Place iron on its side, cover with a piece of paper, over this lay a wet
sponge cloth; then hold coat collar very close to steaming cloth (when
one is familiar with the work they may allow the collar to rest on the
steaming cloth for a minute), and move back and forth, allowing steam to
come through the velvet. Then remove the collar and shape by hand, as
when worn. Brush the nap gently to freshen while steaming, but with a
very soft brush. Place on coat hanger, and allow to dry before wearing
or delivering.
Good sewing, good pressing, well finished ends and corners, lightness of
touch which holds the work without apparently touching it, will give to
the finished garment a fresh look.
All these are important considerations.
When darning, great care must be taken to have the work finished up
neatly, as darning and mending is an art, and like everything else,
requires patience and practice.
=Basting= is only used in the preparation of work, to hold stuff and
lining, or any two or more parts of the work together, while it is being
stitched, as none of the basting is left in the finished garment. It is
also used as a guide for sewing and marking on light colored goods as it
will not leave a mark as would colored chalk. For ordinary work, basting
stitches should be cut every few inches and drawn out.
It is impossible to prevent trousers bagging at the knee, but here is an
idea that will help materially to keep knees in shape. Fasten a piece of
silk to the forepart of trousers on the inside to the seams and across
bottom and top seven inches above and ten inches below the knee, being
careful not to allow stitches to show through on right side.
Buttonholes may be made easy to work by spacing off the number required,
with pins or thread marks.
Mark length of hole, and stitch on a machine the desired length, then
turn at right angles and take two stitches, then turn back and stitch
other side. Turn at right angles and take two more stitches, thereby
tacking both ends. All buttonholes may be stitched in one garment
without removing from the machine.
This method takes the place of serging or overcasting and is much better
for thin ravelly goods.