  Credit Points 3 IRONING IS FUN WITH THE MODERN HAND IRONWhen you are getting ready to go to school or to a party, it probably gives you a good feeling to put on a clean, freshly-ironed skirt, blouse or dress. But did you ever think about the electric iron that helps so much to give you that well-dressed feeling? When you were younger, you may have had a play iron and pretended to iron your doll's dresses. Now you are old enough to learn about real irons—the different kinds of irons, how the iron heats, the kind of cord needed, the type of outlet necessary, how to use safety rules when you iron, and even how to help with the ironing. Important Things to KnowThere are many different irons, but the two kinds most important for you to know about now are the regular dry iron and the combination steam-and-dry iron. The thermostat keeps the iron at an even temperature. It isn't weight alone that makes an iron do its job, but the heat of the iron. The heat is given off in the sole plate. The automatic iron has what is called a thermostatic control which holds the temperature of the iron at the heat you want. Some clothes need to be ironed with a very hot iron, while others need only to be pressed lightly with a cool iron. The thermostat keeps the iron at an even temperature after you set it for the heat you want. The thermostat is the heart of the iron. Take a look at the iron used in your home. It isn't heavy to lift, and has a handle that fits your hand easily. It looks graceful and has a smooth bottom, called the sole plate. And it may have a narrow, pointed tip which is helpful in ironing pleats, corners and gathers. Your iron has a smooth bottom called the sole plate. The Iron and SafetyIf you are going to learn to do some ironing yourself, the most important thing for you to remember is SAFETY. You should read all about the iron first in the instructions which came with it. Never use an iron carelessly. Remember the safety rules: 1. An iron should never be left even for a few minutes without being disconnected. Turn off by removing the plug from the outlet, or by turning the control lever to "off." Take hold of the plug—not the cord—when you disconnect it from the outlet. 2. Let the iron cool before putting it away. 3. Wrap the cord carefully around the iron after it is cold. 4. Always stand the iron where it will not fall off on a child or pet or your own toes. WHAT TO DO: Learn About Your IronMaterials Needed: An automatic iron, some old play clothes, towels, napkins or handkerchiefs, and an ironing board. Steps to Take: 1. Watch an experienced person iron. 2. Ask questions about what clothes need to be sprinkled. 3. Study the thermostat settings on the dial or indicator. Most irons have a dial to set for the proper heat for different fabrics. 4. Ask about the kind of fabric each piece of clothing is—cotton, linen, silk, nylon, etc.—and why the iron should be at high heat for some, cooler for others. 5. Set the thermostat for the amount of heat needed, and with an older person watching you, iron some handkerchiefs, napkins, bath towels, and a pair of play shorts or blue jeans. 6. During a month iron some of these articles for your family, keeping a record of how many you do and what they were. 7. Take care of your iron. Be responsible for storing it.
IRONING IS FUN1. I (use) (do not use) an adjustable ironing Board at home. If I do, I adjust it to the height that just clears my knees easily as I sit in a comfortable chair. Yes No 2. There are three kinds of irons usually used—dry iron, steam iron or a combination steam or dry iron. I use a —— iron. 3. I (have) (do not have) the instruction book. (If you do, read about the iron.) I know the iron's parts by their correct names. They are——. 4. I disconnect the iron if I leave it even for only a minute. This is a safety measure as fires have been known to start from irons left connected. Yes No 5. I take hold of the plug—not the cord—when disconnecting the iron. Yes No 6. I wait until the iron is cold before wrapping the cord around the handle and storing the iron because——. 7. Most irons have a thermostatic control. The iron I am using has settings for——. 8. The purpose of the thermostat is——. 9. These fabrics need high temperature.—— These fabrics need medium temperature.—— These fabrics need low temperature.—— 10. These fabrics need sprinkling.—— 11. The heat and smoothness of the sole plate smoothes the wrinkles. Pushing down on the handle or moving the iron rapidly only makes ironing hard work. I will iron slowly and steadily arranging and moving the garment with the left hand while guiding the iron with the right hand. (Or the other way for the left handed.) Yes No 12. I have watched an experienced person iron. Yes No 13. I have practiced on handkerchiefs, napkins and pillow cases. 14. Here is my record of ironing for one month Month____________ Your Name _____________________ DateI have ironed: Demonstrations You Can Give1. Show a dry iron and a steam-and-dry iron. Tell the difference between them and when each is to be used. 2. Display garments that look nice because they have been ironed properly, and those that have been ironed improperly. Explain about the heat, thermostat, type of iron and why results differ. For More InformationAt a club meeting ask a parent to give a demonstration of ironing different articles. Some power suppliers or dealers have people who will demonstrate the proper way to iron, and how to care for irons. |
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