Introduction:
I got several good suggestions about ironing my linen fabric. They all seemed to remind me of things I’d known but not thought about. The main thing is that linen likes water and it should be damp then ironed dry. One recommendation was to take it from the machine and iron it then. I’ve done that with great success—but this time I was worried that the spinning in the machine might put in permanent wrinkles. Read on.
I ironed it at midnight then hung it in the shower overnight. It is beautiful.
One person suggested sprinkling it with water and rolling in a towel overnight to evenly moisten the cloth. That is what I did but did it after lunch and waited until bedtime to iron it.
Around midnight was when I got to the ironing board. The cloth was nicely and evenly damp. One suggestion I received was to roll the cloth with a rolling pin like the way they use a mangle with pressure to iron linens in Scandinavia—Sweden? I used to do that years ago with linen and forgotten completely, however finding a rolling pin was an issue. I looked in the back of my drawers and there was none. So I called our kitchen and was able to borrow a big, heavy one—4 pounds. I ironed a portion on the front, then on the back, then used the rolling pin on the board on the area. It looks beautiful. The cloth is seamed so there are two layers and all worked out fine. Yea! Now I’m rolling ahead again—what a good feeling it is.
A close-up of a portion of the cloth. Next is to hem the ends, put on the swatches and the lovely piece of bamboo I have for the top. Then the first one will be DONE. I’m glad not all of them need such treatment, but I think they will be beautiful hanging together.
Peggy,
I have admired you for many years. I am truly honored that you took my suggestion!
Also glad it worked!
Hello Peggy, I am totally new to weaving and I just found your blog so this is probably a dumb question but I have been admiring the stunning work of the 18th century textile designers James Leman and Anna Maria Garthwaite. Are their designs what is known as “brocade” when they are weaved into silk? How on earth did the weavers manage to apply such intricate designs to their textiles? Did they use grids or place the designs under the warps on their looms? Since this was the 1700s, it was before Jacquard looms were invented. I am really intrigued to know how they did it!
Thanks in advance. Stay safe in the COVID situation.
Kind regards
Danielle
Australia
They used draw looms. Check them out.
Peggy
Thank you. Will do.
Hi Peggy
You are right in Sweden and probably in other Scandinavian countries too, we use a mangel, heavy wooden rollers, nowadays they are electric but it is a great way to do all linens and cotton. I do enjoy your blog, thank you
Do you know if there is steam or if the cloth is damp?
Peggy
there is no steam involved, originally the 2 very heavy wooden rollers were just hand cranked, now it’s electric, it’s not heated either. You have to keep the fabric damp-ish, not wet though.
I have some old inherited linen bedding which I mangle damp they come out perfect, no wrinkles at all. It’s a marvellous invention
Suzie
I cheat! I simply take mine to the cleaners and let them press it. Since I have very large pieces of 5-10 yard lengths. It is much easier on me and much cheaper than you can imagine. I sew period clothing with my yardage that is why it is so long.
I did think of that, but I love ironing and seeing the great results. But your pieces, that would be beyond me, too.
Peggy
PS Now I’m glad to know more about you and to say how much I appreciate your support. I’m doing a third printing!
Peggy
So another question. You get the yardage ironed, then how do you keep out wrinkles while sewing? or how do you iron the clothing you are sewing? And another: where do you live? I’m outside of San Francisco. Have been in lock down since March 10! I don’t mind I’ve been busier than ever with creating my scrolls, posts, photography, etc. etc. and a friend brings me peaches,books from the storeroom, and things from my studio (eg. sewing machine).
Peggy
When I was a child I was in charge of the families laundry; it was impressed upon me that my fathers white work dress shirts and handkerchiefs were the most important to wash and iron properly. I was instructed to wash and then roll the cotton linens in clean hand towels and place in the crisper for some hours then iron them – without wrinkles mind you!