Do you use a mini iron?

I just saw mini irons at JoAnn's.

Do any of you sweet QDs use one? (qd = quilting divas);)

Hugs
Mia

I was ironing last night and really thought about how useful it could be, but I don't have one. I'm curious, too!

I hear they are great for small pieces - like in applique. Since I don't do applique and need to get off my hiney to do some, maybe I'll invest in one someday.

Hugs,

which mini iron are you refering to? the one that looks like a soldering iron w/a iron shape at the end or a iron that is a true mini. have tried both, the soldering iron is awkward for me to use, arthritic hands, and the mini's cord gets in the way and comes unplugged. the mini is almost too lightweight,,,the cord outweighs it. had high hopes :(

I have both types. The soldering iron shape works OK but I usually just use my regular iron. I tend to knock it off the little table I use as an ironing board near my machine. the mini one, disappointed in it. the cord does not stay plugged in and seems to tip easily. I think if I ever get a chance to take a class somewhere either would be handy but right now that's not happening.

I have the Dritz Petite Press. I like it more then the ones that look like a soldering iron. The Petite Press is wonderful for pressing seams on blocks.

Thanks everyone,.......... I asked because I THINK .... don't know but think.....I'm making my blocks and strip sets wonky from the way I iron. I cannot imagine another reason why I sew two fabrics together and get a bit of distortion. Perhaps that should have been my original question. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Hugggs
Mia

Mia, I have three (4) mini irons that I use (depending on which sewing station I'm sitting at). I have one that definitely uses steam that is 'hotwired' so there's no problem with it coming unplugged - BUT my foggy mind doesn't remember where I bought it. I have one from Jo-Ann's which is the same brand as the one I bought from MSQC . . . one of those is fine and one had the cord pop off all the time. Solution? I plugged it in and took a pair of needle-point pliers and 'crimped' gently on the connection. Problem solved. My other 'mini' is a travel iron that I paid .99 cents for 'brand new'. It is much easier for me to sit at my machine, stitch a seam, press, stitch the next part, press . . .

All that being said 1) I only have the little ones that 'look' like regular irons - not the little 'branding iron' shaped ones; 2) I actually find myself getting up and using the regular iron because I need the EXERCISE . . . and that's where my spray starch resides . . .

I'd say it is definitely a personal preference. The minis I have cost less than $10 each . . . go for it. You'd spend more than that at McDonalds and wouldn't have anything beautiful to show.

I would have something to show for it.... but it sure wouldn't be beautiful Sandy....... thanks honey for your advice....it really does help
Huggg

I received a clover mini for Christmas a few years ago. Haven't used it yet. I am afraid I'll iron my own fingers or some thing. I suppose I should get it out of the package and give it a try before my sister finds it still lurking in the original packaging and blows a gasket. I need to clarify that I did not ask for it as a gift. Therefore I do not feel so guilty about not using it yet.
Thanks for sharing your views on the mini-irons though. I have thought about the mini ones that actually look like irons. I guess I'll stick with my full sized one for now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by toggpine

I need to clarify that I did not ask for it as a gift. Therefore I do not feel so guilty about not using it yet.
Thanks for sharing your views on the mini-irons though. I have thought about the mini ones that actually look like irons. I guess I'll stick with my full sized one for now.

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I really like your thinking - just don't drop it on your toe!!!:icon_heh:

I just use a regular iron but I sew in a small space and don't want any more clutter than I already have. I suppose if someone gave me a gift of one I might use it but I wouldn't go buy one.
Re - your wonky blocks...are you using steam or dry pressing it. do you press to set the seam first? Starch is my best friend but I have to be careful of moving the iron around....I try to just press.
Good luck sweetie!
Patti

I'm glad you asked that question. I've been thinking about getting a small iron too.
about wonky blocks...I found out (the hard way) that everything (especially anything on the bias) stretches REALLY easily when it is
'hot off the presses' :) It seems to help a bit if I let things cool a bit before lifting.

I bought one of those mini irons and it wouldn't stay plugged into the iron and it didn't get hot enough to mkae any difference. I took it back to Joann's - no problem.

I have both the mini from Joanns and the soldering iron one and I like them both. Mine doesn't come unplugged anymore from Joanns cause I did what Sandy did. Great minds and all that. Anyway they are both great! Hugs, Jan L