To starch or not

[zfatcat]

calicopuzzle you can by sizing in a spray. That might be a better choice than startch.

[cindyg]

This topic can be debated into eternity. I think everyone needs to try different ways until you come up with what you like to work with best. Some people like the fabric to be soft and flimsy while working with it. I personally like my fabric to have some substance while I'm working with it. The starch washes out when the quilt is completed making it nice and soft. But to each his own. Everyone on here has made terrific quilts - prewashed fabric or not, starched or not. It's what you feel comfortable working with - the quilt police are on permanent vacation!!

[gardenquilter]

well put cindy g

[naniyosie]

It's great to hear that the quilt police are on a permanent vacation.

[sewbug]

I've never seen silverfish in my house but I would rather have them then the HUGH bug I found under my sink. I thought I was going to die when that thing ran out. DH said it was a water bug, no matter what he calls it, it was the scariest bug I've ever seen. The exterminator said no signs of anymore around but I still open that sink cabinet with a scary feeling.

[SHARONMAMAW]

I LIKE TO STARCH AFTER I WASH MY MATERIAL BECAUSE IT MAKES THE BLOCKS PRESSED LOOK SOOOOO PRETTY. AND IF WORKING WITH BIAS; IT IS A GREAT HELP, ON THE STRETCHING.

[calicopuzzle]

I sure like the exchange of how each of us does things pertaining to our quilting. I sure don't intend for my comments to be a debate, but rather lots of different ways to do something....not all of the ways we do things have to be forever. I never heard of mixing my own spray-on starch until I read of it in "Quilt" magazine...And along with the starching, I like El's remarks about using steam when we press or not....that would be another good topic. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. Keep it open ladies...it is good for all us to consider changing the way we do things or at least trying something else.

[cindyg]

Oh, Calicopuzzle, I didn't mean we were debating in a bad way. I just meant there are so many different ways to do things and none are 'right or wrong'. I take them all as suggestions to try. When I see something on here I will try it and if I like it I'll keep doing it that way. If not, I'll go back to my way. I also love all the storage hints, etc. Since seeing things on here Dh and I have put up a peg board in my studio and it's marvelous to hang rulers and stuff on and we made a big ironing surface that fits over the ironing board when I need it to iron large pieces of fabric or a lg. quilt. This is the best forum in the world!

[calicopuzzle]

I didn't mean there was any disagreement....I just cherish the idea that we all have our ways and can share them because we have all had different teachers. We have a great group of quilters to get ideas from don't we. I have a group of ladies that I meet with weekly and we always say..."this is how I do it" and then, "you have to find what works best for you"...I know Cindyg that you feel the same.

[cindyg]

Calico, I agree. This is the best site to bounce ideas around and share. I think that's why it's so addictive - and there is also some true comedienne's here and there's never a day that I don't just crack up.