." We rang up one of the leading dyeing firms here,\and were told that it is not satisfactory. to try to dye a dark colour light. It is quite easy to dye any colour to a darker shade. But you could have it re-dyed navy-that would freshen it up considcrably, or have it dyed black. That would make a change with a little white posy, and a new white hat. As regards the shiny serge-the shine, of course, is due to wear, and anything that is done about it is only a temporary measure, and will have to be repeated when the shine comes back again. If you have some ivy leaves, boil them in a little water, in an old saucepan, and sponge the shiny part with that. Press with a damp cloth, or newspaper. To sponge with cold tea has the same eftect, and also slightly soapy water containing a little ammonia. That helps for a while. Another good mixture for sponging shiny places, is Y2 pint methylated spirits and 1% pint of water containing a teaspoon of ammonia. Dip a nail brush in this mixture, and lightly brush the garment on a table, or ironing board. Then press with a not too hot iron over newspaper. Getting away from the sponging idea, if you take a piece of very fine old worn sandpaper-so worn that it is hardly rough at all-and gently rub the shiny surface with this, you will find a great improvement. It just roughens up the surface of the material-but don’t rub too hard, or it may weaken the fabric too much.