Irons

Irons have become the subject of much controversy, and in some cases fury. So what can I add that would be of any help??

I think a lot of us have enjoyed a little bit of happy days with an Iron at some point in our lives. Whether it was an old relic

or a fancy new model

which ever Iron has crossed your path, as quilters we've found the need for our Iron of choice to be dependable.

I came across an article in a recent Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine that I thought was worth sharing. It was an Iron Buyers Guide, and while I cannot copy the whole article (I'm sure you can obtain a copy of the Sept/Oct 2001 issue), the subject of water leakage jumped out at me.

Did you know that the most common cause of water leakage is not allowing the iron to heat up fully before use? I know sometimes it is difficult to wait, but don't start pressing until you are sure the iron is hot and the reservoir has built up a head of steam. Also, turn the steam button to OFF when refilling. If it is on, the iron will try to create steam immediately and the cold water will cause leakage.

The article was very informative and well written. The author was Vicki Anderson. There were several irons featured that were steam, dry and craft irons.

As for my own iron, I chose to never put water in my iron. I keep a spray bottle by my ironing board and just spritz whenever I need it. Whether quilting or pressing clothes, I give my iron a pretty good workout and I've been very happy with the results. So much so, that my iron has lasted over 10 years.

I learned a lot from the Iron Buyers Guide. Reliability, longevity and consistent heat are some of the key factors to choosing an iron. I hope you find an iron that fulfills your ironing needs.