Page:A complete course in dressmaking (Vol. 12, Men's clothes & index) (IA completecoursein00cono).pdf/102

 streaks from exposure to sunlight, or a dress that faded so badly in the first washing that it looked like an old one? Few dyes are fast to light, water, washing and crocking. Woolen fabrics used in coats and dresses should be fast to light and water but not necessarily to washing. A gingham should be fast to washing.

To test wool and silk fabrics for fastness to water, twist a piece of material with a piece of white muslin. Place it in warm water and allow it to stand for one-half hour. If the color bleeds into the white, it is not fast.

To test for fastness to washing, wash a sample of material in hot soapsuds, rinse, and dry. Compare the color with that of the original goods.

To test for fastness to crocking, cover the eraser of a lead pencil with a white cloth. Blow on it and rub the colored sample. The color should not rub off.

Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning implies cleaning without the use of water. Much of the dirt adhering to garments is held by oil or grease. If this is dissolved the dirt is loosened