September 2005 Issue
In this months Issue:
Hanging It Up
Go Team Go!
Orange is the New Black
Home Laundry Tip
Wire clothing hangers used to be wonderful implements to open locked car doors, but nowadays with newfangled locking systems (and the availability of companies like On-Star that can remotely unlock your doors for you), wire clothing hangers are simply used to hang clothes.
But clothing hangers haven't always been around. Legend has it that President Thomas Jefferson invented the wooden clothes hanger. The familiar wire hanger was created in 1903 by Albert J. Parkhouse of the Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company in Jackson, Michigan. Parkhouse's co-workers complained that there weren't enough coat hooks, so he bent some wire and the rest is history. Wire hangers are the least expensive alternative, but they're probably not the best option for long-term use. (Just ask Joan Crawford, who, in the film "Mommy Dearest" went on a rampage because her daughter had used a cheap wire hanger to hang up her fancy clothes. The iconic phrase "No more wire hangers" will forever be associated with poor Joan.)
Wire hangers do the job, but they can create wrinkles in certain clothes and often can't stand up to heavier items like winter coats. When you receive your items back from dry cleaning or laundering, remove the plastic sheath and switch the item to a sturdier hanger, if you like. Other types of hangers-plastic, wooden and padded-are also available. Plastic hangers are good bets if you're looking for less expensive options. They come in smaller children's sizes, which can be very helpful. They also are stronger and more reliable than wire hangers. Plastic pants hangers are a great option for your casual pants collection. And there are plenty of fun colors to choose from, so you can even color code your garments in your closet!
Wooden hangers come in a variety of options. Some come with a bar or even a pants-press type apparatus, a great option if closet space is an issue or if you like to keep certain tops and bottoms together. Wooden hangers are definitely the right choice for your suits. Other wooden designs are available, including notched hangers for delicate items or those with thin straps. Most manufacturers include little straps to use on these notched hangers so the item will not slip off. Padded hangers leave no shoulder dents and work well for any type of item like lingerie, fancy dresses or other expensive clothes.
Now that you're a hanger expert, go get those clothes you threw on the floor of your closet and hang them up!
Go Team Go!
The fall sports season is here and that often means new uniforms. Someone has to clean those uniforms (after all, they're bound to get lots of wear and plenty of dirt on them), and if that person is you, keep reading.
Sports uniforms are usually made of synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, spandex or some kind of blend. Here are some tips for keeping those uniforms looking great! 1. The most common problem is dye bleeding when the item is cleaned. Follow the care instructions carefully; most uniforms require a cold water wash. If you try washing it in warm water, it is likely to bleed. Test for colorfastness before washing with other items; pre-treat any grass, mud or blood stains.
2. Most uniforms can be laundered and do not need to be drycleaned.
3. Don't dry a uniform at a high temperature, since this can result in shrinkage or permanent wrinkles. If you do dry a uniform, take it out of the dryer and hang it up. If the uniform is laminated, it should be air-dried.
4. Do not allow uniforms to be wet or soak too long.
Now get out there and have some fun!
Orange is the New Black
Wondering what colors will be hot in 2006? Start looking for reddened oranges and yellows, according to the Color Marketing Group of Alexandria, VA. The Color Marketing Group is an international, not-for-profit association of color design professionals who forecast color directions for industry, manufactured products and services.
For 2006, the group also says that blues will dramatically recede and "complex neutrals" will become more popular. (We didn't know neutrals could be complex!) CMG suggests that consumers will be seeking bold colors in the coming year, not only in clothing but in products as well. For more information, take a look at their website: www.colormarketing.org.
Home Laundry Tip
If you've got delicate silk garments that need to be washed, be sure to treat them with special care. Hand-wash silk items by using some warm water with a baby shampoo. Squeeze the excess water out gently and then hang to dry. You might need to iron the item after it has dried, but be sure to set it on low to avoid burning or scorching the item.