Steam is your best friend when it comes to vintage hats. It doesn't matter if it comes from a professional clothes steamer or your tea kettle. Though I will admit the professional steamer is much more user friendly. Not only will it deodorize but it will rejuvenate and relax all of those wrinkles in a delicate veil, ribbon or floral trim. Try not to saturate the item completely and be sure the item that has been steamed has dried thoroughly before storing. While steam can be your BFF, the moisture left behind can be your worst enemy if it is left on the item. Moisture will cause the item to accumulate mold/mildew and can cause the material to decay. Felt and fabric hats respond best to steam. It has little to no effect on straw. If using on silk or satin, be very careful not to over saturate as it can cause water spots.
The only exception to this is fur. PLEASE DO NOT STEAM FUR. Especially vintage fur. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way. I was steaming a late 1800's fur lined cap to remove the wrinkles when the fur suddenly curled up and shrank before my eyes. There was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it or repair it. It was heartbreaking.
So the next time you see that perfect vintage hat but it looks a little wilted, remember your tea kettle.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2013
Well the holidays are officially behind us so it's time to get back to work. And it certainly has piled up while I was off making merry. Oh well, time to get back to it and make 2013 the best year yet!
We have a new discount code for 2013 - 13OFF2013. Enter the discount code during checkout for 13% off your purchase. This code is valid for all of 2013. You may use it more than once. Please feel free to pass along to your friends.
We have a new discount code for 2013 - 13OFF2013. Enter the discount code during checkout for 13% off your purchase. This code is valid for all of 2013. You may use it more than once. Please feel free to pass along to your friends.
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