A method of manufacturing absorbent sheet is directed to a wet-press/fabric-crepe process wherein add-on of adhesive to the Yankee surface is at relatively low levels, yet sheet transfer is maintained and production increased. Materials are selected and process parameters are controlled such that a paper machine can be operated for at least 4 hours before the Yankee coating needs to be stripped. Preferably, average increase in Yankee hood temperature is less than 1.degree. F./minute during a production interval.