Ironing damp fabrics smooth and seeing patterns emerge is one of my favourites parts of the dyeing process:
I asked for recommendations both here on my blog and on my Facebook account. Both Rowenta & Black & Decker brands were popular choices but neither is available at the Australian stores I visited (although we have a B&D iron in the main house that we bought ages ago). I’ve veered away from the Tefal in the past because of its bulky profile but since none of my previous irons (top-end Sunbeams and low-end, department store homebrands) has performed particularly well I thought I would follow reader Judy’s recommendation. So far, apart from the smell (think new car smell on steroids), I am quite impressed – great heat, steamy steam and fine mist diffuser, and auto on-off without an annoying beerp. Thanks Judy!
And in answer to Sue’s question on my previous post, the fabric pieces that I scrunch into the plastic containers are approximately 24×36 inches and sometimes I squeeze in a smaller piece later in the batching to get a lighter colour. My base fabric this time is some 180cm wide white calico purchased from Lincraft. I think this might be a new line. Certainly I’ve not seen it before. Anyway, it’s not a high thread count and there are slubs here and there but it has dyed up beautifully and has a soft hand so I will be buying some more.
francoise says
Oh, yummy!
My red fabrics are not that hot… I’m dyeing again today!
Ruth says
Brenda,
I have tried japara recently. It has a high thread count and I read somewhere it was also good for printing onto. It dyed similar to homespun but has a crisper feel about it. I have not tried quilting it yet.
Ruth
Terri says
Fabulous results!
Stephanie from Perth says
I am lucky enough to have an ironing press that makes quick work of yardage and gives a great finish
Lisa says
I love the colors! So beautiful.
Judy says
Brenda,
Lovely reds! Glad you are finding your new iron just the ticket, having raised three daughters you have no idea the number of irons we had to replace when they went through their teenage years theykept getting dropped and knocked off the end of the board, feel I’ve done brand test on nearly everything, but the biggest advantage of my Tefal is it is my first iron that does not spit. Happy ironing.