using old steam a seam

[Judith T.]

I am currently making a Christmas tabletopper and am using steam a seam for my fusible appliqued pieces. The steam a seam has been in the drawer for over a year and I guess has dried out here in AZ and won't stick to the fabric when I am cutting out the tree. Is there a secret to getting it to stick to the fabric? I am not to the fusible stage yet, just the cutting. thanks in advance for any suggestions. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

Make sure your fabric is prewashed. Your steam a seam will stick better if the fabric has been washed. Sometimes you can iron over the fabric to warm it up a little before placing your steam a seam on it and it helps to stick to the fabric. If your steam a seam is just dried out, I don't really know what to do about that, but how about placing it in a plastic bag and putting it into the fridge or freezer for a little while? I have no idea if the humidity will bring the sticky back, but I have heard of people doing this for quilting thread, (I think it was thread! ops: )

[Judith T.]

Thanks, cbear, I will give it a try . I also have been told to throw it away!!!!!!!! Judy in AZ

[Paula D.]

Use a spritz of 505.

[Judith T.]

I am finding out that I can't even separate the mesh from the backing it is so dry. I think their shelf life is over. One package actually felt sticky but the other two are really dry. I don't think 505 will work because I have to peel the second sheet off before I fuse it down, and it won't peel. I am off to the store...........any suggestions as to more of the same or choose heat and bond?

[Paula D.]

Ah. Thought the problem was the webbing falling off the paper. Get a refund!

[Marion D.]

freezers dehydrate...think freezer burn. If you want to hydrate it, steam it with the iron.

[Judith T.]

I did try the freezer with no luck.......my quilting friend gave me the rest of hers so I could finish my project without having to go to the store. I will try the steam to hydrate. Thanks again. Judy in AZ