Realm of Regalia: Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a brief, definative (at least for now) care of your garb how to. Hope this helps; it's not meant to intimidate, but to educate so you can enjoy your clothes longer.

Contents

• General Care - How are you going to launder your clothing?
• Pre Shrinking Trim - VERY IMPORTANT

General Care

How are you going to launder your clothing? I would recommend first hanging your just-worn clothes outside your closet where they get lots of air for 24-48 hours first, and then sniff to see if they really need cleaning, assuming you don't have any spots of whatever. If you have spilled something on your clothing, pre treat and pre clean the stains as soon as possible and before washing, or your detergent may set the stains. Turn the garment inside out, wash in cold water, put it in the dryer only 2-5 minutes, then air dry on a fat plastic or wood hanger, or over a drying rack. All your clothes will be happier, last longer, won't need nasty dryer sheets that add greasy spots, and may not need ironing.

• If your fabric is silk, use baby shampoo, Ivory soap, Orvus or Easy Wash to protect the fibers. Don't use that famous cleaner - it's really nasty stuff that wrecks your clothes really fast.
• Good information on pre treating stains can be had in the Consumer Reports "How to clean almost anything" book or textile books.
• If you really want to protect your clothes, wear an all cotton T shirt or garment shields between your body and garment to absorb body odor, sweat, and oils.

Pre Shrinking

Pre shrinking trim is an essential part of making your clothing. Pre shrinking is important even if you plan to only dry clean your items.

Pop your normal, not beaded or bullion (metal) trims, one batch at a time into a large zippered mesh sweater bag and wash in warm or hot water (whichever your household may use by accident) with up to 25% distilled white vinegar to help set any dye and cook it in the dryer. This should take care of any shrinkage before you spend all the time sewing it on and have "oops" later causing much aggravation and swearing. Remember to pre shrink everything else except the thread and buttons too.

• Sweater bags are usually sold near ironing boards. I keep 4 in constant use with delicates, long johns, wool socks and gloves, pre shrinking small pieces, etc. They help protect these items from abrasion and remind you to not put them in the dryer. Air drying is much easier on the fibers, and can help prevent shrinking.
• Beaded trims, and possibly bullions should be hand washed and never put in the dryer or sent to the cleaners.
• Dry cleaners use commercial dryers which really shrink things. Be sure you have a good cleaner that does the work right there and knows the meaning of "press lightly".