Hot tip

One of the items on my wish list from Santa was a new iron.  Now I normally don't request presents that plug in, but I have 2 reasons for wanting a new iron.  Here is reason number one. 
Trashed cover from drips and steam. Ewwwww.

You can bet that if my steam iron is doing this to my ironing board cover, my fabric and clothes are getting the same treatment.  I currently use a Black and Decker Classic steam/dry iron, and I love the cute vintage-y look of it.   It's small, not too heavy, and gets good and hot. McSteamy!  Reminds me of the one my Grandma used.  There it is on the left.

 It actually drips way less than my expensive Rowenta ( which has been sentenced to the back of the closet without parole, for bad behavior), and it also costs under $30.  So if this one works so good why ask for another?
Reason number two.  Holes.

The holes on steam irons always get caught on the edges of my fabric, especially when I'm piecing or doing applique.  Then I have to re- press to get the crunched fabric to lay flat.  Not fun when you're working with little 2.5 inch squares.
So I looked around on the Internet and found a Continental dry iron with a flat sole plate.  Problem solved.  Now I keep a spray bottle handy if I need to add some dampness.  The price is still under $30.  However it does not have an automatic shut-off like most irons (personally I find this feature annoying).  So if you are the type that leaves the house for a two hour trip to Ikea, then says to the hubby  "Did I turn off the iron?", it may not work for you.  Over the years I've gotten into the habit of turning off lights, sewing machine and iron when I leave the room, so I'm not too worried about it.

Now about that ironing board cover.  There are lots of tutorials out there on how to re -cover your ironing board, so I won't bore you with the details.  Let's just say it's about time.

Fresh and clean for the New Year!

 Thank you Santa : )