I dunno- I love cranberries & sweet potatoes. They're a starch! ;-)

The formula is 1 Cup Distilled water (must be this) to 1oz of Vodka - cheapest you can buy. Another big advantage is that it doesn't flake.
If those seams don't line up....drink up and you won't be stressing out as much :)!

In another post it was suggested to purchase the least expensive Vodka. Three oz of vodka to 24 oz of water. Sizing can be found at the $ stores. Not always in stock but I have found a can or two.

Never used starch. Mix vodka, distilled water and 4-5 drops of essential oil (I use lavendar). Mix only enough for a small spritzer, 1 1/2 - 2 cups. This puts just enough crisp into the fabric for cutting and assembly. I don't drink so the thought didn't occur to me but it sure makes a great difference in piecing. Also a side note, I do wash all of my fabric and line dry, hand pressing when I fold for storage. I don't spritz and iron until ready to cut. Doesn't flake or leave any residue on the iron or ironing board either. Hope this helps.

I think the starch attracks bugs -- the Vodka doesn't.


I use the cheap Vodka for the starch and the good Vodka for me. Did someone say Bloody Marys?

The last time I had to iron my husbands shirts was after I had come home from a long day and he handed me a vodka drink with cranberry juice ginger ale and lime(we call it a mindy cooler) and asked with his most polite voice and sheepish grin if I had the time to iron his shirts. Afterwards I told him the vodka made it easier to iron as I didn't see as many wrinkles as I usually did when ironing so yes my vote is for the vodka. Since then I know what he wants when he fixes me a mindy cooler what he is really after is no longer found in the bedroom but in the laundry room (I hope this last part did not offend anyone just a sign that I am getting older) ROFLOL!!!

Yes I use vodka. And sometimes I even spritz it on the fabric!! :lol:

Nope, it's a sign HE is getting older.

I read that the wardrobe people who handle the costumes for plays use vodka to "refresh" them (get the smell out of them)because there is no time to send them to the cleaners between shows, not to mention what the dry cleaning bills would be. When I read that, I thought, hmmmmm. I own exactly one thing that I have been hesitant to send off to the dry cleaners....a leather coat with knit sleeves that I picked up in St. Louis. I live in Florida. Guess how much wear it got, lol. I was only there a couple of cold months, but really. I think I will buy one of those minatures of vodka and try it. Didn't know you could press with it, too.

Aurora said

I think the starch attracks bugs -- the Vodka doesn't.

I use the cheap Vodka for the starch and the good Vodka for me. Did someone say Bloody Marys?


No no no no, Aurora, you MUST understand. Bloody Marys is what you get after you've mixed up the recipe and tried to cut with your rotary cutter after downing the vodka. You MUST keep the actions/reicpes in order!!!!

I'm not worried about bugs because I use this when I'm pressing fabric and pieces as I make the quilt and I wash the quilt as soon as I'm finished. I don't have any UFOs stored because I only make one project at a time.

Just about the time you think you've heard everything! LOL LOL LOL

Thank you!!! I needed the recipe. Had to throw out the canned starch because it affected my breathing; I have asthma. Now to find a little bottle of vodka and a spray bottle....not hard, then find some essential oil; kinda like the lavender scent. Thankyou!! :thumbup:

I vote for vodka and cranberry.

Sewtruterry, Hysterical!!!!!!!

RIGHT ON!

You guys are hilarious. I have laughed more on this thread than I have in the last week!!! Thank you guys...

I just might have to try this...(Not going to specify how!)

Vodka is a food too. The alcohol will evaporate and leave a nice bug food.

I wonder if you could use clear vanilla (like used in white frosting) instead of the EO? It sure would smell good. Hmmm, maybe too good...make you hungry and whoops...there goes the sewing.

I don't care for either one but this is to funny HAHAHA still laughing

The vodka is mentioned as an ingredient in Best Press, not to drink!! This was on one of the topics on board.

It would have to be pretty microscopic bug food!

Feel the same about this thread. Have to tell you that many years ago a good Bloody Mary was Beer&Tomato juice. A little of one a little more of the other. Your taste. Also Port Wine and Grapefruit juice. Again a little of one and a little more of another. Don't do any quilting just enjoy the day

This is absolutely hilarious, I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. Thank you Quilting Board for a happy Sunday!!!!

I'm a newbie quilter. I've sure learned alot of the QB.

Definitely vodka! If you drink enough, you won't care about the bugs!

Is today April 1st?

If you "google" Best Press Spray Recipe you can find the proportion of ingredients to make your own...it uses vodka, water and essential oil. I often use the Best Press Spray brand and really like it.

I use vodka when making linen water. The recipe is 1/3 cup vodka; 5-6 drops essential oil of your choice; 3-4 drops of peppermint oil; distilled water.
Mix in up in a spray bottle and use when ironing.

I don't put it in the iron.

I don't drink either but it does a wonderful job of knocking the wrinkles out! I feel out of place in the liqour store so I send my 37 year old daughter :lol:

This is what I use and I love it....I buy CHEAP and I do mean cheap vodka to do this....

2oz vodka and 2 cups distilled water.....you can add a scent of you want and it works great...

The vodka and water mixture is suppose to be the same as Best Press(which everyone that can afford it loves). I have the recipe somewhere.LOL I was told to use the cheaper Vodka(works better).

Ha Ha! I was thinking the same thing.

You won't be able to see the bugs!

or the wrinkles...

Or really care....

I had never heard of this or Best Press either so will be checking that out as well. The things you learn on QB!

hey how about using the flavored vodka in the spray bottle instead of oils? I think that would be a great way to get the ironing done.

If you mix Lavender EO with the Vodka & distilled water( not tap water), on the sheets and pillow cases when you make the bed you will sleep like a baby. I have also used it in my quilt making and sprayed it on unspun fleece and spun yarn it keeps the bugs away.

I do believe enough vodka will not only take care of facial wrinkles but everything else that's bothering you at the moment.