Ann The Gran Community

Do you have an iron and/or ironing board that you love for machine embroidery? Does the size of ironing board really matter?

CCC

I have the Rowenta Pressure Iron and Steamer that is a must in my sewing room. I like it because the water container is separate from the iron, thus less weight in the iron. It does a great job on folding seams and pressing on heavy fabrics, but is also great on delicate items. It was not inexpensive, but worth it for serious sewers. The ironing board cover is heavily padded and has a silicone pad on the large end which allows me to set the iron face down instead of always returning it to the holder.

Like with any craft having the right "tool" not only makes the job eaisier but usually also produces a better end result.  For this reason I use three different irons.  A Rowenta ( not one of the more expensive models) steam iron for general use;  a CNI mini iron for hard to get into places and sometimes 1/4 inch seams; and an old travel iron(flat-no steam holes) found at a garage sale for any iron on fabrics or stablizers.

 On the subject of ironing boards , again a lot depends on your needs.  I have found that a quilters quilters cut & press board with the mat on the back serves for most projects.  I use it on my craft table and move it as necessary.  Also as a long time seamstress I also have a "ham" for pressing curves  and a point press that I made myself useing my handy saw.

I have the Maytag Cordless Iron that is wonderful.  NOTHING sticks to it and it was really made for Quilters.  I heard they were going to stop making it and liked it so much that I bought a spare.  As for the size of the ironing board, I have a full size one for bigger projects and one that folds down from the door.  also have a pad that sits on my Koala cabinet next to my machine (probley the most used area).  You will find what works best for you just by trial and error.  Carole

I have tried several different irons and many prices ranges. My favorite irons and the ONLY iron that I buy now is Black & Decker. The top of the line with the stainless steel bottom. They run about $40.00 - $45.00. They outlast any other iron that I have tried and they steam great.

Lori

I use the rowenta professional iron and have always enjoyed it. It has a great strong steam and can spray fabric. I have had mine for about 6 years. I use a short over the door ironing board in my sewing room that I fold up and out of the way when not sewing. I do have a full size ironing board for regular ironing, but don't iron much. My mother in law gave me a fabulous clothing steamer that I trully love. WIsh I had it years ago, when I had 4 children and a spouse that needed dress shirts iron every Sunday.  That steamer is a model that has a water tank that sits on the floor. It can press wrinkles out of a lot of luandry in just a few minutes. Love all your comments and your enthusiasm. God bless. I am glad you are enjoying your machine. I have had an embroidery machine for about 10 years and still love it and love to sew. SO you go, girl... Mabel

Hi Cathy,

I have a Phillips Mistral 54 steam-dry iron, and it works just great! I am not looking for a better or different iron. My ironing boards are a regular board and a small sleeve board. Sometimes I would like a larger area, especially when ironing large fabric projects, such as duvet covers, curtains, blankets, etc.

I have the Husqvarna Viking Rose, the Husqvarna Viking Designer SE, and a Janome Babylock Serger - all wonderful sewing machines. 

Put my pin on Winkler, Manitoba, CANADA!

 Hilda

Hi all, I always keep my embroidery iron  seperate just for iron on stabilizer and for applique fusible web. Every few weeks I clean the sole plate while its cold to remove anything which builds up on it. You can use any size ironing board, but it is best if your whole embroidery hoop fits on it then you can use it as a soft table when hooping. Its also good to use an applique mat to catch any iron on stabilizer or applique fusible "glue"

Chris from Oz

I love love love my Rowenta with the retractable cord. I've had Rowenta irons since I went to Sweden 18 years ago.  I used my niece's in Uppsala Sweden and fell in love with it.  Thank goodness when I got back to the states they started showing up in the United States!  The only other iron I'd consider would be the cordless Maytag but I've yet to fine one...I think they are discontinued??? 

 As for my ironing board - I've used my Mom's from the 50's until this year.  I purchased a new ironing board at Costco and it's really large - 19" wide x 49" long.  It has a seperate spot to put the iron.  It's taken a bit to get used to it, but I love it.

I'm saving for a 'Miracle Ironing Board Cover'.  NOTHING sticks to it.  It's slippery but once you get used to it - it's great.  My sister has one and I've used it and have decided I need one.  They are a bit pricey but worth it.

Hi, the iron I use is a WalMart special under $10 and I use a regular ironing board that can be set high for ironing standing up or lowered to sewing maching level for use as an extended table.  Would you want to put a push pin in every place I lived and embroidered?  I'm currently living in El Dorado Springs, MO.  Moved from Roswell, NM 6 mo. ago.  I started Embroidery in Embarrass Minnesota about 12 years ago, still learning new stuff on a daily basis.  I found Ann's site back then and even enjoyed her site when it was much smaller than it is now. 

Hi Cathy,

I too am new to ME!  I have a Brothers Innovis 4000D and love it.   One of my friends bought one a few months after I did so we are learnng and sharing together.  I love my Rowenta Professional iron...  I have been using this one for 19 years and it is performing beautifully still.  I have all sorts of other ironing aids in terms of taloring sleeves etc.  All are appropriate on different things.  The old faithful standard ironing borad with a good pad will never be replaced in my humble estimation.

For your "where are we" map....I am in Newport News Virginia

My husband too had discovered that I have lost interest in cooking, cleaning and can you just imagine,,,..shopping for anything other than embroidery related needs..   He is in shock over that as am I.

My first projects were to  embroider fun stuff on aprons for all our adult kids and spouses for Christmas with their Christmas checks in the pockets...  The grand kids had a hoot over the "stuff" on their parents aprons...  Just wait till they get their pillows (suitable for camping, overnights etc etc) with some fun stuff that relates to them this year!   I dream ideas now...

Happy stitching...

          Laurie Gassman

I use the Euro-Pro x it has a large water tank and makes plenty of steam about $200, I also have the same type of presser that Ann has, thats OK for straight and flat pressing but  you can't use it for hard to get into places like underarm curves.

I have the full size Rowena with the detached water tank. It is wonderful when working on large, flat pieces of fabric, but can be too large when working on tiny stuff. The steam feature is excellent and does not spit or splutter. I have a full sized ironing board that is kept open and next to the cutting table in my sewing room.

Nancy in IN

Hi Cathy,

I have the GE Max with a retracable cord which I love.  My ironing board is made of wood and probably 65 years old.  It belonged to my mother.  I also have the quilters Cut N Press which stays on a table next to my machine.  The thing that I would part never want to part with is my Cut N Press,  I use it for everything.  When I want to pin something I just use the soft side and when I want to trim just flip it over.

Marge

Hey Laurie!

I have the Innovis 4000LTD too and I live in Virginia Beach!  Let me know if you hear of any embroidery classes going on in this area.  I am new to ME also....just got my machine last September.

Debi