Homemade Quilt Basting Spray - where did I go wrong?????
 

I love watching Chatterbox quit YouTube videos especially for Janome product.

I thought I would try the Homemade basting spray. It didn't work. After a special trip for Vodka (I don't drink), buying a spray bottle, and finding a jar (peaches from Costco) for the left overs, I was ready to go.

I followed the recipe to a T - and it just kept boiling and never thickening. I was stirring with a nonstick whisk and not noticing anything on the bottom. It just kept cooking and that wasn't any thickening. There was a slight thickening, but not the "gooey" as shown in the video. I cooked for an hour thinking that should have been mentioned in the instructions. I finally got it to the gooey stage (less than shown) and turned it off. About an hour later I went back and it's so thick I had to throw it out. In doing, I realize there is 1/4 inch of solid gunk at the bottom of my pan.

I guess it wasn't meant to be.....

Walmart is selling gallon jugs of Elmer's School Glue for $19.99. I'd go that method before using boiled flour or unflavored gravy.
It is interesting what goes into my shopping cart after a morning of reading this board. My husband demanded to know why I wanted castor oil and then why I would not buy the bottle that said Black Castor Oil and listed two additives for soft skin. I told him it was none of his business. Then I asked the woman in the fabric dept. for the crazy colored Duct Tape and 20 questions started again. He left the cart with me and was coming back from the hardware dept. about the time I reached up for the gallon of school glue, questions again. No wonder I am worn out after shopping. I usually get a bit more freedom, but after a few falls with some nasty landings. We have both agreed that it is good for him to stay closeby or let me hang onto him.

I never go shopping with DH. It's none of his business why I buy something. If he asks I'll tell him but for him to say I don't need something or something cheaper is the same, will get him a taxi ride home. LOL

I don't know why it went wrong. I have made many batches and everyone was fine. Maybe you heated it too long and most of the water evaporated out making it a thick mess.

Onebyone, About how long do you cook the mixture after you add the flour water?

Sheri.a, This is the recipe I use and it never fails. I often double or even quadruple the recipe depending on how much I use. It is simple enough that even if I don't use it all within a few weeks, I have no problem throwing it out and making more so I don't use vodka or lemon juice or whatever but you can if you wish. Dissolve 2 tbsp. cornstarch in few tablespoons water. Add 2 cups water, bring to boil and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a preservative.

Sheri.a, let us know if you find something that works for you. I was about to go and get a bottle of vodka and try the same recipe, too. I guess I will wait and see what happens to your next batch.

I boil the mix until it gets runny thick, like gravy. I don't know how long I go buy consistency.

I do not drive anymore, so I depend upon my dh to drive me wherever I want to go. Most of the time he sits in the car waiting for me to finish shopping. A very nice lady who lives about 45 minutes from me has been kind enough to take me quilt shop hopping in Iowa during the month of June.

Do you spray lightly or heavily? Do you iron it dry? All help appreciated. Does this work on all kinds of batting? I like that never fail part.:)