As The Iron Steams - Season 2 Premier

I can't believe it!  I've had to lay another iron to rest.  It was only 8 months old.  You can see the first installments of the serial HERE and HERE.

In order to provide full transparency, I must admit that I dropped the old one.  I was concentrating on my pressing and thought I was over the board..... It seemed fine at first, but I fear it was just stunned.  In no time it was leaking all over :(

All I could think is "I don't deserve nice things".  So I bought a cheap iron this time.  So far we are getting along just fine.

I've made progress on my storm at sea.  I'm shocked how long it takes to make such a tiny quilt.

Here is a photo to show the scale -

I've sent these blocks to Beth for her House Swap.
There is still time to participate.  Deadline is January 1st. 

This is my "girls just wanna have fun house"

She is also collecting 12 1/2" blocks for charity quilts.

With so many things to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving I want to take a moment to thank all my blog friends and readers who leave me nice comments, words of encouragement, and who have also shared their inspiration with me.

Happy Thanksgiving U.S. friends, and thanks to friends everywhere!

As The Iron Steams - finale

It was a quiet, somber, dignified affair.  

I would like to thank everyone for their concerns.  It has been a difficult time for us...

All kidding aside, I did try to save the old iron.  I just could not trust it again.  I hold myself to blame for some of that.

I have betrothed myself to this new one.  I would not ordinarily buy such a fancy one, but Macy's was having a great sale.  I've tattooed the date on her just to see how long our relationship will last.

As you can see, I've put her on a pedestal and intend to treat her with respect and kindness.  I also plan to use a tap/distilled mix to help prevent build up.  I have also promised to clean it as instructed, at least 2x a month, if not more.

I went to the Mancuso Tri-State Quilt Fest and saw some lovely quilts - report to follow.

In the meantime I have some new reading:

Great photos and inspiration here -

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - and thanks again for tuning in to "As the Iron Steams (and dies)".

As The Iron Steams

WARNING:  This post in intended for mature audiences.  Some images may be disturbing to less experienced, or younger viewers.

I've been considering a new iron.  My old iron was still getting hot, but the steam holes were clogged and it was dirty.

When I saw this product (at Bed, Bath and Beyond), I decided to give it a try.  Why add to  the landfill if I don't have to, right?

Before starting, this is how my iron looked:

After using it, per instructions, my terry cloth towel looked like this:

After shaking it, my sink looked like this:

After the cleaner went to work inside my iron, this is how it looked:

Next up, the plate cleaner.  I use this one:

This is the recommended amount:

This is what came off:

Actually, there was more, but you get the idea.

After cleaning the iron looks like this.  Much better!  but you can still deposits on those lower steams holes.

During the second rinsing of the steam chamber, this is still coming out of the holes onto the towel.  Oh dear.

Can this iron be saved?
Will Barb ever trust it again?
Is the iron doomed to the landfill?

For the answers to these and other burning questions;
tune in next time on "As the Iron Steams...."