Caring for handwork

Washing

• Hand wash cold, on its own, for the first three or four washes, because printed cotton can bleed.
• Use a mild detergent. Never bleach, and never soak an embroidered piece.
• Do not wring. Press the water out gently and let it drain.

Drying

Dry in the shade, inside out. Direct sun is what fades thread and print, and a couple of afternoons on a sunny line will do more damage than a year of wearing the piece.

Ironing

Always iron on the reverse, on a medium setting. The iron should never touch the embroidery or the mirrors directly. Put a thin cotton cloth between them if you need to press that area.

Storing

Fold rather than hang anything with heavy neckline work, so the weight does not pull the shoulders out of shape over a season. Keep pieces dry and away from damp; a cotton bag is better than plastic.

Phone cases

Wipe the fabric with a barely damp cloth and let it dry fully. Do not soak the case or put it under a tap. The embroidery is stitched into cloth, not printed onto plastic.