I have a shameful secret. Really, really shameful. Only a few people know it and I usually don't like to talk about it. I quite like ironing.
My post on fabric napkins garnered a lot of "I love them, but hate ironing" comments so I thought I should come clean (so to speak).
Ironing is a bit like making jams and preserves - I'm not that keen on the process but I really love the result.
There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from a truly empty ironing basket that defies description.
Early memories of my mother are Sunday afternoons watching old movies on the telly while she ironed. The smell of hot cotton and Fabulon! I got to do hankies and pillowcases.
One of my household chores as a teenager was the family ironing. I didn't much like it, but I wanted my pocket money and it was better than mowing the lawn. When I was at college, I took in ironing to earn extra money.
Ironing also gave me a passive-agressive outlet. When Dad was pissing me off (and when wasn't he?), I starched his undies and hankies until they could stand up on their own. After I left home he complained to Mum that his clothes didn't feel quite right!
But I have to be honest, I enjoy seeing a rail of freshly pressed items and get a thrill seeing people I love looking smart in garments I have ironed. It's a bit like knitting really. All that time and effort - you'd only do it for those you love.
The Old Flame bought a divine new ironing board once I started doing his shirts, and I've invested in new spray bottles and pressing cloths and a clothes rack (because I broke the old one with over-use) in this last year. I even found the much lusted after Elna Press (at a garage sale in South West Rocks in August for $40) - which makes ironing jeans and tablecloths a breeze.
In moments of frustration I dream of leaving work and setting up as an ironing lady. There may even be a business plan tucked in the back of my diary. It's a great plan; let me know if you need an ironing lady, I might be able to fit you in.
Now go away, I have a fifties housewife to channel.
