way, all this trouble would be
avoided.

[884 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

267. Lace on Centerpieces.--Lace that is used on centerpieces is not
fulled, but is just held in enough to lie flat. The best way to get this
flatness is to draw the thread of the lace and fasten one end to the
linen, leaving enough to make a neat seam, and then to adjust fullness so
that it lies evenly. When right side is up one cannot see that any
fullness exists.

268. Uses of Mop Handles.--Most women have found the mop handle with the
handy clasp, a general utility tool. There is a great deal of unnecessary
bending of the knees to the household gods. It is a painful attitude, and
work that can be done just as well in a standing position, should never be
done in a kneeling one.

269. Iron Holders Made from Asbestos.--Iron holders made from a piece of
asbestos the desired size, and covered with drilling or heavy unbleached
muslin are light and keep out the heat. There should be a ring or loop
sewed to one corner to hang up the holder.

270. Washing Quilts.--To wash quilts a housekeeper gives the following
directions: Dissolve a bar of white soap in a cupful of water. Run into
your bath-tub sufficient water to cover one quilt; make a good suds, and
put in the quilt, and let it soak for a few minutes. Do not rub, but use
the washboard, top end down, to press or pound out the water and dirt.
Never wring but with the wash-board press out the water. Rinse several
times. When you have pressed out as dry as you can pin the quilt closely
on the line to drain. When thoroughly dry, whip with a carpet beater until
fluffy, before removing from the line. This method is especially fine for
tied quilts. The bath tub is preferred, because of shape and water
conveniences.

271. Shrinking Dress Goods.--Before making the white linen dress skirt, or
any material that is liable to shrink, fold the goods carefully and place
it in a tub and cover with water. Let it get thoroughly wet, stretch the
clothes line as tightly as possible, hang the goods through the center,
and pin perfectly straight on the line. When dry, let two persons stretch
the goods as curtains are stretched, fold it with the wrong side of the
material out and iron double with the seam running through the center of
the goods on the length of the material. In shrinking colored prints add
turpentine to the water, and it will set the color. A teaspoonful is used
to a gallon of water.

272. Fixing Worn C