jewellene and quiltmom04- thanks for this information. I would like to think that this fabic is not "old" in that it apparently the navy blue arrived in store in July. (I know this because I chased the equivalent of a full bolt all around the city. I had to go to 4 stores to do it, and opted out of the 5th when the lady who answered the phone didn't know what a batik was.
) I can definitely see "damaged" though with the way they cram bolts together and you have to drag some of them off the top shelves.
clem55 - excellent question. I have no idea, maybe someone else will. I know I didn't notice a difference with the lap quilt I made, but admittedly, I didn't pay that much attention because it didn't have to "fit" anything.
Tiggersmom - I had heard that vinegar was an excellent cleaning product. With the garbage that's in so many other cleaners these days I'm seriously considering switching. I had no idea about its ironing superpowers though.
I kept looking at the B&D when I went out, but I hadn't gotten around to doing the research. I think my grandma's was a B&D. It was a great iron til I melted it (about 17 years ago). I used to cool the iron in the oven so I didn't have to worry about little or furry hands getting at it. I forgot it was in there and pre-heated the oven one day.
Jingle - seriously? I would have thought the folding would put creases in the first couple of wraps at least!? You must fold way better than I do. I cringe when I fold, knowing I'll have to iron because of it.
That really weird that storing the cloth wet and cold should make it iron better. I will have to try it though. I don't -think- that the tiny wrinkles in the fabric will change the sizing after a wash,... I hope?
DebbE - rolling you say? Interesting. I feel the same as you about the quilt. I would freeze if not for an over-sized quilt (and one snuggly cat)
IBQUILTIN - how long is a while? I've usually waited til it looked "soaked in", but I get the impression you mean longer... I was so proud of myself when I graduated from the 2 handed method: One hand with starch and the other with the iron. A quick one-two-"what's burning" combo...
maviskw - you're probably right. If nothing else, the fabric can't keep remembering that one particular crease. My stash isn't very old yet, but I will try to make it a habit to refold.