Keeping your Lingerie Fresh

Each August, we turn our attention to the Curve Expo shows in New York and Las Vegas. Curve is the hottest industry show to see all of the new lingerie and swimwear trends for the coming year. Unfortunately we aren’t able to attend this year’s shows, but we’re eagerly anticipating news and photos from each one. Now seems like a great time to revisit how to keep your lingerie fresh and in good condition with Eucalan.

Summer is hot and sticky and you may find yourself needing to launder your lingerie more frequently – in fact, we recommend hand washing after every couple of wears, especially during this time of year.

First, fill your sink or a basin with cool water adding one capful of Eucalan (or the contents of a single use pod) while the water is running. Put your bra in the sink and lightly agitate, ensuring that the article is totally submerged and wet. Let everything sit for about 10 minutes, then gently remove it from the water. There’s no need to rinse with Eucalan!

Gently squeeze your bra, being careful not to wring it – especially if there is an underwire or padding as this will potentially result in a misshapen bra. Have a clean, fluffy towel handy and gently roll your bra in the towel to absorb excess moisture. Then hang it up to dry; a good method is to fasten the hooks and clasps and hang the bra to dry with both straps on the hanger. Remember to dry away from direct sunlight and heat. Your shower rod is the perfect place to dry your garments.

We even have a great video showing you how easy the process is!

You may wish to machine wash your bras, although we never recommend drying them in the dryer as it will lessen the life of your elastic and result in misshapen padding every time. To machine wash, fasten the hooks and clasps and place your bra into a mesh lingerie bag. Select the delicate cycle of the washer and add a capful of Eucalan, or the contents of a single use pod. Dry your bra using the methods described above.

We recommend the same methods described above for your other undergarments as well.  Underwear, slips and any lingerie, hosiery or loungewear can be washed in Eucalan (we recommend Wrapture, which is lightly scented with jasmine) and then hung up or laid flat on a drying rack to dry away from direct sunlight and heat.  

We hope these tips help keep your undergarments cool and fresh in the summer heat!

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Jen’s Top 10 Vacation Destinations

Summer is a great time to get away for a vacation. Whether you’re adventuring with your family, looking for a romantic paradise with your partner, hoping to lie around on a beach or explore spectacular sights, we hope some of these Top 10 Vacation Destinations will jumpstart the trip of your dreams!

1.  Dublin, Ireland: A stay in the famous Shelbourne Hotel is truly special and the afternoon Champagne Tea is worth the splurge. The Shelbourne Hotel is a great starting point to explore all Dublin has to offer. Wander through the local shops, take a tour of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, go for drinks at the Guinness Storehouse (the home of Guinness), or just relax with a stroll through St. Stephens Green. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a book and you’ve got a wonderful afternoon ahead!

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel. Photo credit: Shelbourne Hotel

2.  Niagara Falls, Canada – This breathtaking spot is always worth a visit, even in the winter when everywhere is ice-covered and the crowds are nowhere to be found. Visit the historic falls in a variety of ways: take a self-guided White Water Walk, take the Hornblower Cruise right up to the falls, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the Wildplay Mistrider Zipline. But there’s more than just the falls to see! Visit the Botanical Gardens or the Butterfly Conservatory. When you’re done explore Clifton Hill for restaurants and amusement, or take in a show and dinner at The Niagara Fallsview Casino. Don’t forget to stick around for the nighttime fireworks!

View of the Horseshoe Fall in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

3.  New York City, USA – Check out the Big Apple in the fall when crowds are thinning and the temperature is more comfortable. The list is endless of what to do: the Hop-on Hop-off double decker bus tour is the greatest way to see the city and learn about the history even if you’ve been to the city many times before. You can also visit the big attractions: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the MoMA and the Met. Take in a show, eat in any one of the endless delightful restaurants, go shopping or just wander.

Photo Credit: Hop-on Hop-off Bus

4. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA – Take the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for an true adventure – it’s like stepping back in time. I never understood how magnificent the Grand Canyon was until I saw it in person. Photos do not do it justice! While at the South Rim you can even eat (or stay) at El Tovar Hotel where National Lampoon’s Vacation was filmed.

Photo credit: Grand Canyon Railway Train & Hotel

5.  Route 66 – “It winds from Chicago to LA….”  If you’re up for a road trip, travel sections of Historic Route 66. Add it to a trip to the Grand Canyon, and head down to Winslow, AZ to start traveling along the old Route 66. Before you leave Winslow be sure to visit the Corner. Then settle in for a fascinating drive with attractions that are interesting for all ages. Summer is the busiest and warmest season, but fall is the best time to visit!

6.  Stockholm, Sweden – Summer in Sweden is true happiness! From tiny wild strawberries to fresh potatoes and snaps (and the snaps songs), what’s not to love about the land of the midnight sun! Though Stockholm is spread across 14 islands, it’s easy to navigate with bridges, ferries and public transport. Signage is in both English and Swedish, making it easy for non-native speakers to enjoy the city. Go see the Vasa, the ancient Swedish warship that was raised from the depths of the ocean, or step into the present and visit Norrmalm, the modern heart of the city. And don’t forget the wild strawberries!

7.  Tokyo, Japan – Ancient traditions and culture are everywhere in this modern metropolis.  There is so much to take in and learn here. May is a great month where you can witness the amazing Sumo tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan and the not-to-be missed 1000 Samurai procession in Nikko – it’s truly incredible! And how could I forget to mention the cherry blossoms?

Photo credit: Go Tokyo

8. London, United Kingdom – Again, a massive city with so much to see and do that it can’t all be listed here! Plan ahead (if possible) to make sure you see what’s most important to you. Tea at Fortnum & Mason is tops on my list for my next trip!

Photo credit: Fortnum & Mason

9. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – Banff is a real beauty in the Canadian landscape and a sight to behold. Summer in Banff and Lake Louise is magical. Spend time hiking – short walks to mountaintop treks or whatever is most comfortable for you. Tour by bike, or paddle the lake. If relaxation is what you’re after, be sure to check out the hot springs.  And choose anything from luxurious accomodations to beautiful campgrounds. Banff is yours to explore!

Photo credit: BanffLakeLouise.com

10. Austin, Texas, USA – Austin has it all. Typically you might think of the music scene, great shopping and fantastic food, but if you’re not afraid of bats, the Congress Avenue Bridge is pretty amazing at dusk! Austin is surrounded by the breathtaking Hill Country which is worth a trip outside of the city to see. And don’t forget to try the Texas BBQ!

Photo credit: Merlintuttle.org

Now that you’ve got your destinations in mind check out some of our Best Travel Tips and How to Pack Light when Traveling with Kids.

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Caring for Summer Beachwear with Eucalan

It’s summertime, and whether you’re heading to the beach or staying poolside, you can keep your swimwear and towels in great shape by keeping them laundered with Eucalan.

Swimsuit Care

To keep your swimsuit looking fresh you should wash it after every use with your favourite scent (try our Lavender, Jasmine and Grapefruit scents for their naturally antiseptic properties).  Whether you stock a bottle at home, or keep our single use pods handy, Eucalan makes it easy to remove oils, lotions and chlorine from your suit at home or on vacation. Follow these easy steps to ensure a clean-smelling suit every time.

Step 1: Fill a sink or basin with tepid water (room temperature).

Step 2: Add either a capful of Eucalan or the contents of a single use pod.

Step 3: Add your swimsuit and soak for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Remove your swimsuit and gently squeeze out water (do not wring). You may also wish to roll in a towel and squeeze again to remove excess water.

Step 5: Hang suit to dry overnight.

For more information on swimsuit care you can also check out this article over at Lingerie Journal.

Towel Care

But what about those sandy or chlorinated towels? Eucalan can also be used in your washing machine to keep fluffy beach towels looking bright and smelling sweet.

Step 1: Add Eucalan to your washing machine (if it’s a front load machine, add it to the fabric softener drawer).

Step 2: Select the Delicate cycle and tepid water.

Step 3: Load your towels into the machine and start cycle.

Step 4: Allow the towels to spin out.

Step 5: Dry your towels in the dryer on low heat.

We hope these tips will keep your trips to the beach, lake or pool carefree and easy.

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10 Top Ideas for Summer Fun

It’s easy to think that summer fun just happens, but sometimes a few minutes of prep can make all the difference between a ho-hum summer and one full of incredible memories. Summer  goes by so quickly, make the most of it with my top picks for fun things to try this summer!

It can often be a bit too hot to be outside for hours during the day, but the nights are balmy, and perfect for an outdoor movie night! Find the whole step-by-step on how to set up your own backyard movie theatre here.

This is a lot harder than it looks- frisbee tic tac toe! Perfect for adults or kids, it’s super quick to set up, but you do need a lot of frisbees! See more details here.

Bring a bit of fun wherever you go with this picnic blanket game board idea- perfect for picnics, the beach, wherever you happen to be! Read the whole DIY here.

Build a sandman. Because you know it’s going to be SO FUN. There’s no DIY with this photo, but you can probably figure it out- a bit of water and sand, and you are in business!

Tryout a dramatic summer dish- like hollowing out a pineapple to serve a fruit salsa with baked cinnamon tortilla chips. Find the recipe here!

Lawn Twister– forget the awkward floor mat, and spray paint these circles directly onto your lawn for anytime games of Twister!

Feel like having a backyard fire for roasting marshmallows? Why not build your own fire pit? Here’s a great tutorial on how to do it in an hour (not including the purchasing of materials, of course!) 

Instagram feed feeling a little empty? Adults and kids (even pets!) can have fun with some sidewalk chalk and careful positioning– perfect for a creative afternoon.

Frozen drinks- wine slushies are big this summer and there are loads of recipe you can try- I’m partial to these peach wine slushies, they are so summery and delicious! Find the recipe here.

Lawn Scrabble- Making oversized letter tiles out of cardboard keeps this game really fun, and is perfect for hanging outside when it’s hot enough that you want to be outdoors, but a bit too hot to actually do anything too active. Find all the details here.

Looking for more ideas? Check out last year’s round up of great outdoor  summer activities!  We also have a Pinterest board full of amazing, inspiring summer ideas.

Summer Stain Removal Guide

Summer is a fantastic time for getting outside and enjoying all that the season has to offer, but it also means a fresh round of potential stains- grass, dirt, mustard, ketchup- all ready to wreak havoc on your light, bright summer clothes! But don’t worry, we’ve put together a post on the best way to remove the most common summer stains: barbecue sauce, mustard and ketchup, grass, dirt and mud, berries, and chocolate ice cream.

We recommend keeping our stain treating towelettes on hand for just these sort of summertime stains – being able to treat the spot quickly can go a long way to keeping a stain from setting into fabric permanently.

Summer Sauces: Mustard, Ketchup, and Barbecue Sauce

Rinse fabric with cool water immediately, and treat the area with either a Eucalan stain treating towelette, or dab the spot with full strength Eucalan delicate wash. Let the spot sit with the Eucalan on it for about 15 minutes, then rinse well, scrubbing the spot. Repeat as necessary until the spot is removed, then launder item according to its care instructions.

Grass, Dirt and Mud Stains

This one can take time to fix, but is well worth it. Soak the fabric in cool water, and apply full strength Eucalan to the stain. Let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the spot. Repeat steps as necessary until spot is removed, then launder the item according to care instructions.

Berry Stains

A swift response – and then patience!-  is key when tackling berry stains, although sometimes we don’t see them until the meal is over and the mark has been sitting on the fabric for hours. Don’t panic – place stained area over a bowl and pour boiling water through until stain disappears (use caution on wool). Then launder according to fabric care directions with Eucalan.

Chocolate Ice Cream

Flush with warm water, then apply either a stain treating towelette to the spot or full strength Eucalan. Let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat the steps again if necessary, then launder item as usual.

Looking for more stain fighting tips? We have a post all about getting rid of common party stains here.

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Caring for Embroidery Pieces

You love your embroidered treasures- table linens, cloth napkins, a stitched pillow cover…. but when they start to look like they need to be freshened up, you don’t know where to begin. Stitches can be very delicate and easily snagged on other things, and you can’t just throw them in the washing machine. How do you take care of embroidered items, both new and old?

We have a step by step that will show you exactly how to take care of all your embroidered treasures! Read on for all the info.

Step 1: Assess & Treat Spots

Take a good look at the item- if there are any obvious marks, pretreat the spots with a Eucalan wipe, or add some undiluted Eucalan directly to the marks. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Washing

Fill your sink, bucket, or large bowl with cool water and add one capful or one pod of Eucalan in the scent of your choice. Add as many items as will comfortably fit, and let soak for about ten minutes, lightly agitating the water. If they have some stubborn spots that have not been set with an iron already, let soak for an hour. If the fabric can handle it, gently scrub with a cloth or a soft bristled toothbrush. **Only the fabric portion, never the actual embroidery threads!**

Then remove from the water (no need to rinse with our no-rinse formula!) and gently squeeze out extra moisture. Roll the items in a towel one at a time, and then lay flat to dry away from heat or light (which  could cause shrinking or discolouration).

Step 3: Assessment- the Sequel

Take a good look at the items once they are dry. If there are still any spots, repeat the washing and pre-treating process (steps 1 and 2).

Step 4: Ironing

Once you feel that they are looking their best, iron them. Make sure the surface of your iron is clean, and use a spray bottle to spray the fabric surface to ensure a smooth finish. Adjust heat settings as necessary for moving between cotton, linen, and synthetic. Be extra careful with lace sections and embroidery. If your piece has any applique, use a light heat setting, in case the applique is made from polyester or other man-made fabrics. We recommend using a white pressing cloth to protect delicate fibres.

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Caring for Cloth Diapers

So many young families are cloth diapering their babies, and the benefits are clear- less waste and reduced costs – especially if cloth diapering another baby when the older child has outgrown them!

The tricky part of washing cloth diapers is using something that helps get the diapers clean, but is gentle enough for baby’s delicate skin, especially in such tender areas. Eucalan is gentle enough to wash all of your baby’s items – clothes, soft toys, and blankets. So it is a natural fit to wash your baby’s cloth diapers and inserts with Eucalan, too!

There are many different types of cloth diapers available, so these are general care guidelines. Experiment with what works best for you and your diapers.

Hand Wash/Sink Method (best for four or fewer diapers)

For hand washing, give a quick rinse to the diapers in the sink, then add one capful (or one pod) of Eucalan in the scent of your choice to the water. Submerge the dipaers and inserts, and let soak for ten minutes.  We recommend Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender or Wrapture (scented with jasmine) for their naturally-occurring antibacterial benefits, as they are made with pure essential oils. Gently agitate the water, and then drain the water. Wring out the inserts, and roll diaper covers in a towel to absorb excess water.

Washing Machine Method  (best for 5 diapers/inserts or more)

Set your washing machine to cold , and put in the dipaers and inserts. We recommend running a quick rinse cycle at the beginning of washing diapers. Then add one pod or a capful of Eucalan in the scent of your choice to the washing machine.  Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender or Wrapture (scented with jasmine essential oil) have naturally-occurring antibacterial benefits, and are a great choice. Run your washing machine as you normally would.

Drying

Typically we recommend you hang your delicates away from sunlight to prevent fading, but if you don’t mind the sun doing a little natural lightening on your colourful cloth diapers, feel free to hang them outside in the sunlight, or tumble dry in the dryer if your cloth diaper care instructions are fine with that too- we know sometimes you need those cloth diapers in a hurry!

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Wet Blocking Crocheted Lace: Morgana Shawl Tips

In our last blog post, we shared the stunning FREE crochet pattern from Kristin Omdahl for the Morgana Crocheted Shawl. If you haven’t picked up your free copy of the pattern yet, you can do so by signing up for our newsletter right here. The pattern will be emailed to you right away!

Kristin has put together a video that shows exactly how to wet block and finish crocheted lace, which is helpful to any crocheter, regardless of whether you are making the Morgana shawl or not.  It features Eucalan Wrapture, the jasmine-scented delicate wash we developed with Kristin herself! Check out her amazing video right here:

If you are unsure about your crochet skills, the stitches, or wet blocking crocheted lace, Kristin has a whole series of really helpful videos to walk you through every step of the Morgana Shawl.

Happy Crocheting!

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Free Crochet Pattern! Morgana Shawl

The phenomenal Kristin Omdahl has created a beautiful 3-colour crochet shawl pattern- the Morgana shawl!

This shawl features alternating stripes of light turquoise, leaf green, and lavender. The colours are perfect for spring and summer, but of course it would also look beautiful crocheted in a single colour. Perhaps your new go-to accessory this year?

It’s a free pattern for our newsletter subscribers! All you have to do to get a copy of the pattern is sign up here, and the full pattern pdf will be in your inbox really quickly.

To make a shawl just like the one shown, you’ll need a Tidbit Trio kit by Kristin Omdahl Yarns– the yarn is 100% bamboo, so very breathable and has a lovely sheen to it. There are all sorts of colour choices for the yarn, so have fun combining your favourites into something that is completely you!

Kristin is also the wonder behind Wrapture, our jasmine scented wash. Naturally, we recommend you use Wrapture for wet blocking your shawl when it’s done, as lace really looks its best once it’s been blocked. Kristin has put together videos on how to do this, as well as how to read a crochet chart and work the edging- find them all right here.

You can also read Kristin’s blog post about the shawl she designed right here!

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Wet Blocking Knits: Tips and Tricks

There are lots of different ways to block knitted and crocheted items, but they all share many similarities. Here are some fantastic ways to block your knits- and you’ll definitely pick up some new tips. We’ve been fortunate to have some great reviews and love from all sorts of crafty bloggers, and we thought it would be great to share the tips and tricks for blocking your knits that have featured Eucalan!

How to Spray Block Your Knit and Crocheted Items. The Spray technique is a great way to cut down on drying time dramatically. Read all about it here.

Top Tips for Blocking Your Knits, from the famous London Loop yarn shop. Especially great tips for blocking lace, and swatches.

3 Different Ways to Block Your Knits – knits that need to be seamed, items made in the round, and the speedy steam blocking method- all great techniques.

How to Wet Block a Sweater, from Flax & Twine. Wet blocking larger items like a sweater takes a bit of effort, and this is a great step-by-step.

Knitting Expat has a great tutorial on how she wet blocks her knits, and her towel method for removing excess water after wet blocking is a must-do.

How to wet block a hat- hats can be tricky, but this is a great tutorial. With a little bit of guidance, you can do it!

Speaking of wet blocking hats,  knitted tams have their own challenges – here’s a great tutorial on wet blocking a tam (you need a plate!)

Are there any blocking tutorials you would like to see that we haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments!

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