Okay, I think I'd better defend myself over the whole ironing board issue before someone calls the quilt police! LOL! I don't know if they make those tabletop boards thinking that people won't use them a whole lot or what, but the fabric they use for the covers seems a bit flimsy and not of the best quality--kind of like that somewhat thin but stiff fabric you can find at discount department stores for a couple bucks a yard. Add to that the fact that I often do things like sew up 284 half square triangles and press them open all at once--I have a feeling that doing that repetitive pressing tends to overheat the batting and the board cover and eventually the textiles start to break down. I never leave my iron plate down on the board and half the time I don't even leave it sitting up on the board, so that's not the problem. Maybe my iron is too hot? But I don't really think so.
One of these days soon, I'll need to stop quilting long enough to sew up a new ironing board cover. I have some nice, heavier cotton, and Quilt Nut was kind enough to take pity on me and provide THIS link to a site that shows how to make a new cover for your board which is pretty cool.
I wish I could stay home and play with fabric today--I'm still working on the tulip quilt--but it's time to get ready and head to the job that pays me to show up. Happy quilting and crafting!
I don't think you should feel badly.....you'll probably be very happy when you win the prize for the "worst ironing cover". :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's the "Best Loved Cover"!! And maybe the quilt police EXPECT us to use our boards to the max! Don't worry your head Kimmy -- there's worser ones out there!
ReplyDeleteEwww...gross!!!
ReplyDeleteJust a thought...
Rather than making a cover, you might consider getting some batting and fabric and using a staple gun to attach it (wrapping it around and stapling to the back side)...similar to upolstering furniture. Then you wouldn't have to fuss with a casing, drawsting, etc. Once it's worn out you can pull out the staples and start over again.
Thanks for that link I may have to try that...I'm likin' kairle's idea of using a staple gun too...duct tape and staple guns 2 of my favorite tools LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to post a picture of my ironing surface - it's right up your alley. Nice square board, batting and four stubby legs - sits at the end of the counter by my sewing machine. And, like yours it shows where I do all my pressing - dark brown stain.
ReplyDeleteThe ironing board in my sewing studio is one of those drop down off the door jobs. The covers are overpriced and I am cheap! I made a cover by tracing the shape, adding 4 inches, made a casing and shoved elastic in it. I used two strips of scrap cotton batting to pad the top. I used crappy cotton fabric from Joann's, took about 45 minutes, it looks great and cost less than $3!
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