So--I LOVE MaryEllen's Best Press. It smells awesome, it works great. It does everything it says it's going to. But I can't afford it. $50.00 a gallon translates to about 5 yards of fabric--6 or 7 if I hit a sale! (So, if you're looking for gift ideas....)
I make my own starch!
I have a 16 oz spray bottle(yes, I use my empty MaryEllen's!)
Fill with H2O--otherwise known as tap water!!
add 1 1/2 tsp corn starch --which is always in my kitchen anyway!
add 2-3 drops lavender essential oil--(If you're not already adding a couple of drops of this
to your bath, why not?)
(do not use any citrus or other oils with any "color to them")
I use lavender or geranium essential oils in mine, and find that the starch doesn't leave residue and the oils don't leave marks---
BUT if you find that yours does, pour some out and add more water. Or skip the Essential oils if you're worried about that. I have no issues with flaking, Make sure to shake well before each use!
Makes a great and easy gift for any quilter or sewist-- add a fat quarter or two and make someone really happy!
I had to laugh when I read the part about $50.00 being 5-6 yards of fabric. That's why I stopped coloring my hair!! ;>)
ReplyDelete^^ it's all about math isn't it??
ReplyDeletehahah
xo
eva
i'm so glad you shared this with me last year. i LOVE making my own starch. it smells so good with the lavender, too.
ReplyDeleteit's good to be frugal, isn't it? ;)
I loved the smell of this starch. Where do I find lavender essential oil?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this. I'm moving overseas next year and didn't know how I would do with no starch. I can make it now! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I just started making my own soap, so maybe this is the next logical step...
ReplyDeleteI love lavendar, so will be trying this.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for this. It is like you gave all of us a Christmas gift. Could I put some lavender seeds into the bottom of the bottle do you think?
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holiday. Hope to see you in the future. Lynn (from retreat)
ReplyDeleteI have been using this since I saw your recipe on Sew take a Hike and it is amazing! Starch is not a big thing in the UK and when I can find cans of starch it has an awful smell- this is lovely and has helped so much with all my gift sewing, especially linen x very grateful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Especially if it doesn't flake, as so may of them do!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I have to give it a try. I can never bring myself to buy starch but lately I needed it for crochetted doilies. Thanks. I usually post on Mondays links that I love you are definitely on my list.
ReplyDeletei love this. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I just purchased Mary Ellen's and cringed at the price. Homemade always wins in my book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recipe Tara :)
ReplyDeleteFor the person who asked where to get essential oils: http://www.camdengrey.com/
ReplyDeleteI used to be a soapmaker. Maybe you could split a bigger (more economical) bottle amongst a couple of quilters. Just be sure to buy bottles to split into, brown glass is best. :)
This is the info I just wanted! Making starch spray on my own frugally! Thank you for sharing this! I am so making this!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this, I had no idea you could make your own.
ReplyDeleteEmma x
Tapioca Starch 1 tsp to 8oz of water is also a great alternative than buying that over priced can stuff. I just love it. 89cents for about a pints worth...goes a long way :)
ReplyDelete