Monday, January 29, 2007

My first real test

Last night my iron died. I was pressing postage stamp strips merrily and suddenly it started smelling extra hot. The smell went away so I finished the strips and went back to stitching. When I got up to iron again it was deader than a doornail. Not a light on it anywhere. I let it sit overnight and tested it again this morning. Same thing. Very frustrating as it was an expensive iron and less than two years old. I know for sure because it was my birthday present from my hubby two years ago next May - and we got it on my birthday. The very expensive much touted Maytag cordless iron. Retail $160 but I think we paid $149 for it. Titanium sole plate - the latest thing.

Well, I loved the fact that it was cordless. I disliked the auto shutoff intensely. I loved the titanium soleplate but hated that the steam holes seemed to catch on my piecing and pulled the edge up into an accordion pleated mess. I loved the fact that I could put it away hot. I loved that it steamed a lot, but hated the fact that the water tank was small. I hated the handle as it caused a blister in the palm of my hand after an entire day of ironing.

As you can see, it's been a real love-hate relationship from day one. I was frustrated that such an expensive appliance lasted such a short time, but deep down inside I was glad that I can get something now that I'll like better. This one replaced my trusty Rowenta which still heats very well after at least 10 years, but is literally coming apart at the seams from corrosion due to our hard water.

So I checked the Fabric Depot website. I'm sure many of you are familiar with fabric depot from shopping there online. Well, it's only 20 minutes away from me across the bridge into Oregon. They are currently having a 30% off everything in the store sale that goes through today. Great for buying an iron, but not at all good for my no buy resolve.

So today will be the first real test. Can I stay out of the fabric end of the store? Can I stay away from the quilting books and magazines? I know I can't stay away from the notions because I need to replace a couple small rulers. The ones I have now have chipped corners from too much use. The store opens at 9:00, so I'm going to take an early lunch and head over there. I have a little over an hour to strengthen my resolve.

I'll let you know how I do.

8 comments:

Joyce said...

I have read about so many people having iron problems often with expensive ones. I have a cordless that I love but I am just waiting for it to give up as it is about two years old. THat seems to be the lifespan of irons these days. If it dies I will be getting a cheap one.

Judy said...

Walk in the door and say IRON to yourself over and over!! You CAN stay away from the fabric! Sorry about the iron. I love mine right now. Big water tank, loads of steam, the cord is there but super long and can go anywhere. Even though it does have the auto-shutoff it re-heats quickly after tunring it flat again and only take a few seconds before it's super hot again!

Good luck on the search! Stay strong!

Samantha said...

Good luck testing your resolve!

May Britt said...

You can stay away from fabric and books, but you can't stay away from the iron. You need the iron!!!! My most expensive iron, a little traveller iron was destroyed a year ago and I miss it so much. But I have two ordinary irons so I have not bought another little one.....yet.

Suzanne Earley said...

Good luck on your iron search. Iron's are an awfully important part of the process, aren't they? I like my Maytag Cordless, but like you I don't love it. Although, I have to have the auto-shutoff....

Quilting Kim said...

Patti - When my T-Fal iron died earlier this month (after less than 18 months of use), I went to Target and bought the cheapest iron I could find. I spent $9.99 for a Whirlpool iron and, so far, I love it. It doesn't have an Auto-Shut-off, so I am getting myself into the habit of unplugging it whenever I leave the room.

It must be that ironing marathon that killed it. (hee-hee)

Heather said...

I love Fabric Depot, I am only 20 minutes away as well :) I live in the Hillsboro, OR area. Where are you? I am actually going there on Saturday to stock up, it’s 40% off weekend. I don’t know how you could stay away from the fabric. I wish you the best of luck :D

It’s disappointing you spent so much money on an iron that only lasted 2 years, that is pathetic! I hope you get a better one this time around.

Clare said...

Would you believbe it. I am having no trouble at all. I just think fabric for current quilt only and nothing else! It works - I have been to the LFS twice now since the beginning of December and have only come away with batting, backing fabric and what I need for the current project(s).