It's Magic!

If you have worked with textiles of any kind, you know all about that necessary but evil job of ironing.  It isn't a fun job, but somebody has to do it!

We have tested and approved a product that takes your everyday ironing up to the next level!

It's the Magic Pressing Mat by Pam Damour.

The mat is a compressed felted wool product, about 1/2" thick and 12" x 18".

 Just place it on top of your ironing board and proceed to iron.   In the picture below, I have it on my little travel ironing board.  It sits right next to my machine in the sewing room for any small iroining jobs and for keeping some necessities handy.  In most cases, I use steam with this but it can work with a dry iron, too.  The wool fibers trap and hold onto the heat and steam, multiplying the effect on the item being ironed.  I can really tell the difference when I tested it by putting my hand beneath the block right after ironing.  It's HOT!

Here's a little before and after of some curvey quilt blocks--

These arcs of the Mini Rings by Sew Kind of Wonderful don't always look so wonderful!
Even after pressing with my regular ironing method,
 they left me wondering if those ripples would "quilt out" and look better when finished.

Then I repressed them with the Magic Pressing Mat and there is a visible difference in the look.
Much closer to the flat blocks that I want to see.
I'm getting this small quilt ready to teach for a summer class!

 And the benefits are just for quilting, either!  The concept of pressing on wool isn't new, it's been a useful tool of garment and tailoring skills for a long time.  Remember the pressing ham?  It's a sort of football shaped form, one side covered in wool, to put beneath curves that need to be shaped to fit a person.  I have a simple denim shirt that I love to wear because it's stretchy and comfortable.  But I was alway bothered by the fact that the back hem edge always rolled up on itself.  I could ignore it pretty well because I didn't have to look at the back while I was wearing it, but I always knew it was there.  It never stayed down after ironing it flat.  Until the Magic Pressing Mat happened!  I steam pressed the heck out of it on the Magic Mat, and voila, it stays flat now after multiple wearings!

One thing that almost everyone comments on after using the mat is the fact that there is a bit of a smell.  That's the hot wool smell!  Not unpleasant at all, so much nicer than the actual sheep barn!

Call us at the store (651-429-1039) to purchase your own Magic Pressing Mat for $55!  We have been selling a bunch of them, but we keep re-ordering so we can have them in stock for you!

It's Time For Gift Giving!

Need some gift ideas?  We have some options for you to consider...

A Cozy Scarf pack for only $6 each, with free directions to make 3 variations.  This is soft and cuddly fabric with easy no-sew or low-sew possibilities!  And pulling the threads to make the fringe is really rather soothing if you get too much jingle in your jangle!  Tammy is a good sport for our photo session, maybe she will find one under the tree at her house?!

A handcrafted seam ripper with wooden handle--$17 and a choice of wood color.  These are going fast!  I can personally vouch for the quality of workmanship and sharpness.  If you have to rip, you might as well do it in style!

A great new iron also makes the world a happier place, at least in the sewing room!  This has the advantage of being a cordless model, so it can be utilized in some different ways.  Since I do longarm machine quilting, sometimes I encounter something that needs to be pressed while the quilt is on the frame.  With my Panasonic cordless iron, it's simple to do!  $129.95

And for the mobile quilter on-the-go, this travel sized Clover Wedge iron is just what's needed.  It costs $49.98 and is worth every penny!

Another uniquely handcrafted gift is the little Needle Nanny.   It has a magnetic attraction!   It can be placed on your lapel or on the project in the works.  While doing some handwork, when you need a break or just get interrupted, it holds onto your needle until you get back to the stitching!  We have a variety of designs and shapes to choose from for $11.99.

One of these key fobs with wrist bands is a perfect little stocking stuffer and costs just $9.  They work for keys, loyalty cards, flash drives, or anything you need to hook up!

From the same artisan who creates the wooden seam rippers, we have numerous wooden bowls, platters, vases, etc.  Each one is unique.  They really are something special, and we have a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.  Depending on size, they are priced between $10 and $20.  They are sanded so smoothly, it's a special sensation just to touch!

Our imported woven baskets from Ghana are also one-of-a-kind gifts.  No two are exactly alike!  Depending on size, they range in price from $40 to $50.  From bright colors to subtle shading, they are works of art and utilitarian on top of that!  They are quite durable and strong.

I'll be back in a day or 2 with more ideas for you!  Quantities can be limited, but we always try to get more in stock.  Even if Santa's elves can't get it here before Christmas, we would be happy to write up a gift card to cover the cost of the item to be picked up later.

Pam

Extreme Ironing

An excellent idea for improving the life of a quilter--

A lovely new, bright and shiny, fancy pants iron!

The Panasonic 360 Freestyle Cordless Steam Iron!

We have a limited quantity of these on hand, so don't dilly dally if you want one.  I have been putting my own precious new iron through the paces the last few days, and I can assure you, it is a keeper!  It is a cordless style with tapered points on both ends, something that is not your typical iron.  But then, you are not the typical quilter, either, right?!  

Because you are special, and you deserve a special iron!

It is easy to handle, heats up well and steams well, and even comes with a handy carrying case.  Your new iron is all wrapped up and ready to go with a big bow on top!

Call (651-429-1039), email (info@bearpatchquilting.com) or come in the store!  

You won't be sorry!

A Pressing Idea

Who would know how important a good iron is other than your fellow quilters? These 2 products have risen to the top of the heap, in our opinion. The Rowenta Travel Iron ($50.00) is easy to use, comfortable to grip and a good size to transport. When you are sewing with a group, it is always nice to have your own little ironing spot but you don't want to jeopardize the power source with using a full size iron. This is the perfect solution!

But when it comes to a full size iron, this Velocity iron from Reliable is the cat's meow! It is actually on my own wish list this year! And if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Oprah's list, too! This V50 model is $115, get 'em while they're hot!