Thread: Household items turned quilting notions?

Originally Posted by Prissnboot

I use cornstarch to make my own spray starch, instead of buying, a HUGE savings.



Could you please share with us how you do this? Saving money = more money to spend at Houston Quilt Festival!!! I'm also almost out of spray starch....

Thanks!

Here is one of the recipes,. You can Google many more.http://frugalliving.about.com/od/col...ray_Starch.htm

I purchased a magnetic car dish to put my pins so they don't get lost. Keep it far away from computerized machine. I also use Tic Tac containers to use as bobbin holder while I am binding a quilt. Don't loose the bobbin in the quilt. I use pizza boxes and any empty container that will work for holding pieces or blocks. Sure like this idea of sharing.

Kate in Anchorage shared about using parchment paper for an applique sheet and/or pressing -- thank you. That makes such perfect sense I wonder why I never thought of that before!

Years ago I got an orange peeler as a give-away gift at a Tupperware party and have kept it in my box of notions -- it looks like a crochet hook but flat on one end. Good for pushing out points, etc -- now I also have a pair of chopsticks for the same use.

LOVE this board!!

Originally Posted by Judiw

Originally Posted by Riversong

My hubby uses Copenhagen(snuff in a little round box) YUCK!! BUT,they are the pefect size for used rotary blades. When its full I tape the box and toss it all.

My LQS sells re-sharpened rotary blades for $2 when you turn your old one in. They are done on a special machine and not by them. I got one recently but have not used it yet, but figured it was worth a try. I will use it next.

Harbor Freignts Carpet cutter blades are cheaper...

I use lots of the items mention here. Just one comes to mind that I didn't see. Our LQS also sells candy.(very handy!) I use the plastic trays that bulk assortments come in for storage. Buttons, beads, crystals and lots more are easy to find and they stack nicely. 3 stack nicely in a big cookie tin. I have also seen these trays in other stores selling mixed nuts around the holidays. I love that the lid snaps on tightly.

Originally Posted by mjorgenson

Another paper that is really all purpose is that awful paper you sit on on the Dr.'s table. If you know the staff at the office ask them if they have any short rolls or maybe one that was soiled when they got it. It is thin enought to use for tracing and stiff enough to hold up for designing and patterns. Helps if the nurse is a quilter too.

Another great paper is Masking Paper, comes in different widths and is great for patterns. Find it a auto supply stores.
I'll bet good old Harbor Freight has it too!! I will check.

I use alot of cookie cutters for my designs on top of quilt!

Originally Posted by sewcrafty

I also use a bamboo skewer as a stilleto.

I take a sheet of 220 grit sandpaper and wrap it around a small piece of cardboard and duct tape to the back for holding blocks in place for either signing (siggie) or drawing lines from cornor to cornor.

I stole my dh's 48" t-square for cutting larger pieces of fabric.

I use cornstarch to make my own spray starch, instead of buying, a HUGE savings.


How much corn starch do you use? Do you put it in a spray bottle? I am very interested. Thanks.

I use an old ceramic cookie jar for all my fabric pens and markers.

LOVING this question. I don't have a lot, but my favorite thing is an old drafting table that I got from work when they sold off some old furniture. It's a GREAT cutting table...I put it on those lift thingys, and it has 2 drawers as well! :) I'm loving reading all of these ideas, and since my room is completely empty right now (just got new floor and paint), I can't WAIT to try some of these ideas when I'm reorganizing and putting my room back together! :) THANKS to all for the wonderful ideas!

Would you mind sharing with me your recipe for spray starch using corn starch? If it's an "old family secret" just say so and I'll understand. Thanks. Judy