Thanks to everyone for the comments about my photo... Today has been a workday...it went well but I remembered that I copied ten pages twice. Argh. Editing is kind of a drag anyway as taking stuff out doesn't feel as good as putting stuff in.

John Wayne Gacy: Etiquette question: My ex-sf is one of seven kids, right? One of his nieces is graduating from hs this week, and we're wondering if we need to plan for the grad. party or not(The neice and her mom and dad aren't really the problem...they're nice.) But should we have to put up with the liquored-up, whacked-out Mel Gibson Catholic grandparents? Dreading this.It's hard to feel comfortable with them because J. literally went to jail before they could accept us fresh-mouthed Protestants. Are we jerks if we just send a gift?

I have a questiona bout caring for antique clothes.

When I was over at Grandma's the other day she had a bag of stuff for me --- books she'd borrowed, some things for Dad, and some pictures. And the little gown my Dad wore home from the hospital.

That she made herself.

I'd never seen it before, didn't know it existed. It's very fragile looking, with little lace --well not lacy lace - trim. The fabric has yellowish stains on it.

I'm wondering what the safest way to clean it -- if there would be a safe way. And how to safely store it. Dad's 63 this year.

Wedding survived. And really, it turned out nice, and on the day they were nice, helpful people, to the point I feel guilty for bitching so much about them! I'm so so very tired, though.

I'm wondering what the safest way to clean it -- if there would be a safe way.

I've had better luck washing antique fabrics myself than using dry cleaners. I just use a mild detergent and wash them by hand. Fabric is much more fragile when it's wet, so don't pick it up directly. Wash it using something under it like a pillowcase or a towel, so you pick it up out of the water holding that rather than the old fabric. Don't wring it. Just roll it up in a towel to take out the excess moisture. You'll want to store it wrapped in acidfree tissue paper in an acidfree box. Don't keep it in a plastic bag.

I'm glad she turned out to not really be a bridezilla, Susan.

I'm so glad that it went well. I hope that you have a couple of extremely restful days to recover.

And for something completely different: when you are taking an iron supplement -- how long before you should start seeing a benefit? (I've now just realized that I have - again - forgotten to take the second dose.)

Perhaps I would see the benefit if only I would remember to take the evening dose.

Askye, best bet is to ask the local museum, if you have one, who they'd recommend to clean it.

If you can't get any help, water-test a small piece of fabric (inside the hem would be good). If it seems to be okay with water -- baby wear is probably either cotton or linen, so should be fine, clean it with Orvus. You can get Orvus expensively at a quilting shop or cheaply at a livestock care shop.

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For storage, see this link. [link]

t posts in Bitches, just because coloring inside the line is for WIMPS!

You're not jerks, Erika. When we go to Thanksgiving at SiL's house we have to prep for BiL's loud, opinionated, VERY right wing father. We have a secret "just chill" signal to helo each other not rise to the bait. We go there for the SiL and the niece and nephews, and concentrate on them---since we figure they suffer enough in being related to an asshole.

Are we jerks if we just send a gift?

Not jerks at all. A gift is a nice gesture and if the situation is going to expose you to people who make your head go "boom" I don't see it absolutely necessary to make a personal appearance.