(For broadcast use only)
Subject: "The Power of the Press". Information from the Bureau of Home Economics, United States Department of Agriculture.
Seems to me that many of the miracles of agriculture don't get the appreciation they deserve. The poets have always been singing about nature's miracles outdoors—the dull buds that burst into bright flowers, the dark earth that turns to a green carpet, and so on.
But why doesn't someone write a poem about the miracles performed indoors every spring by housekeepers? For example, why has no one written a sonnet about the old, dreary-looking, left-over garment that changes into a new spring model?
Listeners, if I were a poet, what lines I could write to the housekeepers of the country who are skillful at clothing rejuvenation, who keep their families dressed up, and keep the spring budget down!
I am glad to see that the economists, at least, are giving the make-over artist her due these days. Recent studies of family-living costs have shown in no uncertain figures what a considerable amount the family saves when the homemaker is a good seamstress.
Probably we can't all be make-over artists. Some women have a prejudice against sewing, and some just aren't handy with a needle. But plenty of others would do a little spring making-over if they knew a few secrets of success, if they could fix over garments without having them look homemade. Pressing at the right stages of making is the real secret to sewing.
Well, my make-over friends and also the clothing people at the Bureau of Home Economics tell me that one big secret of success is knowing how to press. The power of the press on old—yes, and on new fabrics is remarkable. The right kind of an ironing board, the right amount of heat and steam, the right pressing cloth, a good iron, and some pressing pads. Listeners, with that very simple equipment, you'd be surprised what you can do with old clothes.
First, about the ironing board. Some people struggle along with any sort of board to press on. But not the skillful tailor or the good home dressmaker. Any make-over artist will tell you that you need above everything else a well-padded, smooth board that stands firmly on the floor or is attached solidly to the wall. If you haven't enough padding on your board, the pressing will make your garment streaked and shiny, especially on the seams. If you have too much padding, too soft a board, the pressing won't "take", anymore than it would if you tried to do your pressing on a sofa cushion. Again, if your padding has wrinkles or lumps or seams in it, these defects will show up in any garment you
