SuzSLO - I've used the powdered starch, too, but it sticks to my stainless steel iron. I used to cook the starch, saturate fabric with it and let it dry - then, when it's time to press under the edges, you just brush around the shape with clear water to re-activate the starch. Cooking it also keeps the starch from settling so you don't have to keep stirring it.
You can also dilute liquid Sta-Flo starch, but that's another one that doesn't get along with my iron. I used to love Best Press, but when I tried that a few days ago, that was sticking and burning, too. I've had to stock up on iron cleaner.
Lalla - Hong Kong - what an interesting place to live in!
I just came across the water brushes in my last big "purge," and thought I'd try them for applique and they work pretty well.