SecondHandRogue
 Advanced Beginner RI USA Member since 12/28/05 Posts: 530 |
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Date: 3/23/12 9:21 PM I am looking to set up a station next to my sewing machine, probably on top of my rolling Horn chest, to press blocks and block fragments as I sew. I was wondering what the best mini pressing board might be, and am looking for a mini iron as well. It doesn't have to iron anything but quilting cotton, and need be no larger than 13 inches or so.
I like the looks of the steady betty ironing pad, any experience? As for mini irons, I am stumped...hope to hear some good ideas here ------ Yards sewn 2012: 34
Yards sewn 2013: 13.5 (goal 70!) |
Warbler
 Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2612 |
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In reply to SecondHandRogue <<  1 member likes this.
Date: 3/23/12 9:57 PM I won a Steady Betty iron pad and really like it. I press with a dry Rowenta travel iron and never put water in it. The SB holds the pieces well so they do not distort while pressing. What I do not like about the Steady Betty... and this is just me and my preference, aesthetically, I do not like that it is made from an inorganic foam material. I like things that are made from more natural materials. I made a press board a la Sharon Schamber but it is too big. The steady betty I have is 12x12 and fits nicely to the left of my sewing machine. ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91 |
Maia B
 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3514 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 3/23/12 10:21 PM I also use a dry Rowenta travel iron. Gets nice and hot, and is not fatiguing to use. I stand up and go to my cutting table, where I use a June Tailor Cut n Press. It's just a tad too padded, but works well enough. Sitting too long hurts, and my iron is on a seperate circuit. ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸 |
PattiAnnJ
 Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223 |
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 2 members like this. Date: 3/23/12 10:53 PM I would be better for your body if you did not sit so long.
I sew until I have to press and then I get up and walk a few steps to the ironing board to help prevent aches and stiffness. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman |
TessKwiltz
 Intermediate TX USA Member since 9/21/07 Posts: 1339 |
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 1 member likes this.
Date: 3/24/12 11:56 AM Quote: Maia B I also use a dry Rowenta travel iron. Gets nice and hot, and is not fatiguing to use. I stand up and go to my cutting table, where I use a June Tailor Cut n Press. It's just a tad too padded, but works well enough. Sitting too long hurts, and my iron is on a seperate circuit. I have almost exactly the same setup, except my iron is a Reliable (which I don't really like btw and am looking for something else).
My Cut & Press is so old, the padding's pretty well worn down. I've been eyeing the Sharon Schamber board. I'd like a board big enough to press a fat quarter all at once, which mine isn't.
I am also one who likes to stand up and press periodically, or I will sit for so long I can't move the next day.  ------ Tess
On threadpainting flowers: "How many colors are in a flower? ... How many do you have?" - Ellen Anne Eddy |
waltzqueen
 Advanced Beginner TX USA Member since 7/13/07 Posts: 3 |
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 1 member likes this. Date: 3/26/12 11:28 AM Another option - I found a mini ironing board cover at a quilt show that fits over those plain wooden tray tables you find in stores everywhere. Makes a great mini ironing board for quilting. |
SecondHandRogue
 Advanced Beginner RI USA Member since 12/28/05 Posts: 530 |
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Date: 3/30/12 8:29 PM Thanks formally the responses. I guess I will have to choose between making the schamber board--cool video!--or try out the steady Betty.
For now, I am taking pattiann's advice and getting up to press--i am trying to get serious about my pressing for the first time, and planning the sewing and pressing in stages is probably good practice! ------ Yards sewn 2012: 34
Yards sewn 2013: 13.5 (goal 70!) |
Maia B
 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3514 |
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Date: 3/30/12 8:56 PM Nancy's Notion has a 16x16" SB for about $36. Anyone know of a better price? ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸 |
Warbler
 Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2612 |
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Date: 3/30/12 11:12 PM If you have a 50% off Joann's coupon - they sell the SB. ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91 |
threaddy
 Advanced WY USA Member since 4/22/09 Posts: 2395 |
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Date: 3/31/12 10:38 AM I use the large Steady Betty on a small laptop table that has wheels and is sturdy. That way I can roll the table to where I need to press...near the serger or near the sewing machine. Plus the height adjusts. I bought it at Office Depot Item # 100005..the mobile laptop cart It has tons of uses in the sewing room. Even if you want to lay our your garment pieces to sew...or put a cutting mat on it and cut out near the machine.
I just checked Office Depot website...the item # is 366972 now..looks to be the same thing. $39.99 with free shipping for a $50 order, same as almost 2 years ago. -- Edited on 3/31/12 10:45 AM -- ------ "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Theodore Rubin
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw
Bernina vintage and embroidery serger 234 and BLcoverstitch |