redrockcity
 
Intermediate
MO USA
Member since 11/2/09
Posts: 17
|
Login to reply to this post
Date: 9/12/11 9:48 PM After using my iron to fuse two tailored jackets I decided there must be a better way. From reading to boards it seems like a steam press or a dry press with a squirt bottle might be the answer.
Is there a particular brand people prefer? The Elna presses seem to be universally adored but I'm having trouble finding the Alize, their bottom end version online. I don't need anything fancy just RELIABLE! |
justgail
Intermediate
IA USA
Member since 1/19/06
Posts: 537 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 9/16/11 11:46 AM I have a Singer press bought at Hancock's on sale several years ago. So far it's served me well with fusing interfacing. I wish I could say the same for the interfacing itself. It's one of those items that I don't use often, but I'm really glad I have it when I do.
The only thing I can think of right now that might be a problem is there's no way to empty the water cup completely that I have found, and it doesn't close tightly. I have a place where it can sit out, so it's not a problem, but if you need to stand it vertically in storage, it might leak a bit of water. I'll have to look at it again when I get home. |
redrockcity
Intermediate
MO USA
Member since 11/2/09
Posts: 17
|
Login to reply to this post
Date: 9/17/11 9:54 PM Thank you Gail! Its good to know the Singers work well. The more options--the better!! |
misschris
AUSTRALIA
Member since 2/3/06
Posts: 1337 |
Login to reply to this post
In reply to redrockcity
Date: 9/17/11 10:20 PM Have you thought about buying secondhand? I got my Elnapress very cheap on Ebay. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, the owner just couldn't be bothered using it for ironing! ------
chris
Melbourne
|
redrockcity
Intermediate
MO USA
Member since 11/2/09
Posts: 17
|
Login to reply to this post
Date: 9/18/11 2:20 PM Thank you for the suggestion!
I keep checking the Elna presses on ebay. They seem to be few and far between--and apparently in high demand too! I saw something called a Steam-X ST-X500 Steam Press got high ratings on Amazon, but I can't find much out about it.
|
malice40
Expert/Couture
Member since 6/29/10
Posts: 11 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 10/2/11 4:26 PM It is hard to find Elnapresses on the Internet because the Opal and the Alize, the current product offerings from Elna, have been sold only through authorized dealers stores as far as I have been able to determine, and most people who bought them found that they were "work horses" and didn't want to part with their used ones. I did find one dealer in Texas that appeared to be selling the current models of the machine on-line at a discounted price. You might want to check out their web site just to get some info on the latest models and prices. http://www.thomassewingonline.com/elnaopalpress.html
I had an Elnapress a number of years ago, but I traded it in for a "steam version." Elnapresses are essentially "dry irons" although they come with an attachment called a Vap-o-Jet that attaches to one of the machine's handles and allows the user to dampen the clothes with it. Steam presses can be used as either steam or dry irons.
The Elnapress also has a "double" pressing surface: a "regular" bed that is about 10" x 24," as I recall, and a sleeve board that is about 5" x 24."
Currently steam presses are all over the place in price and size. Generally the larger the pressing surface the higher the price. Vendors on eBay are selling large ones: the Reliable Empressa (11" x 34"), and over on Amazon the Gold Star brand (13" x 32") sells for a comparable price, about $400.
I am currently in the market for one of the big ones, but I will probably have to wait until I get a refund check from Uncle Sam early next year.
Meanwhile keep watching eBay. You never know when a used one will come up for auction.
|
NuMommy
Advanced Beginner
TN USA
Member since 11/27/06
Posts: 76 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 10/11/11 12:20 PM I bought a singer press and sent it back. I kept burning my knuckles. It worked well. I ended up getting an iron maven, and I adore it. |
|Login|Help]
Printable Version
