Frequent readers will recognize this photo from my Studio Refresh post from last week, when I shared about discovering I had not five, but six! irons in the house. As I explained, a few were 'backups' that were having issues. Those have since been disposed of. The two small irons remain, as does the yellow Oliso, my current backup. That in itself feels better.
- gravity-fed iron (suggested by Wawak)
- irons with stainless steel soleplates without steam - thus without holes in the soleplate
So there's lots to consider when purchasing a new iron, and since folks asked, I went with one recommended by workshop teacher Maria Shell. It's the BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron. Maria does use the steam function, and I did buy some distilled water just in case I decide I need it, but for now, I'm using it dry. And I like it! I use it on level 9 (linen), as hot as it goes, and it seems to be working well with my quilting projects, plus it feels really good in my hand. One of these days, I'll report back in on it. It does have a ceramic soleplate, so I'm hoping that wears well.
Anyway, I just wanted to bring the conversation over to the blog, as I thought it was interesting and enlightening, plus I think irons are something we're all interested in. Let me know if you have any thoughts....
I recently bought an iron at Fred Meyer. It does not get hot enough! So thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteFinding a good iron for quilt making has been such a journey. I finally have one that is working - for now - but I am adding your ideas to my list just in case.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to have a backup plan, right? ;-)
DeleteThis looks like a beautiful iron - yes, please let us know how you like it after trying it out. I do not use steam in my irons - just a spray bottle when needed.
ReplyDeleteI have a bigger iron from a hardware store which works wonderfully, but is getting older - and a little oliso iron which works really well too.
Irons are so important with quilting, cloths and any and all projects.
Thank you for sharing, Debbie!
One thing I didn't take from my mom's home when going through things, was her stainless steel plate iron. It was a great iron, nice weight, easy grip. Since I don't use water in my current iron, it has lasted quite awhile. My next iron may be a stainless steel plate, though! Glad you found one that works for you!
ReplyDeleteI don't love the way my Oliso catches fabric and folds it back sometimes (and golly can it accumulate lint inside in places I can't seem to keep clean). Thanks for this suggestion, I'm going to keep it in mind!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips and ideas on irons. Right now I'm using a Sunbeam iron and I use it on 'linen' for most quilt cotton. I'm careful on lighter weight fabrics and turn it down as needed.
ReplyDeleteSome of my fellow quilt guild members use small Oliso irons for sew-ins/travel and really like them.
At first I read it as "irons in the fire.".......I've been using Black and Decker from WalMart, about $22 each. When it burns out (12-15 months) I have a replacement still in its box.
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