Who says that about ironing? Me, now that I have my Iron Rite Ironer (Mangle) working. I had no idea how much fun and how neat this was to use.
We took a little trip in April to California and some of our favorite antique stores. I like the stores in Orange best. I purchased this top.
Paid way too much for it, but I am a sucker for Ruby McKim patterns and this is flowers from her
"Flower Garden Quilt" 1930.
It did have issues. Some stains and the construction was awful. Big rippley sashing. I just had to start taking it apart immediately. So after a trip to Jo-Ann's for a seam ripper, I spent the remaining days of our trip taking it apart. Not an easy project. Tiny, tiny stitches in some parts.
By the time we got back home I had it all apart. Soaked the blocks, and gently washed the green sashing and borders. I knew I wanted to make the blocks smaller, too much background for me. When I had them all laid out to dry, I thought about the Iron Rite Model 88 I had sitting in my garage for over a year. One thing lead to another, and soon I had the thing working with a new muslin cover. Doesn't it look great?
I had no idea just how great this was to iron with. It is soooo cool! In no time at all I had all of the blocks and sashing pressed and ready to recut. This machine is a must if you love and do applique and embroidery. There is no way my handheld iron could have gotten these so perfectly pressed. You press them damp and it is like you starched them. If you want more info on the ironers check this site out.
Lots of info and there are videos on using the thing. Who knew?
Finished top!I am very happy with the finished results. Now I am thinking about all those vintage dresser scarfs that need washing and ironing.
