I know many of you will not read this post and others will shake their heads in disbelief at the title but please bear with me.
Ironing is an aspect of homemaking that seems to be almost universally hated but there is a valuable aspect to the task. I have mentioned before about the importance of taking care of what you own to get the maximum use from it and thus reduce the overall carbon footprint of any item. This applies to clothes and keeping your clothes in good repair makes good economic and environmental sense.
Taking the time to check each garment while you are ironing can identify problems before they become too extensive to repair. My previous post about my black linen top highlights this point. I noticed they fraying at the hem and have repaired this by using a wide satin stitch (zig zag) along the edge that had frayed. I have checked the remainder of the hem edge and cannot see any signs of similar problems, however, I will keep a close eye on it in the future.
The mend is not invisible but reasonably well-disguised so I am happy to continue to wear this top.
Today when I was ironing I discovered 2 other issues. The first was one of GMan’s business shirts. There was a small yellow stain on the back near the armhole and I have no idea of the origin. It is about the size of a 20c piece and not terribly noticeable as it is a dark checked shirt. However, I have soaked the shirt in the hope that the stain will come out.
The other discovery was another minor mending job. I have a pair of white trousers with a centre back zip and a few stitches of the seam had broken just below the zip. This is not a huge issue at the moment but could be if I wore them and split the seam further. I repaired the seam and they are as good as new. This is a classic example of the saying “A stitch in time saves nine”. It could also save me from a potentially embarrassing and costly situation if I had to rush out and make an emergency purchase.
Obviously, I do not iron everything but hanging out washing or folding clothes I also take time to make sure they are in good order and ready to be worn.
organised castle 
young feminist here stayed with you.
The thing about ironing, is when it’s 95% done and you find that stain that requires the resoak… it’s like a wasted investment in the ironing!!
Interesting, I “only” iron my clothing. The BF doesn’t care too much for his work business shirts to be ironed (but does insist on them being hung on hanger from wet, buttoned just so). I’m happy to hang them as our laundry makes it easy enough, but I have a firm line in the sand about adding his ironing to mine. I’ve done one shirt, once (and he was smart enough to ask whilst I was ironing already, so it was minimal effort).
Sarah – I hear on finding the stain/problem when the garment is almost completely ironed. I think exactly the same thing. 🙂
Preach! When I saw this title, I appreciated the sentiment. I use time ironing to review my clothes and look for ways to repair too.
Great to hear that you use the opportunity to review your clothes. Thanks for dropping in. I love the comments. 🙂