| What is a crinoline and how do you take care of | | | | Hanging crinolines in a closet is handy but it's only good |
| them? A crinoline, also called a net slip or petticoat, is a | | | | for temporary storage. Store your crinoline rolled up in |
| woman's undergarment meant to fluff out a skirt, and | | | | a plastic, or travel/duffel bag. Actual "crinoline bags" |
| give more of a bell shape. It can be made from fabric | | | | can also be bought from square dancing costumes |
| or net ruffles and is closely associated with the popular | | | | and supplies stores. You can roll up your crinoline |
| 1950's full circle skirt style. Whether it's new or vintage | | | | without creating new wrinkles like this: Stand holding |
| these crinolines require some special help to keep | | | | the crinoline in front of you with the waistband at chin |
| them looking bouncy and bright. | | | | height and the crinoline hanging down. Tuck the |
| Here are some ideas for how to properly fluff and | | | | waistband under your chin and use your arms to |
| shape your net crinoline, and how to remove wrinkles. | | | | gently fold the crinoline from the sides into the center |
| Wrinkles will sometimes come out by themselves if | | | | so that you end up with a long, vertical tube. Gently |
| you hang the crinoline up for a day or two. This is the | | | | press the air out as you do this. Now start rolling from |
| first thing you should do with a crinoline. It is especially | | | | the bottom up, again gently press air out. Once you've |
| helpful to fluff and separate the net layers and gently | | | | rolled to the top you'll have the waistband section to |
| pull the net into shape. Give it a few shakes as well. | | | | make a neat wrap around for the net. When you need |
| Note: It's okay to hang it up for a day or two just to | | | | it again you'll have the waistband to hold onto as you |
| shape it, but crinolines should be stored rolled up in a | | | | unroll the crinoline. Don't let your pet find its way to |
| bag, or else they will lose their puff from being pulled | | | | your precious crinoline and turn it into its personal |
| down by their own weight. You can also steam | | | | throne! Pets love nesting in crinolines, and not only is |
| stubborn wrinkles with the steamer setting on your | | | | getting their hair out tough, but they will flatten your |
| hand iron. Do this by first laying your crinoline over the | | | | crinoline as well. |
| ironing board so that only one layer of netting is | | | | Tired of the color? Crinolines can be dyed. Here's how |
| exposed. Lay a pressing cloth over the crinoline. Set | | | | to brighten or change the color of a crinoline. Make |
| your iron on the "delicate" setting, and press the | | | | sure you use a dye that works for nylon fabric. A |
| crinoline over the pressing cloth, so the netting does | | | | crinoline needs two packages. Most people use "Rit" |
| not get scorched. Any remaining wrinkles can be | | | | dye. Rit dye and clothing dye in general can be found |
| fluffed out by hanging the crinoline up, and gently | | | | at your local crafts store, or chain variety store. Fill the |
| blasting it with steam from the steamer function on | | | | washing machine with hot water then mix in the dye |
| your iron. Just remember -- that steam is really hot! Do | | | | according to the package's instructions. Just make |
| not to touch the iron to the crinoline, or you will burn the | | | | sure to make the washer go through an extra cycle |
| netting. If you are lucky enough to have a real clothing | | | | after you are finished dying the crinoline. This will |
| steamer, then hang up the crinoline, and steam the | | | | ensure that no extra dye is left in your washer! |
| crinoline from the inside, facing out. The netting will | | | | Yellowed crinolines can be whitened. Just soak a cup |
| instantly puff out. Don't have access to an iron or | | | | of dishwashing powder in enough hot water to cover |
| steamer? Hang the crinoline in your bathroom. Turn the | | | | the crinoline. Soak it for 30 minutes, rinse, and hang to |
| hot water on in the shower all the way. Close the door | | | | dry. To easily "freshen up" your crinoline, just pop it in a |
| to the bathroom and let it steam. Go in every few | | | | dryer on the fluff cycle a few minutes before wearing. |
| minutes and smooth the netting out. Or, put it in the | | | | Crinolines give bounce to your circle skirt. They're great |
| dryer on fluff cycle and run it for a few minutes, then | | | | fun when you're dancing and can add a flash of color |
| hang it up and separate the layers gently, shaping the | | | | and sass. A good one will last with proper care and |
| crinoline as you go. | | | | storage to give you years of flouncy fashion. |