transferred to the tub of bluing water where they are well and evenly
saturated, wrung out, and those which are not to be starched hung on
the line where sun and breeze are most active. The bluing must be
thoroughly mixed with the water. Clothes which have been carefully
washed and rinsed need but little bluing. Hang sheets and tablecloths
out straight and stretch the selvages even. Pillowcases should be hung
by the seam opposite the hem.



STARCH

Prepare the starch by dissolving one half cup of starch in cold water,
pour on this one quart of boiling water, and boil till clear and white,
stirring constantly. When nearly ready to take from the stove add a
little borax, lard, butter, or white wax. A teaspoonful of granulated
sugar is believed by many to be the most desirable addition. This will
be of the right consistency for ordinary articles--skirts, aprons, etc.
The same degree of strength in starch will not suit all kinds of
fabrics, collars, cuffs, etc., requiring the stronger solution made by
doubling the amount of starch; thin lawns and other fine materials the
weaker produced by doubling the amount of water. Dip each article in
the hot starch, those requiring the most stiffening being dipped first,
because it is necessary to thin the starch. See that the starch is
evenly distributed, press out as much as possible with the hands, put
through the wringer, shake out all creases, and pin evenly on the line.
Additional stiffness is given by dipping the already starched and dried
article in raw starch, which is made by moistening a handful of starch
in a quart of cold water and rubbing in enough Ivory or other fine
white soap to produce a very slight suds. Squeeze out the superfluous