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). 

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!!!