Basted.
Basting is your favorite part of quilt-making, right?
No? Well, I just can't imagine why not ;)
I used to dread basting before I switched to basting spray. Now, I know that basting spray is not for everyone, but I do want to pass on what's working for me for those of you who are interested. I used to baste with a Dritz-brand spray available at my local Hancocks (and purchased with 40% off coupons!). Except, they tended to be out all the time, which meant I had to resort to time-intensive, sharp little pins.
A few months ago, I decided to look online for the best price on the Dritz brand. It comes in a small can (6.5 oz), which was enough for 2-3 quilts, depending on the size. No luck on that - this stuff is expensive everywhere! I hesitated to try more affordable Sullivans or June Tailor sprays for two reasons:
1. Some people report gummed up sewing machine needles and general angst when using basting spray. I'd had nothing but smooth sailing with Dritz.
2. Dritz is odor-free, which translates to less-toxic. Fumes are not something I want in my home (because, really, I baste inside. It's just practical).
So, after doing some research, I decided to plunk down the cash for this HUGE can of 505 basting spray. Ever since I opened my ears, folks have been telling me that 505 is hot stuff. But, expensive. Well, at Sew for Less the 17 oz can retails for just $13.50! That's almost 3 times as much product for just $4 more than what I was paying for the Dritz stuff on sale. I bought myself 2 large cans for $35 including shipping.
And, I couldn't be happier!
I've finished a few quilts basted with 505 temporary adhesive spray, so I can confidently report that it works better than the Dritz. How so? It seems to hold on to the fabric better, so that I can get away with using even less spray. It's totally odorless and doesn't even carry warning labels about using ventilation (but I still do open windows). In fact it claims "Environmentally friendly - contains no fluorocarbons." I realize that using basting pins is by far more eco-friendly, as they are reusable and don't come in an aerosel can. And, I still use pins for small projects. But, I make a lot of quilts and this is what I use for them. Sometimes you make compromises.
This baby quilt was basted on my living room floor in about 10 minutes, including time spent taping down the backing, while Liam played Jenga blocks on the table. It was a busy, just about perfect Saturday morning. I hope yours was as sweet!
No? Well, I just can't imagine why not ;)
I used to dread basting before I switched to basting spray. Now, I know that basting spray is not for everyone, but I do want to pass on what's working for me for those of you who are interested. I used to baste with a Dritz-brand spray available at my local Hancocks (and purchased with 40% off coupons!). Except, they tended to be out all the time, which meant I had to resort to time-intensive, sharp little pins.
A few months ago, I decided to look online for the best price on the Dritz brand. It comes in a small can (6.5 oz), which was enough for 2-3 quilts, depending on the size. No luck on that - this stuff is expensive everywhere! I hesitated to try more affordable Sullivans or June Tailor sprays for two reasons:
1. Some people report gummed up sewing machine needles and general angst when using basting spray. I'd had nothing but smooth sailing with Dritz.
2. Dritz is odor-free, which translates to less-toxic. Fumes are not something I want in my home (because, really, I baste inside. It's just practical).
And, I couldn't be happier!
I've finished a few quilts basted with 505 temporary adhesive spray, so I can confidently report that it works better than the Dritz. How so? It seems to hold on to the fabric better, so that I can get away with using even less spray. It's totally odorless and doesn't even carry warning labels about using ventilation (but I still do open windows). In fact it claims "Environmentally friendly - contains no fluorocarbons." I realize that using basting pins is by far more eco-friendly, as they are reusable and don't come in an aerosel can. And, I still use pins for small projects. But, I make a lot of quilts and this is what I use for them. Sometimes you make compromises.
This baby quilt was basted on my living room floor in about 10 minutes, including time spent taping down the backing, while Liam played Jenga blocks on the table. It was a busy, just about perfect Saturday morning. I hope yours was as sweet!