Monday, January 29, 2007

I did it - happy dancing now . . .

There was a method to my madness, actually. I went to Fabric Depot on my lunch hour because I knew that I'd have only 15-20 minutes total inside the store as the rest of the hour would be spent driving to and from. (Though I have been known to get into a lot of trouble in less time than that in a quilt shop.) I went in the door I knew was closest to the irons and farthest away from the fabric. After I grabbed a tag for the iron I wanted and waited at the wholesale window while they retrieved it from the back for me, I headed to the quilting notions and picked up the little Creative Grid rulers I needed. I was feeling pretty strong, so I cruised through the aisles of quilting books. Nothing jumped out and grabbed me - so far so good. So I cruised down the store to the quilting fabrics and took a quick turn in the center aisle. I knew that was safe as all the tables I could see were full of fabulously beautiful Bali batiks - something I never use in my quilts any more. By then my time was up so I headed to check out, paid for my iron and rulers, and returned to the parking lot. Hooray - I passed my first big challenge!

I know a lot of people have had trouble with Rowenta irons, but I've had nothing but good luck with them. My last one lasted well over 10 years and only succumbed because of our hard water. So I decided to try this iron. It's listed on the website at $139.00 but was only $104 in the store. With the 30% off everything in the store the iron and my three new rulers came to about $89. I know I could have bought a much cheaper iron elsewhere, but I never can find the features I want in a cheap iron. This iron is NOT auto shut-off, it has an extra large water tank and features extra long bursts of steam, and a handle that won't give me blisters. If it lasts even half as long as my last Rowenta I'll be happy. I can hardly wait to get home to try it.

14 comments:

quiltpixie said...

congrats on your shopping plan. Sounds like it worked well. :-)

Quilts And Pieces said...

Wow - what will power! My rowenta's die due to my soft water! It takes no time at all and they start leaking water badly! I found out it was due to the water softener! Now isn't that stupid!

Silverthimble said...

Thanks for the feedback on the irons. I have also had my trials with irons in the last year. A good iron is almost as valuable as a good sewing machine! Congratulations on resisting the temptation of purchasing the fabric--well done!

ForestJane said...

I think both you and Dawn need to start sending each other a gallon of water in the mail... mix her soft with your hard and surely you'd have water that's just right... lol

Pam said...

That looks like a great iron. Mine does that auto shut off which really is a pain in the neck. And I my burst of steam never did work properly.

I loved the afternoon spent in Fabric Depot last January!

Anonymous said...

Total agreement here re: the Rowenta Professional Press. It's the one I've had for about 3 years and I love it for all the same reasons. Hugh reservoir, hefty weight, no auto-shut off, heavy steam. I've even dropped mine once (maybe twice) and it didn't seem to do anything to it. I don't have the spitting some complain of, maybe because our water's a little hard. I love it. Except that somehow the steam feature is stuck "on" all the time. Usually that's no problem as I love steam. But if it is, I just empty it so I can dry iron. And you're right--if it lasts no longer than the fancy Maytag, you'll enjoy it lots more. You got a good price on it too.

Melanie said...

There's not a day at the ironing board that I don't remember your lessons on pressing. Girls deserve new toys. There has to be something to make the whole ironing thing bearable. Have fun.

Unknown said...

I, too, love my Rowenta iron. It was a Christmas gift from my brother. Congratulations on your deal!

Leslie said...

Years ago when my sons were small, I used to take in ironing; got paid by the piece and since I ironed fast it was pretty good money. I used (and still do) the old, heavy GE iron I grew up with. When the one I had at the time died I got the same one again. My DS1 was about 8 at the time. He told Dad at dinner that night, "We had to get Momma a new iron today. Cause she *loves* to iron!"
Ha! Quilting forever, housework whenever. ;)

The Chicken Lady said...

Oh, I'm dreaming of Fabric Depot. This summer I'll have to send a BIG BOX back to WI of fabrics from FD. It's pure agony living this far away from fabric heaven. :)

Happy Zombie said...

I'm so with you on the Rowenta! When I bought my second one, I had trouble with spittiing (and I tried all kinds of water). I brought it back a twice to exchange, and by the third one having the same problems... I designated it my dry crafting iron. A friend of mine had the exact same iron and problem as me.

Last year I went with a non-shut off Rowenta. I love that I doesn't shut off! I always hated having to do the "jiggle" before pressing. I've had this Rowenta for well over year and no spitting problems at all. I think the previous model I had was a lemon. I think there is no better iron then a Rowenta and I love them!

Great job on getting in and out of FD so fast! I use Creative Grids too. I love them and swear by them!

Susan said...

You are so good........ We are all proud of you........... I am heading to the fabric shop now for thread. Wish me luck...VBG

Judy said...

Congrats to you!! You did it! Now just keep up the good work!

Cher said...

well done Patti- a new iron I hope you enjoy for years and I can try it out too next time we are cutting-and great willpower! you got exactly what you needed and on sale and not any fabric...hurray!