Iron Wars

 In reading Quilt Blogs 

for several years

a common theme and BIG frustration

has been to find a decent iron that will last.

As quilters we all are looking for

something affordable

that can be used every day

and will perform for a long period of time.

I have read review after review

as we try out this iron and that iron,

and have been as exasperated as the rest of you.

I once had a Rowenta that I loved and used for years.

It was replaced by another expensive new Rowenta

that began sputtering and dripping within a year.

grrrrrrr.....

...obviously they lowered their standards in design.

I finally resorted to buying inexpensive irons that 

were good for about a year and then tossed in the garbage.

Last week I found myself in the position of needing a new iron

AGAIN

but just as apprehensive about making a purchase.

In order to make a decision, I read what other quilters are saying recently

about their irons.

My friend Nanette (Freda's Hive)

wrote a similar post about her hunt for a decent iron

and how she had decided upon an affordable

Digital Advantage by Black and Decker

I read a few more reviews and decided

to give this model a try also.

I will keep you posted on how it works

or IF it works long term.

 One of the nice things about the 

Digital Advantage was the cost.

I didn't feel like I had to risk big bucks only be later disappointed.

At a retail cost of  $45

and using my 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond

I came home happy.

The iron is heavy in weight and feels solid to the touch.

With a week's worth of use,

it has provided excellent steam and glide.

So far so good!

Let's hope it lasts.

And to cheer up my sewing room

I even splurged with a new Ironing Board cover.

Happy Days are Here Again!

We quilters are easily pleased :)

Miracle Ironing Board Cover

 Happy Valentines Day

my friends!

I  hope your day is filled with

XXXX 's

and

OOOO 's

 I bought myself a little 

Valentines present

and let me tell you, 

I am in 

LOVE

 Years ago I had purchased a 

Miracle Ironing Board Cover

and used it

and used it
and used it

until it eventually wore out.

 Next I decided to purchase a regular

cotton covered 

ironing board cover.

because it was easy to grab

at a local store.

 What was I thinking?

I must have been experiencing a 

brain cloud

or

a memory lapse

because within a few months

the cheap muslin cover was marred with

ugly stains

and the pad was thin and worn through.

 As a quilter who uses an ironing board every day

I knew how to remedy the problem.

I quickly went back to 

my first love

and purchased a 

Miracle Ironing Board Cover

 The covers are woven with a fiberglass yarn

guaranteed  * never to burn. 

(* set iron on MEDIUM heat )

It's the same kind of material

used for 

firefighters, race car drivers and astronauts

protective clothing.
They come in a wide variety of sizes and product.

When ironing delicate linens or silks

the nap allows the iron to glide smoothly

and buttons to sink into the cushion.

For quilters, it's wonderful for pressing seams

and avoids the imprints 

from the seam allowance.

I am now happy, happy, happy

and only wish I could find an iron

that demonstrates the 

same kind of quality.