I made the vodka mix and it doesn't make the fabric stiff at all. It's no better to me than using water so I probably won't make it again.

The vodka mix is working nicely for me, which is good because the ONE brand of spray starch I can find here is crap.

Anything that needs to be used within a week or two is probably not a good idea for me, LOL.

I use this recipe

2 parts linen water
1 part liquid starch
1 part distilled water

It lasts quite a while and I have never had a problem with mold. I have used this for a long time.

old fashioned recipe for spray starch;

Argo corn starch or other corn starch, you need to experiment with it, that is how stiff you want your starch
try a couple of tablesoons of cornstarch with a cup of water, stir well, place in a container that will fit your item(a 2' square, for your experiment) let it dry, and you have it.

this also has been used for the thread crocheted items.

I am likew you, I hate to buy the starch and doesn't halfway spray or the sprayer itself breks. oh and if you get an old fashioned sprayer, which probably can't find any more, can spray your item and iron it, or just lightly steam your item

from the link above

Frebreeze? hmmm, gotta try that!

12 oz water
3/4 tablespoon cornstarch
3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix well in a measuring cup and pour into a spray bottle.

All of these are great to try, and I plan to do this afgain, so much cheaper too. and does just as well as the store bought spray kind.

SusannahG that recipe is the one I think my mom used ! thanks for the info,

can I still find that sprayer you put in the bottles? I really haven't looked for one, but would love to find one!

ditto

I buy the Niagra non-aerosal spray starch (in a spray bottle) at WalMart for under $2.00 for a 22oz. bottle and it works beautifully and has a fresh smell to it. (I also like the "Mary's" light purple spray they sell at Hancock's but it's $5.00 a bottle and also works nicely.)

Wowsa $5? I have been paying $7.50 for my Mary's at the local quilt shop. I am not a huge fan of starch, I don't like my projects to be "crisp", but I do like them to be very FLAT. I have been filling up my old bottles with water and I only use Mary's on a finished block. After that I just use a touch of water to keep things neat until I have a top...and I spray again lightly with Mary's. Trying to be conservative...I'm a stay at home Momma living on one income here! Lol*

I have heard of both the boiled cornstarch mixture as well as the vodka but haven't tried either yet. If you're a fan of Mary Ellen's Best Press what would be a good alternative to that? The vodka recipe?

Back in the day - when we did not get our ironing done we put it into the fridge for a day or two.

So, while we are talking about ironing, I am having trouble with the steam holes on my iron catching on the edge of my blocks and twisting them. Any ideas, Please?

This is what I do. I like it because I can make it as strong or as light as I want it. I like a 5 to 1 mix better.
A bottle of Sta Flo lasts a long time.