Starching

So I had to wash and starch my petticoats after wearing them on new year's eve, and I learned 3 things:

1. Starched petticoats repel dirt better than unstarched ones. Never go out in a floor-length, unstarched white petticoat. You will regret it.
2. Let the starch cool before using. No, you don't need to make that much of it. Resist the urge to test its temperature with your fingers, because that way lies Pain.
3. Similarly, let the petticoats dry almost completely before pressing. Dampen them if you have to. Just. Don't press them if they're too wet. It will take a ridiculous amount of time.

Also, using full-strength (or almost full-strength) starch will result in the petticoat being able to stand up by itself, like this:
( Picture + starch recipe here! )