Linen Primer

For the church ladies, caring for linen is a year-round concern, as many of the better surplices, etc, are crafted of this delightful fabric. And as Memorial Day approaches, our own chic linen sundresses and skirts are coming out of storage. Here are a few quick tips to make your linen look its best.

1. Start with a clean iron. If the sole-plate is dirty, heat the iron on the steam setting, then unplug it and let it cool for a few minutes. Scrub with a wet terry washcloth- the steam will loosen anything that's caked on.

2. To keep that crisp finish, iron your linen when its damp. If that's not possible, squirt it well with water and starch before ironing.

3. Dry-clean your fancier linen. Those Dryel bags make this affordable and easy at home.

4. For a more casual look, you can wash your linen. Separating the lights and darks is super important here, as is avoiding bleach, which can be harsh on this delicate fabric. Always use cold water.