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When I went to a retreat I didn't want to take my full size iron so I took a little Black and Decker travel iron that we had in the closet -- it can be dry or steam. It gets hotter than my regular iron, has a much longer cord, and no auto shut off. I use it regularly for pressing when I'm sewing -- if I'm going to iron larger pieces of fabric I use my regular iron, but for pressing as I'm sewing quilt blocks I always use the travel iron.
In this case, cheaper is better because the cheap irons don't all have auto-shutoff.
I have an old Black & Decker with a long cord and stainless sole plate and I have a newer, sleeker, teflon, auto shut off, short cord, stick to fabric iron. I use the Black & Decker even if it is uglier than the new iron, I don't like the auto shut-off because I want that iron ready to go when I'm ready to use it.
Here's an iron that gives you a choice:
http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach...2936587&sr=8-2
Usually the travel irons don't have a shut off feature. They're also nice to take to classes or retreats.
I have one of those little $10 (around that) irons from MSQC http://www.missouriquiltco.com/mini-...s-toolbox.html
and it is great to keep on a small board right next to your sewing machine. Maybe that's my problem. I don't pay enough for irons?????? I also have an older Black and Decker that stays on and keep it 'lit' when sewing for those larger pieces.
My iron is about 30 years old so it doesn't have that feature! I have been thinking of getting a new one, but now...I'll stick with my old tried and true one! I didn't know the new ones came with this. How annoying. IT is just something that further makes people not use their brains and common sense, which unfortunately is the wave of the future I guess....another item that "does it for you so you dont' have to remember to do it yourself" gadget. No wonder people don't know how to think anymore!
I have an old Black & Decker that cost under $10 that I use for quilting...family keeps buying me new and "improved" irons...they sit in the linen closet! :D
You would think iron manufacturers would pay attention to us quilters! :D
When I purchased my new iron a couple months ago I thought this was a great feature...NOT!!! Its a pain in my "you know where"!Quote:
Originally Posted by Laura87
My 3 year old son recently turned my iron on and put it onto my ironing board then walking away. It did scold my ironing board but I am thankful for the auto shutoff. But, it does drive me nuts. I do the fake ironing every so often so that it doesn't shut off./