THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 3, 1994 TAG: 9407030367
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
LIFE'S LITTLE mishaps know the time and place to pop up, don't they? The milelong run in your hose that appears just as you've pulled into work. The button that pops off and misses your boss's eye by an inch.
Ever try walking around the office with a folder clutched to your chest all day to cover up coffee dribble?
Stop lying - we all have.
And for those of us who don't have another wardrobe packed in the trunk or the Singer sewing machine in our purse, we need to do something, if only to make it through the day.
Fabric stores, bless them, are brimming with cure-alls for those of us who don't carry those mini-sewing kits or a) don't have time to use them, b) couldn't use them anyway - (it's hard to fix a hem and negotiate early morning traffic).
``The Unique Stitch is really good for mending hems. Just put a dot and rub your fingers together,'' said Margaret McMeans, a sales consultant at Piece Goods fabric store in Norfolk, pointing out a wall full of fix-its.
``The Spoto spot remover is good for removing stains quickly, run to the bathroom, use a little water and rub it out . . . and the glue stick is good for fixing zippers that come apart. And all of these can fit in your purse.''
Here are some other quick and helpful hints on how to avoid and handle mishaps when you're in a hurry:
Pantyhose
To make pantyhose last longer, freeze them first. Wet them thoroughly, ring them out, place in a plastic bag and toss in the freezer. Once frozen, thaw in bathtub and then hang to dry.
Also, starching them very, very lightly helps resist runs and they will also go on easier.
To stop a run, apply hair spray or rub with a wet bar of soap. And don't forget a dab of clear fingernail will always do.
To prevent snags, soften rough hands with lotion before handling pantyhose or wear cotton gloves while putting them on.
If your pantyhose seem a bit short as you put them on, wet your hands and smooth the legs upward. But it's always good to stretch the legs before putting them on.
To save time, tie the ankles of pantyhose that have runs so that you can recognize them as ``for pants only.''
Buttons and zippers
To prevent buttons from popping off, touch the center of each button - front and back - with clear nail polish and this will seal threads and buttons will stay longer.
If it's popped and you don't have a safety pin, try covering it up with a brooch - clip-on earrings have worked - or tack the button to the fabric with wire from a twist tie.
Sticky zippers will slide easily if rubbed with a lead pencil, wax paper or candle. If you've lost or broken the pull, use a pin or a paper clip.
Shoes
Cover spots on black suede by sponging a little black coffee on them and white chalk works well on white suede.
Nail polish remover is good for removing tar and grease from white shoes. To prevent slipping, sand the bottom of shoes, or apply bathtub appliques or strips of adhesive tape.
If the sole or heel comes off, try to reattach with silicone or plastic sealer for weatherstripping.
For a quick shoe shine, rub leather shoes with the inside of a banana peel then clean and buff with a paper towel or napkin. You can also use a fabric softener sheet.
Dresses that cling
Starch your slips to prevent them from clinging to dresses.
If you're having a problem with static cling, run a wire coat hanger between your dress and the nylon slip. This will draw out the electricity and eliminate some of the clinging.
Rub slip or stockings with a fabric softener sheet or spritz with hair spray to reduce static cling.
Fallen hems
Use iron-on fusible web tape. For a temporary fix, attach transparent, masking or adhesive tape, or try a dab of chewing gum.
Undergarments
When you need to adjust a slip, pull it up above your bust or pin it to the bottom of your bra.
If it constantly rides, try wearing it inside out and then sew on felt or trim when you get a chance.
For slippery bra straps, get a shoelace or ribbon and tie it across the back to make sure straps stay put.
Stains
To cover up a stain on a white shirt or suit, rub baby powder into the stain.
For grease stains, apply shampoo then rinse and blow-dry or apply chalk, let it absorb the oil, then brush off.
For ballpoint pen stains, apply hair spray liberally to stain, then rub with a clean dry cloth. This works well on polyester fabrics.
Lint
To prevent lint, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse.
Once you have it, though, wrap hand with masking tape or cellophane tape and wipe away. A damp cloth also helps.
Quick ironing job
Place a strip of heavy duty aluminum foil over the entire length of the ironing board and cover with pad. As you iron, heat will reflect through to the underside of the garment.
Starching your ironing board cover also helps cover stay clean longer.
- MEMO: These tips were compiled from the books ``Mary Ellen's Best of Helpful
Hints'' and Better Homes and Gardens' ``Household Hints and Tips.'' by CNB