Hi Kate! I am a new subscriber. I did so because of your wanting to give to the fire fund in LA. Although I was unable to join your Feb. conversation, I am glad I had a chance to view the recording. First, I made your apple pie with your suggested fluted pan and it was so good! Second, my first and last dogs were German Shepherds, and my second dog was an Airedale, named Bosco. They were the best dogs and I loved them so! Last, but not least, my memories go back to my mom sitting in the basement, surrounded by my brothers' and my dad's 15 dress shirts hanging from the ceiling--all of which she press on her mangle-not her iron--she also mangled all our sheets and linens! I am a quilter and sometimes I wish I still had that mangle! Thanks again for your newsletters, recipes , and recordings. Liz Williams
Welcome Welcome Welcome, Liz! I’m so glad you are here. I’ve only seen a mangle in a private home once when I was teaching in Charleston SC and my host had a small room dedicated to sheets with no wrinkles! I don’t even need to mention to you how wonderful GSDs are as you already know but this new dog Bosco is quite the gentleman and we are really bonding. Today is the first day of our 12th week together! That apple pie is what started my “public” pie journey. Even the NYTimes published it! https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018975-deep-dish-apple-pie?unlocked_article_code=1.zk4.MWF0.s4QXLRiD682C&smid=share-url
Hi, Kate! I love ironed sheets, so long as an ironing enthusiast has done the work, not me. 😂 I know, I know, utter laziness, but I figure not ironing gives me the time to make, say, that lovely-sounding tomato and chickpea soup. 😀
I always hated ironing clothes. But since I've started sewing, I find it a lot more satisfying. I really enjoy the better finish it gives my sewing projects
Rabecca- I remember my mom telling me about the tailoring classes she took with Mrs Laken back in the 30s in Santa Barbara and how she taught her students to iron iron iron so that when all the sewing was done the garment needed no further ironing. I can’t imagine sewing without my iron.
This was appropriately timed! As part of the kitchen rehab there’s going to be a narrow cabinet beside the refrigerator. When I was discussing it with the site manager I said, “I can keep the ironing board in there.” Then, maundering on in a way that terrifies and/or annoys the people I’m talking to, I added, “But why do I still have an ironing board? I don’t iron anymore.” I used to iron my shirts sometimes. And there is a certain charge from ironing flat goods. But I think that cabinet would be put to better-and truer to my interests—use storing my oversize cooling rack. And by passing along the iron and the board I’ll feel virtuous at having stabbed at the clutter.
Memories shared, rekindled memories. I did enjoy the ironing back in the day but now only iron when sewing (too rarely). Instead I grab everything just as the dryer finishes to avoid the wrinkles. Just cleaned out my closet with all the photos and memorabilia (more memories) and actually have space for the ironing board. Thanks for the memories!
I learned to iron just as you did, and I have always enjoyed that activity. I don't iron nearly as much as I once did, but I still find it calming and meditative. I remember well Mom ironing Dad's good work shirts. The smell from the steam iron holds such good memories for me!
The day before I gave birth to Duncan I got the crazy idea that I needed a new iron and went to every store in town before going back to get the first one I saw. Steam irons and ironing boards. Yup, they sure do bring memories, Pam.
I remember those sprinkler tops that went on top of soda pop bottles! My husband lived in New Orleans for 7 years (No, I hadn't met him yet) so red beans and rice were an annual festive meal at Mardi Gras time.
I love to iron. The short story I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen began my own pattern of ironing when I was all in my head thinking of an old memory. The rhythm of the ironing helped me process my thoughts.
Hi, Kate - Please, please, please give us more newsletters like this. I feel like there haven't been as many as in the past, and I do miss them. I remember as a child having my tiny toy ironing board set up to "iron" doll clothes as my mother did the household ironing. I felt so grown up! The soup recipe looks delicious and I will try it soon.
Oh Dear Stevie, thank you for the feedback and yes I'll write more from those times back then. This one was such a visit memory for me. Hope you like the soup. I'm having it for dinner tonight again! ❤️ from me and Woof Woof from B.
I know I saw a mangle somewhere in my past, at a relative's house. I never used it though.
My job was the hankies. My grandmother, who lived with us, kept a dish of water on the ironing board and would dip her fingers in the water to sprinkle the clothes to iron. That's how I used to do my hankies.
I would hang out underneath the ironing board as a baby and somehow, I don't know or remember, the iron fell off the board and burned my leg. I still have a very faint scar on that calf and I'm almost 74!
I have memories of hanging out underneath the ironing board, too, Mel. I never got a burn like you but I do have other scars with memories from back then.
Your ironing memories brought back mine. I had to iron some of my clothes as a girl and didn’t get it right. I seemed to either scorch or iron wrinkles into them. I do remember liking to iron napkins and hankies because of the geometry and being fascinated with the ironing board that folded into the wall. I avoid it at all costs now, though ironed sheets would be a supreme luxury.
I remember those wall cupboards for ironing boards too. I think the little house, next to my dad’s mortuary, where I lived until I was 9 had one but i don’t recall it being used as it was next to the stove and one would also have to stand in the passageway to the back porch.
PS: The tomato garbanzo soup is going into my “need to make soon” file. Red beans and rice too, but maybe a veggie version if I can find a good recipe.
Hi Kate! I am a new subscriber. I did so because of your wanting to give to the fire fund in LA. Although I was unable to join your Feb. conversation, I am glad I had a chance to view the recording. First, I made your apple pie with your suggested fluted pan and it was so good! Second, my first and last dogs were German Shepherds, and my second dog was an Airedale, named Bosco. They were the best dogs and I loved them so! Last, but not least, my memories go back to my mom sitting in the basement, surrounded by my brothers' and my dad's 15 dress shirts hanging from the ceiling--all of which she press on her mangle-not her iron--she also mangled all our sheets and linens! I am a quilter and sometimes I wish I still had that mangle! Thanks again for your newsletters, recipes , and recordings. Liz Williams
Welcome Welcome Welcome, Liz! I’m so glad you are here. I’ve only seen a mangle in a private home once when I was teaching in Charleston SC and my host had a small room dedicated to sheets with no wrinkles! I don’t even need to mention to you how wonderful GSDs are as you already know but this new dog Bosco is quite the gentleman and we are really bonding. Today is the first day of our 12th week together! That apple pie is what started my “public” pie journey. Even the NYTimes published it! https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018975-deep-dish-apple-pie?unlocked_article_code=1.zk4.MWF0.s4QXLRiD682C&smid=share-url
Hi, Kate! I love ironed sheets, so long as an ironing enthusiast has done the work, not me. 😂 I know, I know, utter laziness, but I figure not ironing gives me the time to make, say, that lovely-sounding tomato and chickpea soup. 😀
Annette- I love ironed sheets when someone else does them, too! Today is Day 2 of the soup and I’m looking forward to a tasty bowl. xo
I always hated ironing clothes. But since I've started sewing, I find it a lot more satisfying. I really enjoy the better finish it gives my sewing projects
Rabecca- I remember my mom telling me about the tailoring classes she took with Mrs Laken back in the 30s in Santa Barbara and how she taught her students to iron iron iron so that when all the sewing was done the garment needed no further ironing. I can’t imagine sewing without my iron.
This was appropriately timed! As part of the kitchen rehab there’s going to be a narrow cabinet beside the refrigerator. When I was discussing it with the site manager I said, “I can keep the ironing board in there.” Then, maundering on in a way that terrifies and/or annoys the people I’m talking to, I added, “But why do I still have an ironing board? I don’t iron anymore.” I used to iron my shirts sometimes. And there is a certain charge from ironing flat goods. But I think that cabinet would be put to better-and truer to my interests—use storing my oversize cooling rack. And by passing along the iron and the board I’ll feel virtuous at having stabbed at the clutter.
"And by passing along the iron and the board I’ll feel virtuous at having stabbed at the clutter.” Oh so well said, George!
Memories shared, rekindled memories. I did enjoy the ironing back in the day but now only iron when sewing (too rarely). Instead I grab everything just as the dryer finishes to avoid the wrinkles. Just cleaned out my closet with all the photos and memorabilia (more memories) and actually have space for the ironing board. Thanks for the memories!
I’ve gathered so many memories, Julie, including some of us during our years at school!
I learned to iron just as you did, and I have always enjoyed that activity. I don't iron nearly as much as I once did, but I still find it calming and meditative. I remember well Mom ironing Dad's good work shirts. The smell from the steam iron holds such good memories for me!
The day before I gave birth to Duncan I got the crazy idea that I needed a new iron and went to every store in town before going back to get the first one I saw. Steam irons and ironing boards. Yup, they sure do bring memories, Pam.
I remember those sprinkler tops that went on top of soda pop bottles! My husband lived in New Orleans for 7 years (No, I hadn't met him yet) so red beans and rice were an annual festive meal at Mardi Gras time.
When I make it next, I’ll let you know. We can share the table and tell stories of days of yore.
That would be fun!
I love to iron. The short story I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen began my own pattern of ironing when I was all in my head thinking of an old memory. The rhythm of the ironing helped me process my thoughts.
Meditation comes in many ways. ☺️
I love that story!
Sounds like a story I’ll be looking for, too.
Hi, Kate - Please, please, please give us more newsletters like this. I feel like there haven't been as many as in the past, and I do miss them. I remember as a child having my tiny toy ironing board set up to "iron" doll clothes as my mother did the household ironing. I felt so grown up! The soup recipe looks delicious and I will try it soon.
Best to you and Bosco, too!
Stevie Cooley
Oh Dear Stevie, thank you for the feedback and yes I'll write more from those times back then. This one was such a visit memory for me. Hope you like the soup. I'm having it for dinner tonight again! ❤️ from me and Woof Woof from B.
True confessions: I really LIKE ironing! 😆
What's your favorite iron? Asking for a friend. 😉
Black & Decker! (For the price)
Okie dokie!
I know I saw a mangle somewhere in my past, at a relative's house. I never used it though.
My job was the hankies. My grandmother, who lived with us, kept a dish of water on the ironing board and would dip her fingers in the water to sprinkle the clothes to iron. That's how I used to do my hankies.
I would hang out underneath the ironing board as a baby and somehow, I don't know or remember, the iron fell off the board and burned my leg. I still have a very faint scar on that calf and I'm almost 74!
I have memories of hanging out underneath the ironing board, too, Mel. I never got a burn like you but I do have other scars with memories from back then.
Your ironing memories brought back mine. I had to iron some of my clothes as a girl and didn’t get it right. I seemed to either scorch or iron wrinkles into them. I do remember liking to iron napkins and hankies because of the geometry and being fascinated with the ironing board that folded into the wall. I avoid it at all costs now, though ironed sheets would be a supreme luxury.
I remember those wall cupboards for ironing boards too. I think the little house, next to my dad’s mortuary, where I lived until I was 9 had one but i don’t recall it being used as it was next to the stove and one would also have to stand in the passageway to the back porch.
PS: The tomato garbanzo soup is going into my “need to make soon” file. Red beans and rice too, but maybe a veggie version if I can find a good recipe.
I’ll hunt around in my books…I’m sure I’ve made a veggie version.