to wonder if anyone has ever ACTUALLY "taking in some ironing"?

[InPraiseOfBacchus]

I was sitting eating my Massive Salad when I started to wonder. The "take in some ironing" line has become a bit of a MN meme now, but at one point people must have been suggesting it for real.

I've never had the inclination to have my laundry or ironing done in someone else's home by a random member of the local community (rather than, say, a laundry business), and I've also never seen this service advertised in any of the various places I've lived.

Is this a thing that actually happens, or is it something that only existed in the imaginations of Mumsnetters of yesteryear? Have you ever Taken In Some Ironing and, if so, did it immediately solve all of your money worries AND pay for pony lessons?

I could write a whole thread on the informal cash-based relationships I've had with other women over the decades that were bloody brilliant (lodgering, cleaning, childcare & babysitting) - doing and paying for.

I know a mum at my daughter's high school, she takes ironing in from a couple of the teachers.
She offers to do it at her house or at the customers, whichever they feel most comfortable with.
She also does cleaning and ironing for one of the teachers

I did. My husband ran out on me and I as left to raise 3 small children, back in the days when benefits were sparse. I used to do ironing for a few local professional women, and that enabled me to give my kids a (very occasional) trip to the cinema, or rent a VHS. We were dirt dirt poor. This was early 90s. No ponies tho.

@InPraiseOfBacchus

It's a kind of word of mouth thing. I got all of mine through other people.

It was always cash. I haven't used one since lockdown but I know two of my friends are using her.

Ikea bags worth was £15 pre lockdown.

I think it sounds a convenient way of raising money in your own home. You probably have all the equipment.