NO quilting the last month or so but there has been some pressing.
If you have ever visited a flea market or antique shop it is likely that you have come upon vintage irons like this. While I never actually "used" this one, it was discovered in our old farm house when I lived in Omaha. It was in pretty bad condition so I cleaned it up and husband added some paint. It sits here and there in the house. Right now it is on a Vintage sewing cabinet, covered with a hand woven cloth, (not by me) and some other smalls. I see it every day. Thankfully, modern appliances do not require a wood stove!
We now have irons of every shape and size that provide a little heat or great heat, steam or without, sole plates that are specially shaped to provide specific use and those that will not imprint or stick to your fabric. They are heavy as an anvil or lightweight for travel.
If you know me you already know I dislike ironing. All ironing, any ironing. And yet, I iron almost everything. How does that translate you ask? It means I am always looking for the best iron, the best ironing surface and the method best for each task and fabric. At one time I actually used an ancient mangle owned by husband's Grandmother. It had one setting. Hot as Hades. Ask me how many items I burned or melted during that time! 👎 While they are now available again, the price has me boggled. Unless I win one, there won't be one!
My current steam iron in general use is my Rowenta . Not the first mind you, probably the 5th. Why...because I use the heck out of them, I have dropped a few and left a few at retreats etc. That said, why this brand? They spit...is a common complaint. And they do. When they spit, I check the sales and get another one. My best price and variety source so far is QVC.
I picked up an Oliso at a home show a few years ago. I thought the whole business about it lifting up after your hand is removed was good, save a few steps, reduce wrist motion. And it does that. You can also switch off that function. It steams, not as well as the Rowenta, it presses, not nearly as well as the Rowenta, it spits, much like the Rowenta. More expensive. I won't replace this one.
These "Retro" style irons a also favorites. They are about 15 years old (purchased from Vermont County Store) and I have never had a problem with either. I use the dry iron and the steam version when piecing. I keep one beside my sewing machine, the other on a side table where I trim.
These little travel irons are great for classes and retreats and even in the motor home. Lightweight, they do the job well enough so you can work just about anywhere just as long as there is electric power.
This felted wool press mat helps to give your pressed pieces more accuracy. By directing the heat and steam into the pad the quality of the press is improved. For intricate piecing and some garment seams I use a wooden clapper to flatten a seam after the press.
My project this week is to make a new cover for my ironing board in the studio. It is one of those hang-over-the-door things that work great for small pressing needs.
 Have you ever used one of these? Best on Earth - Potts Size 3 | ||
We now have irons of every shape and size that provide a little heat or great heat, steam or without, sole plates that are specially shaped to provide specific use and those that will not imprint or stick to your fabric. They are heavy as an anvil or lightweight for travel.
If you know me you already know I dislike ironing. All ironing, any ironing. And yet, I iron almost everything. How does that translate you ask? It means I am always looking for the best iron, the best ironing surface and the method best for each task and fabric. At one time I actually used an ancient mangle owned by husband's Grandmother. It had one setting. Hot as Hades. Ask me how many items I burned or melted during that time! 👎 While they are now available again, the price has me boggled. Unless I win one, there won't be one!
My current steam iron in general use is my Rowenta . Not the first mind you, probably the 5th. Why...because I use the heck out of them, I have dropped a few and left a few at retreats etc. That said, why this brand? They spit...is a common complaint. And they do. When they spit, I check the sales and get another one. My best price and variety source so far is QVC.
I picked up an Oliso at a home show a few years ago. I thought the whole business about it lifting up after your hand is removed was good, save a few steps, reduce wrist motion. And it does that. You can also switch off that function. It steams, not as well as the Rowenta, it presses, not nearly as well as the Rowenta, it spits, much like the Rowenta. More expensive. I won't replace this one.
These "Retro" style irons a also favorites. They are about 15 years old (purchased from Vermont County Store) and I have never had a problem with either. I use the dry iron and the steam version when piecing. I keep one beside my sewing machine, the other on a side table where I trim.
These little travel irons are great for classes and retreats and even in the motor home. Lightweight, they do the job well enough so you can work just about anywhere just as long as there is electric power.
This felted wool press mat helps to give your pressed pieces more accuracy. By directing the heat and steam into the pad the quality of the press is improved. For intricate piecing and some garment seams I use a wooden clapper to flatten a seam after the press.
My project this week is to make a new cover for my ironing board in the studio. It is one of those hang-over-the-door things that work great for small pressing needs.
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| In my haste the other day I cut right through the darn thing, all the way to the metal. Like I need one more project like this to eat up my limited quilting time. Yikes! |
- In 1996 The Dear Jane Quilt too the quilt world by storm. 22 years ago. Personally, I know no one who accepted this challenge. Online....quite a few. The original website and information about some highlights in the Dear Jane book can be viewed here. Kathleen Tracy documents her progress on her blog A Sentimental Quilter here. This lady is the queen of smalls, small quilts, small blocks, small everything. Her work is near perfection. I did not even consider starting a Dear Jane Quilt then....or now.
- I insist that Christmas decor will not leave a storage area, land on a shelf of a tree until the day after Thanksgiving. When did retailers determine how we manage our time or arrange our lives? Yes, if you sew gifts or plan project to give on that Holy Day, you have to start in July but lets give Thanksgiving its due.
- I have house plants outside, still, it is October 14th. I have always had plants here and there. I like them. However, the resident four legger like them too. Too much. As soon as she sees something she zeros in and starts pulling on leaves. I may have to do something creative soon.
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