I love to Iron

Day Thirteen of Count Your Blessings

I'm really grateful for people who don't like to iron, because they give all their expensive linen clothes to thrift stores where I can buy them at prices I can afford, then I can look great in expensive clothes without paying a fortune.  Whew, that's a mouthful.

I love linen!  It is cool in the summer, warm in the winter (layered) and feels heavenly to me.  Most people don't like it because it has to be ironed.  I love ironing!  It is a brainless job that I can do at the same time as something pleasurable such as watching a movie or listening to a child tell me about his day.  (Dishes are similar, but I haven't figured out how to move the sink into the living room so I can watch a movie, so I just listen to music or children while working in the kitchen.)

Anyway, I look for linen pieces whenever I shop at thrift stores.  My latest find was a lovely shirt. I fell for the colors and classic style.  I wasn't sure what I would wear with it, but figured for a couple of dollars I couldn't go wrong.  And it just spoke to me!  Once home I took it to my closet and realized that I had both a skirt and a pair of slacks that would coordinate. This morning I pulled together this outfit for church:

So,  a big thank you to whoever didn't like to iron for donating this gorgeous shirt for me to have.

Handkerchiefs and other foreign objects

Last night I did a batch of ironing which included handkerchiefs for both my husband and me.  I learned to iron on hankies for my dad and mom and have used them myself all my life.  I find gorgeous linen ones at thrift stores, probably donated when a grandma dies and her things are cleaned out.

Why do I love and use cloth hankies?
  1. They are softer on noses than paper tissues.
  2. They do not shred and fall apart when wet, or put dust in my eyes when dry.
  3. They dry and can be used again.
  4. They can be dampened and used to wash things, especially children's hands and faces.
  5. They can be used as a container for small items (tied).
  6. They can be made into a "rocking baby" to entertain children in church.
  7. They are pretty.
  8. They are romantic.
  9. They can become heirlooms.
10. They remind me of my mother and grandmothers.

Other objects found in my home, foreign to many, are tablecloths and cloth napkins. During my high school years my mother went on an economy kick and had me make white cloth napkins for our family to use.  Years later when everyone was grown she gave me those same napkins to wear out with my family.  When I married and began our family I continued the tradition of cloth table coverings and cloth napkins.  I have dozens of napkins; everyday ones in woven cottons and fancy linen ones for special occasions.

I'm always amazed, though I shouldn't be, that people don't know how to use a cloth napkin.  One little visitor to our home didn't even know what it was.  Oh well, my children know, and they're the only ones I'm responsible for.

Why do I love and use cloth napkins?
1. They absorb and protect better.
2. They can be reused; I bought napkins rings for that purpose.
3. They are cheaper in the long run.
4. Ummm, well, I just like them!

Now, these two objects require ironing (or look better when ironed) and that is one reason more people don't use them.  I enjoy ironing. For me it is relaxing because of it's mindless nature and I can justify watching a movie while I do it.

I love the old-fashioned, genteel feeling of using both handkerchiefs and cloth napkins. Wiping away a tear with a lace trimmed hanky just feels more romantic than a paper tissue.  Try it sometime!