The Ironing Board is alive and well at my house! Libby over at Simply Libby is asking us to show our ironing boards. OK, here's mine.Underneath all that is a real ironing board. I had decided that I wanted one of those big boards several years ago but was too cheap to spend the dollars plus shipping. CarGuy came to my rescue and build a big board for me out of 1/2" plywood. There is a frame on the bottom side that fits right over my ironing board so the big board doesn't shift. I padded it using Sandra Betzina's recommendation of a wool blanket and then covered it with the teflon covering. Thank goodness I have an electric staple gun, (mine, not CarGuy's) 'cause I put it to good use on this. I can lay a fat quarter on this and iron it flat without having to shift the fabric.
I can just hear you asking "What's with the floral fabric?" I use a lot of starch when I'm piecing. And because I'm basically lazy I lay this piece of cotton floral decorator fabric on my big board and spray away. It is hanging over the back quite a bit right now, but when I'm starching I pull the back up and straight pin it to the little quilt hanging above it. That way I keep the starch off the wall and the board. When it gets so full of starch that it could stand up I can throw it into the washing machine rather than have to recover the board.
I have 2 irons. The one resting on the big board is the quilting iron. The reservoir is always kept dry and this iron gets really, really hot. You can see the other iron in an upright position back there in the corner. It's the one that gets used for everything else. I'm about ready to snag Auntie's iron because it is a dry, electric iron. No steam holes. THAT I can use!
And the reason the board looks as clean as it does, is that I just finished a project (the QOV quilt) and like Paul Sr. at Orange County Choppers (OCC) I clean up the 'shop' after a project.
What a great idea to put fabric on when you spray starch! I'll give it a try. I have a big ironing board, too, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't know how I managed before I got it (though I did manage!).
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who actually bought one of these...not made it herself...and boy, she did pay a pretty penny for it. You were smart and clever to make your own! We use hers at community quilting on Mondays so I knew how fabulous they are! I'm still staring at the fresh bread on your kitchen counter, however. Could you please pass us each a piece? I think I can smell it from here ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful ironing board!! And that is a great idea for keeping the spray starch under control.
ReplyDeleteGotta luv those handy men!
ReplyDeleteI almost feel like apologizing - but, you're tagged. I'd like to learn more about the people behind the blogs I enjoy so hope you participate. If you've already been tagged a bunch or don't enjoy this stuff, please feel free to opt out. The rules are on itsthecatshouse.blogspot.com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm a starcher, too . . . I have an old flannel sheet that I tape up to the door and drape down under my board to protect from the over-spray. After cleaning the gunk from the door, I quickly learned I must do something to protect it *s*
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely love your ironing board. To have one where you don't have to keep shifting fabric. One day when I can make some space ...
ReplyDeleteOooh -- I do love your ironing board setup. Though, I couldn't quilt without my steam. Love me some steam. Now, if I could just find a place where I could set up a board like that...hmmmn...think my daughter would be upset if I used her room? I mean, she's only 2, not like she uses her room or anything...
ReplyDeletewhat wonderful ideas! I love the idea of 2 irons - that just makes so much sense! And I need to had my man do up a larger board. What did you use for leg support? Is it on a hard table? And the fabric for the wall's protect....wow....
ReplyDeleteYou are very creative and generous to share. Thanks for the wealth of info! I'm itching now for a larger board!
Paula, Where did you get the teflon covering?
ReplyDeleteSheri
Wow! Thanks for the big board tutorial. I have a Michael Graves oversized board - but I like yours better. I'm thinking I need to do this project sometime. Hope you win the ironing board challenge.
ReplyDeleteSheri, JoAnn sells shiny silver ironing-proof fabric for about ten dollars a yard. I covered my entire space with it when we rebuilt my working section of the kitchen so I can iron anywhere-it's the best. Under it is quilted fabric my sister made Quillows from several years ago and sent me the remnants. Hello new ironing surface. I also have a "regular ironing board" that I use a lot as well.
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