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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tidbit Tuesday #7

I am so excited to bring you all another tip! I've gotten such a positive feedback by doing these and I just love it!! 

This weeks tip is one I just learned of. When I tell you what it is, you can think I'm off my rocker and just pulling your leg. It's ok. It's exactly what I thought until I tried it. 

Lemme 'splain. :) 

This past Saturday I went over to Sandi's house for a sew in. This was my first time there and the only person I "knew" was Sandi. Like always, when meeting new people, you never know what to expect but I met an amazing group of women who are very talented, each in their own way. Besides being surrounded by talent I was surrounded by laughter. I don't remember the last time I laughed so much. I'd like to blame Pat for that. They call her Crazy Pat. Don't worry, it's a term of endearment. :) I don't know how she does it really. You can say one thing and immediately, straight off the cuff, she says something so funny you're in tears. Don't get her started on birds starting gardens...haha! She also gives everyone a nick name. So far I think mine is "Girl". It could be worse...lol! 

I had been sewing and gotten to the point of needing to iron so I found the ironing room where Pat and Sandi were chit chatting. Sandi tells me there are two irons with boards and each station has a spray bottle with water and vodka in it. *eyes widen*. I chuckled and said something like "yeah right". Pat chimes in and says, "no really! It' the best stuff". (ok don't quote me on those words, but something along those lines). I looked right at her and I said, "I know I'm the new girl but come on. I'm not that gullible!". (meanwhile I'm thinking, oh yes I am but not this time...lol). 

tip #7 skyy

It just so happens they were NOT trying to pull the wool over my eyes. Vodka and water in place of starch to iron your quilt blocks. It makes them just the right amount of crisp! I love Best Press, but this concoction is much cheaper and I actually like it better!

I know. I know. You are all making that same funny face just like I did thinking...no way! Yes way. You have to try it! Apparently even costume designers use this formula during costume changes. They can't wash them so they spray this stuff on them and it removes the odor. Hmm...better than Febreze? :) 

Ok, you want to know how to mix this stuff. According to Sandi, because this is her tip, you mix it 1 part Vodka and 3 parts water. If you have a 16 oz spray bottle, you will mix 1/2 cup of Vodka and then fill the rest of it with water. Shake well. Spray spray. Iron. Voila! **Note: I never did ask Sandi if one brand is better than another, but I used Skyy because it's what I had on hand and it works for me. Sandi, feel free to chime in if you want to :) **

Directly from Sandi. This is good stuff!!
"As far as I'm concerned, the best brand of vodka is the cheapest. I look looow on the shelf for a big bottle at a crazy cheap price. You mentioned Febreze - yes, it actually works just as good, if not better than Febreze, and it's a lot cheaper. Also, you would like your spray to be scented, you can add a drop or two of essential oil (lavender, lemongrass, rose, etc.) to the vodka, shake it well to emulsify, then add the water and shake again. I've tried it and it does not mark the fabric. "

You're probably thinking that if you use Vodka that your quilts will smell like it too. I promise you won't smell like a boozer when your done!! :) 

If you try this, let us know how you like it! :)

Much Love!!!

28 comments :

  1. that sounds just crazy enough to work!
    I've never used spray starch before and have always wondered if it would make a difference in my piecing.
    Now I can try vodka :)

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  2. Ok you are so right Karrie Lyne, its 5:45AM and I'm thinking, "She's got to be kidding!" I'm almost out of Best Press so I'll give this a try, maybe on Julie's hexagons.

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  3. Glad you survived the day with us, Karrie! As far as I'm concerned, the best brand of vodka is the cheapest. I look looow on the shelf for a big bottle at a crazy cheap price. You mentioned Febreze - yes, it actually works just as good, if not better than Febreze, and it's a lot cheaper. Also, you would like your spray to be scented, you can add a drop or two of essential oil (lavender, lemongrass, rose, etc.) to the vodka, shake it well to emulsify, then add the water and shake again. I've tried it and it does not mark the fabric.

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  4. I am going to give this a try! Thanks for sharing!

    Stefanie

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  5. No way! It's not April 1st by any chance?? That's amazing!!!

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  6. One for me...one for the quilt blocks...I might not get anything done!

    Just kidding!

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  7. this is too funny! Lol, how would one discover this trick I wonder?

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  8. OMG seriously???? I will give it a whirl - I will also have to share this with my group of quilting friends - they will think that I am nuts!!!!

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  9. This is fascinating to me! I am a Best Press junkie, but it is soooo expensive. Definitely going to try this out. I am predicting lots of funny looks at liquor stores around the country as hoards of women show up to buy gallons of cheap vodka!

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  10. Hmmmm....very in...ter...resting!

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  11. I've heard of this before but just haven't got around to trying it. I'll just have to make a packy run for some cheap vodka and give it a whirl or should I say a spritz!

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  12. oh my gosh! I wonder if I would ever get my ironing done.hah.ahaa.a or maybe they would all wonder why I love to iron now.hahaa.ha.a.

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  13. BWAH!!! Vodka on a quilt! Now I have heard. it. all...

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  14. Wow, I have never heard this...but I'm a big fan of crisp pieces and a big fan of vodka. So this sounds great. I was going to make a homemade spray starch but I think that I will try this instead!

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  15. I'm afraid none of my Baptist friends would believe the vodka was for ironing......(lol!)

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  16. Okay, now that I know you're not pulling my leg, I'm going to have to try it! I love the idea of adding a little essential oil!

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  17. I just picked up some organic Lavender oil today, made from lavender grown right here in the State of Maine. My little sewing room will smell so nice! Thanks for the tip! I can't wait to whip up a batch and try it!

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  18. ok after LMAO for the past few minutes and re reading this to be sure I wasn't seeing things I have only a few words of caution here.
    Don't do this to your kids quilts. It will give a whole new meaning to them dragging it around chewing the thing. LOL
    Oh yea don't forget to tell this to your hubby, then he might even develop the erg to help with your ironing.

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  19. When the vodka evaporates and leaves the "stiff part", isn't it sugary which could draw bugs like the old fashioned starches they used to use?

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  20. What I want too know is how in the world did someone come up with this idea? Just sitting around drinking and decided to pour some into the olk spray bottle? Seriously though The only question I would have is would the alsochol in the spray cause any kind of a flame problem? you might want to spray something and light a match to make sure.

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  21. Lots of 'going to try it'. Anyone tried it? Please report results

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  22. I've tried it and I still use it today! I Love it!! Never had any issues with it either. :) I know all my sewing ladies at my stitch n bitch use it too and swear by it! They say to use the cheapest vodka you can find!

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  23. I wonder if this would work for machine embroidery. I like to starch material before cutting or machine embroidery.

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  24. No it won't explode, and no, the kid won't get a taste for alcohol..... it evaporates. As for the sugar content in the residue, I doubt there would be enough to attract bugs, but you v=can always wash it, it has served it's purpose for pressing now that your quilt is sewn together.

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  25. well I figured it made perfect sense lol, Vodka is made mainly from potatoes and what better starchy vegie could you get, so cheers and on with the ironing hahhahaah

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  26. We have been using vodka in Theatre for years! Now everyone can be in on the secret!

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Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really love hearing from you!! :)

Happy Quilting!

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