Friday, 27 March 2020

Starch and Stay at Home Day3

Are you getting used to our new normal? Stay at Home! Are you using your time to sew?  Besides getting in some sewing I've also been cleaning up my flower beds. I have some closets that could use a good cleaning too, but they seem a little daunting right now. Oh well they'll still be calling my name a week from now, and if I keep the doors closed I won't hear them right?


Have you tried homemade spray starch? I was out of starch and thus began the google hunt and experiments for homemade starch.

I prewash all fabric that comes into my house except for charm squares or jelly rolls. I then press and starch that fabric before use. Starch gives the fabric a crisp hand. It also helps with bias edges, allows for sharper points and the fabric doesn't shift when rotary cutting

 I tried a couple different ones with a little tweak or two. I would like to give credit for them if you know who they belong too I will gladly credit them.

First up:

1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
3 1/2 cup cool water
2 drops Lavender essential oil helps repel insects
Put the water in the spray bottle first, then add the corn starch and essential oil.

Shake.
Make sure to shake every time you use it.

Not a fan. I definitely didn't like shaking it all the time.

Some recipes called for vodka. Nope don't have any and with 'Stay at Home' not going shopping for some.

Next up a cooked recipe using cornstarch.

3 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 drops Lavender essential oil optional

Bring water and vinegar to a boil.
Stir the 1 1/2 tbsp of cornstarch with an additional 1/2 cup water.
Stir into the water and vinegar and boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Add the essential oil if using.
Put into a spray bottle and use.

If you find it makes the fabric too stiff just add more water. Success!

I wrote the recipe on the bottle that way I don't have to go looking for it every time I need it
I'm having a “Stay at Home and Shop Hop” special in my Etsy Shop.

Today I want to introduce you to 10 more wonderful designers.


Bequilter

Presto Avenue Designs

Cheryl Lynch Quilts

Love to Color My World

Hissyfitz Designs

Canton Village Quilt Works

Anjeanette Klinder Designs

Pat Sloan – The Voice of Quilting

Said With Love

Orange Blossom Quilt Design


4 comments :

  1. Good tips, thanks! I have starch on hand (Best Press), but this will be good to keep in mind for later!

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  2. Thanks for the review of starch recipes. I have half a gallon of Best Press on my shelf, and I don't know how long that will do me. Usually I'd say that will last me a while, but this staying home business has increased my sewing output! I'll try to pop over to some of the other links on the hop.

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  3. This is one of the best tips posts I’ve read in sometime! Thank you Cindy. I’m bookmarking this! If you didn’t, you should link it with Kathleen at kathleenmcmusing.com

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  4. Thanks for this tutorial/tip and for sharing it on my hop! I see Sandra sent you, I will thank her!

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