This groovy piece of fabric is circa 1960s, based on the colors and print and some google searching. It arrived in the mail yesterday. Oh happy day.
I also received some amazing vintage tie silks. They were given to Mom many long years ago by a family friend who received it from someone else. They were stuffed in bags. Opening the box was like Christmas. I googled how to un-wrinkle silk and got started. I had some sinus issues yesterday and I love to iron fabric so it was a perfectly mindless thing to do.
Round one: I set my Oliso iron to the wool/silk setting. I can still use steam on this low setting but the steam hasn't worked right since I got this replacement iron.
I used Mary Ellen's Best Press in the spray bottle that everyone seems to like. I have used it on my quilting cotton but am not a big fan. Look Mom, no wrinkles!
However, even though the Best Press says "leaves no residue" this is what I discovered this morning after using the Best Press yesterday. Oh and if you accidentally get any of the over-spray on your floor it also leaves a residue. There is no disclaimer on the bottle saying you can only use it on specific types of fabric. It says "Shake well. Spray on clothing."
Round two: I'm tired of pricey irons that work no better than the $30 irons so I did a little google iron review search then headed to Walmart for a Hamilton Beach. Plugged her in and filled my spritz bottle with water and proceeded to de-wrinkle.
Happy Camper.
Does this one make you dizzy?
These violins are fun.
This one had the selvedge attached. Lots of textile mills on the east coast of the United States, especially New England.
Now you're going to ask me what I'm going to do with the tie silk, aren't you? No clue yet but perhaps you might want to know there are polka dots in the bunch!
~Piecefully, Stephanie
25 comments:
Cool silks! Can't wait to see what you do with them. How did you like the HB iron?
I know lots of people love the rowenta and olisa irons, but I'm pretty thrilled so far with my black and decker digital advantage iron. And it was a LOT LOT cheaper.
I love that circular brown, grey, black and gold print!! So awesome! Have fun!
My sister asked what to do with her tie collection and I recommended a string quilt - not sure if she's started it yet.
I love that first groovy piece of fabric!!
Oh happy you. It's like wishing for something and suddenly it is there.
What beautiful Autumnal colours. I have seen the ends of neck ties made into dresdens- they have the v edge already in place.
I hope you have lots of fun with the fabrics. Or maybe a 60s inspired flowery something? I am sure that you will come up with a perfect idea- maybe half dresdens in a mushroom kind of shape with flowers? Ooo now you have got me thinking!
How much fun playing with all that 60's fabric. I especially love the violin fabric.
I went the inexpensive iron route (Black and Decker digital) after my last Rowenta and I'm just as happy.
LOL. Do this. Figure out what you are going to do with your tie silks and I will use the ties that I ahve to do the same thing! LOL.
I have ties from two people who took a tie quilt class and hated it. So I ended up with them.
glen: and can't wait to see what you do first..........LOL
Love the silks especially the paisley. I know what you mean about irons. After my second Rowenta died I dug out the old Shark and a spray bottle also.
They are all groovy! I have switched to cheap irons too. If I have to buy a new one every year, so be it.
Great tips on Best Press. I will test a section if I work with fibers other than cotton.
And the GROOVY silk ties would be perfect for a FAROUT project like a Crazy Quilt. PEACE, man.
You're still having problems with irons, too? My shop helpers have been commenting to me that I need another iron -- the $100+ Rowenta didn't last more than a couple of years either. I'm so tired of thinking about irons. I think your idea is the best to stay sane in our field. $30, expendable, expect to buy another in 12 months. -- michele
I have always found that the standard appliances with fewer bells and whistles always work the best. I learned that from mom.
oh yeah! I do like that first groovy fabric. I like them all.Glad to hear you got your groove on, ironing!
lol
Ooooohhh! I love them all.
Such great prints!
Can't wait to see you work your magic with this bunch. :)
Hope you're enjoying this lovely weather.
Kimberly
Ahh I feel your unreliable-iron pain. My awesome old GE broke a month ago when the cat knocked it off the ironing board and I've had nothing but grief since. I went to a few different stores but they didn't have anything of the quality I am used to. I was all set to give in and buy an Oliso, until I saw so many bad reviews. I ended up with a cheap Toastmaster and it's absolutely wretched (the steam function doesn't work!)
Love the paisleys and thanks for the Best Press warning!
Awesome silks! Would make an amazing scarf :)
Ps. Hope you feel better soon
Amazing silks, the colours are nice for this time of the year.
Sorry to hear about your iron problems and your sinuses. Take care!
I see some fun quilts ahead! Wonky Log Cabins and Square in a Square come to mind!!
hey steph im sorry your not feeling well..didnt you have surgery in japan on your sinuses? at least you did accomplish something and somewhat enjoyed it. love all the fabric! enjoy your day!
I'm not that crazy about Best Press either. Niagra has a new spray out that is non aerosol. I think it's just as good a A LOT cheaper.
I also agree with you about the expensive irons. My high priced Roenta spits and leaks like an old man! I'll check out the Hamilton Beach at Wal Mart. Which one did you get?
I started collecting silk ties from thrift shops years ago with the idea of incorporating them into a crazy quilt. I got as far as making a "crazy quilt style" heart-shaped pincushion which I still have in my pincushion collection.
So I still have a huge rubbermaid bin full of slik tie fabric just waiting for some kind of inspiration. I'll be anxiously waiting to see what you come up with. A new bag design, perhaps?
Stephanie, hope you are feeling better with the sinuses :(
These are beautiful silks! I will be looking forward to see your plans for them.
Definitely some groovy fabrics here...and on the pressing matters...my irons just give out one after the other...so I like you had decided to just buy the cheapest ones. The last time one broke I had my husband stop and pick one up...he bought a warranty at Target...free replacement for 3 years...for just 7$ I thought that was a good warranty...this iron has lasted now for about 6 months...we'll see if it makes it 3 years!
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