Calzo

Remember that real starch is food. You shouldn't use it on any fabric that will be stored without washing, like your stash, because it will attract bugs.

Rettie V. Grama

I buy the Niagara Spray starch all the time for my blocks. To find out where to get it in your area, Call;1-866-794-0800.

MamaHen

OH! The old water bottle with the cork sprinkle top, that just takes me back to the good old days, and the damp clothes in the fridge. Things were less hectic, no cell phones, no internet, sometimes I wish for the GOOD OLD DAYS!

bearisgray

What I remember about the starch from when I was kid (60 years ago)

The starch in the blue and white box - mixed with a little cold water to dissolve it (the mixture looked cloudy) - then hot or boiling water was added to it - and it got uncloudy - then a little square of a blue substance (it was Satina) was added.

The clothes were dipped in this great big bowl (it was the bread mixing bowl) and then wrung out - hung on the line to dry - then sprinkled with water, rolled up, and ironed later after they were evenly damp. (If that didn't happen by the next day, the clothes went into the freezer)

What needed to be stiffest was dunked first, because the starch solution got "weaker" as it was used.

purrfectquilts

These posts made me smile as I, too, am from the old days and still do things the same way sometimes. Depending on what state I am in, sometimes it can be difficult to find the powdered starch or bluing. Cornstarch does work too. Whenever mixing the powdered variety, yes, you have to keep shaking or stirring it. Otherwise you will have a nice "glop" in the bottom of your bottle.

Even when using the liquid Sta Flo, I shake often. If using the Niagara, or other brand, of spray starch, I often shake it and starch the back side, waiting a moment or two for it to soak in and smoothing it out with my hand. This reduces the flakiness and shine and evens out the starch.

I just mentioned to my son the other day that I would love a glass pop bottle and the old sprinkler top that I used to have. He handed me a tiny coke bottle salt shaker and said, "Here you are." That brought a laugh to both of us.

mimiknoxtaylor

I buy it at the grocery store. But if you can't find it you can always make it using cornstarch. I found it on www.ehow.com
just search homemade boiled starch. They have tips too. I have it taped in a cabinet in laundry room:
1 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 2-3 Tbsp cold water. Dissolve in large measuring cup. Then add boiling water to make 1 cup , stirring constantly. Add cold water to make 2 cups & let cool

dls

I think my mom used plain old corn starch.

rudderjt

I have to say that I've watched my Grandmother do the same thing and understand the principle. What I want to know is where do you get the little stopper deal with the holes that you put in the top of the RC/Coke Cola bottle to sprinkle with?

I guess that's a guy question.

saf

I just use a glass jar with a metal screwtop lid. One that fits comfortably in my hand. I used a small nail to punch several holes in the lid. Very low tech but it works for me.

Quiltbeagle

Sta-Flo is not expensive, is available in most grocery stores (and finally my local Walmart once again), and you can mix it up to whatever strength you want. I've used it for over a decade and LOVE it.