Hi, I'm Lois. Does anyone know how to make a homemade version of this wonderful starch alternative? I seem to remember a "recipe" for it in an issue of a few years back. :lol:

Check this out: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-39762-1.htm

THIS IS IT!!! I knew someone out there would know. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Sorry but where is the starch? Sounds more like linen water to me.

I'm pretty sure Mary Ellen's doesn't have any actual starch in it. If it did, wouldn't it not be so clear? I would think any starch would make it at least a little bit cloudy.

Actually-this video and text say that Vodka does have starch in it.
http://www.ehow.com/video_4753578_wh...a-made-of.html

I'm pretty sure you are correct about Mary Ellen's Best Press not containing starch.

Never thought of that. Thanks. I still have to try this Mary Ellen's Best Press first.

After doing more reading it sounds like it starts out with a starch and the starch converts to...something else. I am not smart in chemistry. I personally don't feel like the vodka water makes my fabric stiff. If I was starching something that really needed to be starched, like bias edges or something, I would probably use Niagara spray starch. But for pressing seams, I like the vodka water. I don't use a scent though, and I have a feeling the whole reason for the vodka is to disperse the scent and act as a preservative for it.

Sounds horrible to me, but I am a diehard Mary Ellen's Best Press fan. I just watch for it to go on sale or for a 40-50% off coupon on notions from Hancocks or JoAnns. Love the stiff starchy feel as well as the scent.