came in the mail for me today. My new iron! I can barely write this post because I'd rather be ironing right now.
Ironing was not a task I ever looked forward to. I can still remember being a miserable ten-year old because I couldn't get the hang of ironing. I wore permanent press and polyester far longer than I should have to avoid the task. Discovering Rowenta irons about twenty years ago cured me. I learned that it wasn't that I was inept, it was my tools.
The first Rowenta I bought cost $125 - in 1991. A big chunk of my budget. But I'd heard miraculous tales of easy pressing from other quilters and had to try one. I had to drive sixty miles to the nearest quilt shop to get it, but I'd been sucked in by the hype and had to find out for myself.
I was hooked and soon began looking for things to press. Fabric was fun but not very challenging. Too flat. I wanted shirts, with collars and yokes and plenty of buttons. Pleated skirts. Ruffles! My Rowenta could handle it all in one pass. Ironing was no longer a chore but a joy.
Since then, I've bought five new irons. I have at least three of my old ones, because nothing is wrong with them. The company just keeps improving the technology so I have to keep up.
Sometimes having the right tool makes all the difference. I remember my aunt telling me if I wasn't enjoying sewing, it was probably because of my sewing machine. I had a cheap Kenmore. She was sewing on a Bernina which was well out of my price range. It wasn't until many years later when I bought my first Bernina that I understood. Quality may cost more, but it wins out in the end.
Have you got a favorite (and pricey) tool you can't do without? Do tell, so we can run out and try it.
I'll be at the ironing board if you need me.
10 comments:
There are a few 'tools' out there that make chores easier. I agree that a great iron and great sewing machine make all the difference in productive quilting and sewing. My favorite tool right now is the rice cooker my DH got me. Perfect every time instead of the hit-and-miss of the past.
I tried a rice cooker and I got a gummy mess that was impossible to get out of the pan. Of course, that cooker cost only $6. Do you think that might have had something to do with my lack of success???
Thanks Carol!
I have to admit that the idea of a new iron doesn't excite me, Terri. A new electric skillet? Maybe. A new computer? Well, my current one and I get along fine, but I do need to be able to keep up with changes in technology, I suppose.
Just my computer. Oh, and these days, my yoga mat. :)
I do appreciate my iron when I have it. And my blender. Both bought by my mom as Xmas presents, when she goes out and spend more on a THING than I could bring myself to do and gets me one that really works. I think that's the difference--something that does everything right makes a job at least tolerable, if not fun.
If you ever hear of a vacuum cleaner that makes you feel that way, let me know.
As a matter of fact, Becky, I love my Dyson. Tres expensive, but really does the job. That odious job.
Put it on your Christmas list.
Linda, I haven't had an electric skillet for years and years. You use it alot?
Terri, try rinsing your rice at least once before adding the correct measure of water to it. Then again, it might be the inexpensive rice cooker. I only use the Matahama jasmine rice.
I've been drooling over new irons lately. My kids laugh at me when we walk through by the irons in the store. I pick each of them up looking for the heaviest one. A good iron makes me so happy! :)
Thanks, Carol. I got rid of the cooker and went back to cooking it in the microwave.
Okay, Steph! We need good tools to make these jobs go easier.
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