Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1896 — Renovating Black Silk. [ARTICLE]

Renovating Black Silk.

Tn these days when economy is the watchword in many families, even anions those who a re comfortably situated financially, it is well to know how to renovate a black silk dress, without sending it to the professional cleaner. Take it aimrt carefully, picking out all the threads and brushing each piece. Make a lather of soft hot water and ivory soap, the common yellow soaps destroying the texture of silk if used in cleansing it. Lay the pieces on a table that is smooth, dean, and free front varnish. Dip a sponge in the water, and sponge each piece, keeping it smooth all the time. As soon as the water gets dirty, get fresh water, and wipe as dry as possible with a dry cloth. Press with a hot iron, placing a piece of black cambric over it. then lay the pieces away without folding. If a little stiffening is desired, dissolve a teaspoonful of gum arable in a gallon of boiling water, and dip the pieces in it after they have been rinsed. Then wipe with a dry cloth and iron. Any dark silk may be cleaned in the same way. It is often desirable to remove grease spots from silk or woolen goods, without washing or sponging the entire garment, and it can be done by the following process: Scrape French chalk tine and moisten to a stiff paste with strong soapsuds. Make into small,"oat cakes, dry in the sunshine or warm oven, and keep them for use. When you need if. scrape one to a powder and cover the spot with it. laying the silk upon a folded cloth, folding until there are several thicknesses. I,ay two or three folds of tissue paper upon the chalk, and press with a hot iron for a minute or two. taking care that it does not touch the silk. Scrape off the chalk and the grease will come with it. Every trace of chalk may lie removed with a soft, clean brush.