I finally got back to my parents’ anniversary quilt yesterday. I took a boring but essential step, washing and starching all the fabric. I’ve learned from some pretty impressive quilters that it’s much easier to get accurate results when working with fabric that’s as stiff as a piece of paper.
I dip each prewashed piece of fabric into undiluted liquid starch, let it dry, and then press it with steam.

Starch Day

Here’s my temporary starching station on the deck. My husband, Bob, said it reminded him of pictures he’s seen of prayer flags on Mount Everest. Pete, the dog, was confused, and even the squirrel who thinks he owns our yard had something to say.
“Just you wait,” I told them all.