Tools of the Trade: Irons

A couple of years ago my sister-in-law commented that she was still using the same she’s had since she got married about 40 years ago.  Well that right there tells you she isn’t a quilter (yet—but I working on her!!).  I’ve gone through dozens in less time than that.  For years I used a wonderful T-Fal iron they used to sell at Sam’s Club.  In fact, those are the irons we had in the shop.  They were inexpensive—about $30—had great steam and would last through heavy use and many falls on the floor.  Unfortunately they don’t sell that model anymore.  I bought two different T-Fal models but they both failed to steam.  Many quilters don’t use steam but I do.  And I also IRON not press in direct opposition to what most quilting “experts” advise.  My blocks fit together nicely and my quilts end up flat and square so I’m not going to change anything.  When I put the top on the frame to be quilted I want it well-ironed with smooth seams.

Anyway, I’d been using a Sunbeam iron that worked pretty well but the cord shorted out and it would no longer heat up so I went on the hunt to find a decent iron for quilting.  I’ve gone through all the expensive brands (Rowenta, Bernina, Reliable, Oliso…) with poor to marginal results so I tend to go low-end and replace them frequently.  The funniest thing I found in my search was a warranty on the soleplate.  That just cracked me up.  I’ve had irons quit steaming, start leaking, burn out, heat too high, not heat, etc., etc., etc., but the ONLY thing that hasn’t failed is the soleplate.  I’m just wondering what could possibly go wrong with it. 

What I ended up with is this Hamilton Beach iron.  It was cheap and it steams like a champ.  In fact, it steam so much I’m afraid it will take the wallpaper off the wall if I set the ironing board too close to the wall!!

I’ll let you know how it works out.