Iron Free Zone

I got out my iron today to flatten a ribbon for some craftwork, and I’m proud to say that my little girl pointed to it and said ‘what is that thing Mummy?’!

I would like to know at what point in the history of humankind did some deranged individual decide that the clothes we wear are ‘better’ without creases?! How many hours are wasted every day around the globe by people rubbing a hot piece of metal over their clothing to remove creases? Why be obsessed with removing them? Why not enjoy the variety of textures and effects achievable by varying levels of creasing on different materials? What is the obsession all about? I pondered these questions one evening in my late teens. After about ten seconds of pondering I realised the utter nonsense of the whole ironing of clothes procedure and I threw mine in the bin. These days I do have an iron (which came free with 3 pairs of knickers from a clothing catalogue!), but it lives on the top of an inaccessible cupboard … and its dusty. I only use it for craftwork such as the shrinking of Tyvek or bonding Wondaweb.

I often put my feet up with a cup of tea out in the garden where it crosses my mind that had I not taken the decision to dump ironing I would more than likely not be enjoying that moment in the sun watching a butterfly flitter past and basking in the sound of my children’s laughter. I’d more likely be rubbing a hot iron over my clothing and burning holes in my favourite skirt! Now which is my preferred pastime …. lolling in the hammock or ironing endless mountains of clothing? And yes, I admit it, I was wearing (brown) socks with sandals!

Comments

[Rebecca]

Kellys, I see how for some ironing might be theraputic, I know for me I'd just get stressed at the ever increasing mountain!

Sharla, I'm with you on that one, my ironing adds more wrinkles than it removes!

Kelly Mc, afraid I have to confess being a wrinkly clothed employee when I worked for an employer.

[Kelly McCausey]

I used an iron for the first time in many months while getting ready for a wedding on Saturday.

Reading your post reminded me of how much I enjoy being a work at home mom and not having to press this or that for work!

[Kellys]

My mom used to iron the sheets when she was stressed. Now I just use Downy Wrinkle releaser to save on sleep time in the morning. I'm so lazy!

[sharla]

I couldn't agree more. I know a few people who iron their jeans. Who has the time? Plus, I think I add more wrinkles when I iron anyway.

[Karen]

Oh, how I dread ironing!!! I put it off until absolutely necessary. I intentionally buy clothes that don't need to be ironed and I dry my clothes in the dryer to avoid wrinkles. My mom still spends a lot of time ironing. I call her and ask her what she is doing and she says "ironing". It makes me cringe, especially when she sounds proud to have ironed 30 minutes that day!

[Sharon Cornell]

I love this idea. I'm sorry to say, I still do iron one or two of my white blouses for work, but I try to let my dryer dewrinkle my clothes or wear knits most often. After all, as soon as you wear something more than 10 minutes,it's wrinkled anyway!

[Julie Williams]

I am so pleased that someone else out there scorns the evil iron. I often feel guilty as my children are the crumpled ones in a sea of freshly pressed poplin but then, like you, I think it is far better for the soul to enjoy some simple, quiet moments. What a wonderful view from your hammock.