I use starch and have done so always...for the reasons Margo listed. Quilts get washed and
I've never had any issues with insects, mold or whatever. I will add that Idaho has a dry climate.
I grew up doing the ironing and and have memories of making liquid starch. dampening, rolling ,
wrapping and putting the ironing in the 'fridge! Those were the days !! But it does make smooth
wrinkle-free cotton !

If I'm in I'm going with olive green batiks. The strips are already sewn into pairs. I prewashed but I didn't use Synthrapol, just a color catcher, and batiks don't need starch. I seldom use starch anyway as I never know when my quilts will be finished or washed and it takes more time that I don't have. But I think it's good to use it in some cases and Best Press is my favorite since I don't need much and a bottle lasts a long time.

crocus999 wrote:
Glad to help, Terrie! And YES!! I always wash all of my projects as soon as the binding is finished. I find that my piecing is more accurate with starched fabric, and the stitching on my machine applique is much better when the backing is well starched, and I don't need to use stabilizers under the background. For my machine applique, I turn the edges under with Elmer's Washable Glue over Ricky Tims' Stable Stuff, and washing the finished quilt gets rid of all the glue and makes that stabilizer get nice and soft.

No, it's not necessary to use starch, but I think that if you try it you might really like the results!

Re: Starch- If someone uses starch ( I haven't in decades) - would you have to awash it out before actually using the quilt/object. Doesn't it attract bugs and grow yucky stuff. Is it now necessary to use it?

And, Margo, thanks for your instructions and diagrams re the sewing of the strips.

I resisted for 5 days hoping it would fill up quickly. I've sent my email so it looks like I may be in unless there were a lot of emails that didn't respond here. Possibly thanks to this exchange I spent part of the weekend making 29 spools from leftover fabric of another project I'm working on. That was a slow process as I was using mostly scraps. These blocks finish at 5" square. I'm planning on doing the exchange spools differently so they should go quickly. I don't have a colorway yet.



If I've done the math right, I will need 8 fat eighths that will be cut into 1" x 22" (hopefully) strips. 7 strips from each for a total of 56 strips will make 42 blocks, 6 from each strip set. Of course I don't plan on cutting them 1". I will be cutting them 2" or maybe even 4" and using my seam guide and bars to sew down the middle. And I will probably end up with 48 blocks. I expect they will be finished quickly once I've chosen the fabric. I'm looking forward to getting blocks from everyone in all the different colorways.

Thanks Margo and Rosemary. I managed to get some Dylon starch spray today which has worked very well. But thanks for the info - I will store it away for future use. Can't wait to get started on the cutting and sewing tonight. Rita.

Margo wrote: Rita - quick reminder, depending on how you use the language, seeing as you are betwixt & between UK & USA here in UK we call cornstarch 'cornflour' Failing that http://www.lakeland.co.uk/23486/Traditional-Laundry-Starch-500g and they will post to you but it will cost £6 p&p from Cumbria. I have a large tub, but I don't think that it would be a good idea to offer to post you some, as small bag of white powder!

PS I really like the Lakeland shops they have some great products & recipes available online!

I'm planning on doing grayish blues. Hint - if your fabrics are already washed like mine, you can start with a 5" strip instead of the 6" that Margo uses. You'll still have plenty of room for the fudge factor on the end strips, when you are trimming up the final units.

Sue

I sent in my note to join in on the fun! Have wanted to make the spool quilt since I first saw it! Thanks for taking on this swap....

Rita, if you don't want to wait to get starch, you can make your own with corn starch that you probably have in your pantry/cupboard!
Here is Diane Gaudynski's recipe: http://www.dianegaudynski.net/tips-april.htm


Try my recipe for spray starch for all your pressing/piecing needs. Remember, you can adjust any of these amounts to suit your own needs, and also don't keep this for more than two weeks max. I make up a batch when I need it, then dump it out when I'm finished. It produces a super flat stable quilt: Dissolve half a teaspoon (or one teaspoon for a stiffer starch) of regular Argo cornstarch (in your cupboard probably) in a few tablespoons of cold water in a heat proof 2-cup measuring pitcher like Pyrex. Add boiling water to make one cup, stirring constantly. Then add cold water to the 2 cup line. Let cool and use in a pump spray bottle. Shake it every time you spray. You may have to dilute it a little if it is too thick or builds up white flakes. Lasts a week or so as there are no preservatives, no chemicals, no nothing that harms us or the environment, and it’s practically free, except for the spray bottle! Don't starch fabrics for storage as it will attract critters such as centipedes, and mice.

I just got back tonight and the first thing I did was check the stash to decide on the colour for my spools. I will be making dark green variations. I have just washed the fabrics with synthrapol but I have to get some starch tomorrow. I can't wait to start sewing. Just got a delivery of real spools from Superior too.

My blocks are done. They did not take long at all. I am back at work on Monday so wanted to finish up before then.

I will be using black & white fabrics with red pop's for color.

I would like to take part in the exchange.
Barb
Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A.
Please let me know how many to make and were to send them. Thanks mailto:velvetag@aol.com