What kind of iron do you use?

Have a Rowenta that I've had around two years. I really liked it until it began leaking at random times. I've discovered after looking around online that it's a common problem. I really liked it, but am hesitant to get another. It had a long precision tip that I really liked. I used the water suggested...our tap water is softened, so used a combo of distilled and water from our one tap that is NOT softened...still leaks.

So...what do you all use....anything you really really like?

I use a Rowenta and love it. This is my second one. My first one lasted over 15years. There is a Rowenta that is 'drip resistant', but that's not the one I have. I use water from the tap as well, which is what they suggest.

I have a Rowenta and love it. DSIL and DD have one and I was jealous, so they got me one for my birthday. I don't have any problems with leaking or anything and use just regular tap water. Our tap water in the bathrooms where I get the water for this one is softened.

I have a Rowenta too and love it. It's the second one for me in about 12 years.
My old one does not have an auto shut off. It works, but started spitting stains
on my fabric (after 12 years) but I do use it for nasty jobs like fusing etc.
I did try an Oliso at the QS, but not sure I like the way it pops up and down.

They have an Oliso at the LQS. I can't remember how it works, so lift it up anyway, so what's the point.

I have to say I like my Oliso iron! I think it saves on my arthritic hands to not have to turn it on end and set it back down again. . . (or could be I just fooled myself into believing that? )

I have a Black and Decker and love it. It steams, but I found out if I steam by blocks they tend to get bent out of shape! Kinda like me sometimes! So now I just use sizing instead.

I have three Rowentas, one big one and one little one I'm using, and one big one extra for a back up. I've had great luck with them so far. Norma

I too, am a Rowenta fan. Have had three of them and have never had any trouble with them leaking or spitting.

I have an Oliso and I really like it. It saves my wrist from hurting. It took a little tell I remembered that it does the lift for me; you never have to rotate your wrist by putting it on end. I had a Rowenta, and I loved the steam that came out of it. Then I do not steam my quilt blocks, so no need for the steam.

Rowenta, my teacher's old one. I, also, prefer spray sizing.

Schnookie wrote:

I have an Oliso and I really like it. It saves my wrist from hurting. It took a little tell I remembered that it does the lift for me; you never have to rotate your wrist by putting it on end. I had a Rowenta, and I loved the steam that came out of it. Then I do not steam my quilt blocks, so no need for the steam.

I love my Oliso for the same reason, Schnookie! I think it's really ergonomic for the arthur in my hands and wrists. I did have to have one replaced, though - it went up and down at will! Sometimes quite a few times in a row. I'd have my back to the ironing board, sitting at my sewing machine, and I'd hear that iron doing push-ups!! Sometimes as many as many as 16 of them!!

Yikes...a ghost in an iron!

I have a small Rowenta but have yet to use it since I bought it for retreats and classes....and have not been to one since! Glad to hear most of you like yours. I generally use a proctor silex one...nothing special. Guess I should drag that little one out!

I would like to know what kind of sizing you like? I have never used it but feel it may help. I don't use steam either, since it may cause stretching and I tend to IRON a bit instead of pressing, which I am trying to stop!!!

I have two irons - a big Sunbeam Professional iron and a small travel Rowenta. Most of the time I use the Sunbeam but if I am fusing something I use the smaller iron.

Me too gnomatter! iron vs. pressing.....I tend to iron and not press

My iron is a Shark..I'm not sure who makes it? It steams like mad when I want it to..but the steam feature can be shut off.

I love Best Press. It's a starch alternative with a non aerosol spray. It smells good too.
I used one bottle up and needed to get more. I have to go across town to get it, so out of necessity I bought a generic version from the grocery store. They did a good job of copying it because other than the aroma, I couldn't tell the difference.
I don't use it for prepping applique pieces..so I don't know if it gets stiff enough for that use? It gives fabrics a bit of body, and helps to keep them from stretching while piecing if you apply and press before cutting.

The sizing is Magic sizing and comes in a spray can. I have been using Niagara starch in a nonaerosol bottle. Target carries it.

I really like Mary Ellen's Best Press, which I bought at an LQS. I bought a gallon jug so I can refill the spray bottle. I don't think the scent lingers on the fabric, and it's such a light, pleasant smell while ironing - kind of helps take me to a better place while doing the dreaded fabric pressing/ironing! If I want it stiffer, I spray front and back, then iron, then respray. I never have any trouble with little white flecks as I have with other sizings and starches. Of course, it's also more expensive - wouldn't you know?!? I justify it because since I still work full-time my quilting time is limited. That means I don't use the Best Press up nearly as quickly as I would if I could spend hours every day in my quilting room!

Some things are just worth the price?
I iron DH's work clothes. I don't enjoy ironing..but like you said Mary Ann..that pleasant smell takes you to a better place? Some things you just don't have to justify?
I'm not advocating complete self indulgence with no regard to finances or others' wants/needs, but if you enjoy a fancy coffee drink, a favorite tea, perfume, lotion, chocolate, flowers, fabrics, ..whatever "floats your boat" you should have them! We all need those little things that make life enjoyable? Don't think of it as being self indulgent..think of those little pleasures as necessities? It's the little things that lift your spirit?

We think alike, Annie! In most ways I live fairly simply, not much of a "girly-girl" when it comes to products - I probably splurge the most in my quilting room - with nice fabrics that go into long lasting projects - and nice tools and gadgets that I know I'll use for a long time. Ha! I'm making myself feel better all the time about the pleasure of using Best Press!

AOL, your talk of everyone having their own frivolities reminds me of the time DH and I went to a custard (ice cream) shop. I couldn't decide if I wanted Almonds or Pecans on my ice cream. While I was deciding (or not deciding would be a better description), DH said, "Honey, you probably blow $5 a day on nothing. Go for it and get both." I did.

Luvs..don't you love it when DH's get all logical like that?

It's kind of funny, when I use my Best Press..or have a cup of flavored tea..or whatever..I like to really "be in the moment" and enjoy them. It seems like so much of what I do in regards to cleaning and cooking etc, is done on "auto pilot"? It's nice to stop and smell the...Best press?