Storing starched quilt tops?
03-16-2013, 10:47 AM
#11
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 220
I live in Georgia (hot and humid in the summer) and I starch using a homemade formula (corn starch and water). I have never had a problem with bugs when I've stored starched fabric. I'm not saying it's not possible to have a problem, but in ten years of storing starched fabric, I haven't yet. Still, if it concerns you I would try the rubbermaid container idea. Sounds like a good way to keep the top fresh all the way around. 
03-16-2013, 11:12 AM
#13
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 260
I have had zero bug problems with stored starch fabric in MN and WI, whose climate is similar to that of the Netherlands. The only time bugs are really a problem, I think, is when you live in a very hot and humid climate (perhaps Florida, the Virgin Islands, etc.).
Honestly, unless you've actually seen bugs in your house, I would just store the starched tops in a covered plastic tub and not worry about bugs.
Honestly, unless you've actually seen bugs in your house, I would just store the starched tops in a covered plastic tub and not worry about bugs.
If you follow the course laid out in the book, you make multiple tops throughout the book, but don’t attach any borders until one of the last chapters. No border = no quilting. So that’s why. And the way the book’s laid out, this approach does make sense, as your skills build up throughout the lessons in the different chapters. I don’t want to jump ahead, so that means storing tops.
I like the Rubbermaid container idea – or in my case a similar plastic box with lid. It will keep the tops safe, dry, and also dust-free. Bonus for keeping (possible) bugs out
. Thanks for the input!
03-16-2013, 12:56 PM
#15
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 4,961
I love those books - they contain a wealth of information. That is another one of my retirement goals. I want to make the quilts in those books - when finished a person will have a lot of knowledge and practice! I think a new book should be out in a couple months!
03-16-2013, 01:00 PM
#16
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: the Netherlands
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I read on the blog that the 5th volume is nearly ready to send to the publisher, and they expect that it will be available in the summer of 2014.
03-16-2013, 01:12 PM
#18
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NW PA
Posts: 843
If you follow the course laid out in the book, you make multiple tops throughout the book, but don’t attach any borders until one of the last chapters. No border = no quilting. So that’s why. And the way the book’s laid out, this approach does make sense, as your skills build up throughout the lessons in the different chapters. I don’t want to jump ahead, so that means storing tops.
03-16-2013, 06:17 PM
#19
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,557
I live in the Pacific NW in a cool and damp climate, and have had problems with both silverfish and moths eating through bins of clothing that were stored in Rubbermaid containers. These clothing items were not starched.
I think if it were me, I might store the tops sealed in ziplock-type bags and take them out once a month or so for a good shake.
I think if it were me, I might store the tops sealed in ziplock-type bags and take them out once a month or so for a good shake.
03-16-2013, 07:54 PM
#20
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Nevada
Posts: 581
Maybe I'm not thinking deep enough but if bugs are attracted to starch, what the heck do you (in general) do with your ironing board/table, carpet/rug, walls or anything else in the room that gets hit with starch? Was doing my hair the other day which literally takes 3 minutes and when I walked out of the bathroom and seen the sun rays shining in the bedroom about 7' away, the hairspray was floating everywhere. Guess I just don't get how to control an aresol spray.
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