Wash in warm soap-suds and rinse in water a very little blued; if the
feather is white, then let the wind dry it. When the curl has come out
by washing the feather or getting it damp, place a hot flat-iron so
that you can hold the feather just above it while curling. Take a
bone or silver knife, and draw the fibres of the feather between the
thumb and the dull edge of the knife, taking not more than three
fibres at a time, beginning at the point of the feather and curling
one-half the other way. The hot iron makes the curl more durable.
After a little practice one can make them look as well as new
feathers. Or they can be curled by holding them over the stove or
range, not near enough to burn; withdraw and shake out; then hold them
over again until they curl. When swansdown becomes soiled, it can be
washed and look as good as new. Tack strips on a piece of muslin and
wash in warm water with white soap, then rinse and hang in the wind to
dry. Rip from the muslin and rub carefully between the fingers to
soften the leather.