carslo

I wanted to give you all an update on how I have been experimenting with the above mentioned recipe

I put 2 cups of water in a pot and add 1/2 tsp salt bring that to a boil. In a jar with a lid or a gravy shaker put 3 to 5 tablespoons of regular flour and 1 cup of cold water. I say 3 - 5 because sometimes 3 is good and sometimes 5 is better
(does flour come in different grades in the USA?) Now whisk the flour mixture into the boiling water as if you are making gravy - cook for 2 minutes stirring I turn the temp. down on my gas stove - if you have electric you might have to maintain a medium to high heat. In a large spray bottle from the 99 cent, $1.00 Store, Dollar Tree or Dollar Giant (did I get all those type of stores mentioned) pour this mixture into the bottle - I use a funnel to pour it in. Now top the spray bottle off with rubbing alcohol - also available at the above mentioned store. Shake it up and you have a great spray basting material. If it sits for a few weeks I just add a healthy glug of rubbing alcohol again before using.

I have been using this and also adding a large dollop of Elmer's Washable School Glue. It does not come out in a fine mist like 505 in the can would, but it is working for me and is cheap to make. I heat set the glue , flip the quilt over and do the other side and then lay the quilt over the guest bed to dry over night. Someone mentioned that bugs might be attracted to the flour and water mixture so be aware of that. I make 5 tops and them do my FMQ over the course of a week and I always wash my quilts after finishing! This mixture washes out like a charm and I have used it on poly, bamboo, 80/20, 70/30, 100 % cotton and wool.

Scissor Queen

That seems like a lot of work to go to when you can just squeeze Elmer's straight out of the bottle to baste with. Right now it's real cheap in every store that has school supplies. For the price of the spray bottle alone you can get two bottles of Elmer's and baste at least 4 good size quilts.

DebraK

I commend your inventiveness, and environmentally friendly approach. Good for you!

BellaBoo

I saved your instructions. If I ever find myself in a situation I can't go buy Elmers, you never know it could happen. I stocked up on Elmer's School Glue at Walmart school sale. It was marked down to .25 a bottle. I bought 50 bottles.

Scraplady

I have been meaning to try this, mostly because it seems more eco-friendly than because it will save me a ton of money. Thanks for the info. And I don't know about different grades of flour, but all flours are not created equal. Some flours are just dryer than others and current humidity can affect them too. At least I've found that to be true for baking, so I imagine it works for grave too. Or for glue, as the case may be!