103
« on: July 20, 2007, 10:14:35 PM »
I'm sure caring for these clothes was a pain.
A VERY interesting book I purchased on daily life in the Yusupov Palace has a detailed entry about the maintenance of clothing in the 19th/early 20th century:
"[for removing stains from silk]-The soiled spot was smeared with egg yolk, which was rubbed into the fabric, and then washed away with cold water. Small stains were removed with simple turpentine and stains on black silk with bull bile. Removing ink stains was more difficult but also possible: strong vinegar was mixed with warm ashes and rubbed into the stain for as long as possible and then washed off with soapy water.
To remove stains from woolen fabrics, turpentine was rubbed into them with a white rag. Removing stains from velvet was problematic: a few poppy heads were burnt in a clay pot and the ashes were used to make an alkaine solution to wash the stain away.
Stains of tar were removed with butter after leaving it on the fabric for a few hours and then egg yolk mixed with warm water was smeared on the stain. To remove grease stains, turpentine and well water were normally used, and then the stain was rubbed with Venetian soap." (pg. 23).
I find it all utterly fascinating.
Show Posts
Either way, they're both hideous.
