Wow! I can't tell you how helpful all your posts are. Your generousity in taking the time is amazing. With that in mind, I thought I'd give you an update. On the iron: yesterday I bought a Rowenta Pro Master at Sears on sale for about $80. It was a lot to spend, but the discount was large and, based on your comments and research, this seemed to be the one to go with. There was a slightly cheaper version one step down with LED heat selection, but I took a pass. Reason: It was the electronics on my Shark that blew, among other problems. The Pro Master has a mechanical turn knob, which I can get comfortable with, and also allows you to set temperatures BETWEEN the major settings, which was helpful last night as I was bonding Heat 'n Lite to wool. It gets hot FAST, and has an 8 minute delay for auto shut-off with a fast restart, which I like. And the steam is really good. Mostly, I love the glide of the thing, even on wool. So, less than 24 hours later, I'm happy with the iron! We'll see how it goes.
Now. . .on to the lightweight machine!!
And since there's already a Stephanie posting, I'll sign mine "Steph". (scmatz is so stuffy!)
Thanks again!
Steph
Wow really interesting information. I have always used distilled water in my irons. I have a cordless black and decker that I really like, have had it for over 25 years and wanted to buy another because who knows when this will go out. They don't make them any more. I was willed a Rowenta, (long story, won't go into right now) I don' t think it is more than a couple of years old. I have been using distilled water. Didn't have an instruction book so did not know you were not suppose to do that. Something I have noticed is that I was buying several gallons when on sale. Well the plastic jugs start leaking at the seams. Don't know why, they are not exposed to heat or cold. Guess I had better start mixing the stuff with spring or tap water.
As for the machine, I have a small brother that I cart around when needed. I think it weighs about 12 lbs. I really like brother machines. No oiling to worry about, but you have to keep it clean. It does not like lint.
Granny M
Granny M, When I bought my Rowena it said to ONLY use tap water!!! That is one of the reason I bought it. Have never had a problem and had it for about 10 years
Barbara: I just ordered one of those new Olisio irons
EAT!! SLEEP !! QUILT!!
Barbara, I had never heard of that iron before, but looked it up and wow when I get a new iron I think that is the one that I will try. It looks amazing. DH has a rowenta which I like okay but some aspect of what I want in an iron for quilting is missing. The Olisio looks like it would be perfect for quilting. I too like a good hot iron for pressing.
Margaret
I have an Olliso and have to tell you - I wouldn't recommend it - it does get hot - but when I am pressing down a seam and leave it in just one place for a split second too long sometimes it will go up and down automatically and screws up the fabric... so didn't like it - that was the reason I bought the Shark - it heats up fast - is blistering hot - so Beth ferrier would like it and I didn't spend an arm and a leg on it... I have used Rowenta - started leaking - My Reliable - loved it but it just quit one day - and have told the story of the Olissio(sp)... so only buying inexpensive irons from here on out... I would rather spend the extra money on fabric...teehee
Althea :I have an Olliso and have to tell you - I wouldn't recommend it
Thea, I'm sorry to hear yours didn't work well, I have not had any problems so far with mine and I really like it , I let you know if I have any problems .Barbara
Thea, I have had 3 different Rowenta's and all three wound up leaking like a seive. One would think I would have learned quicker. I now have a Morphy Richards (whatever that is!!) that I bought at Tuesday Morning for not too much. From now on I am buying cheap irons, too. I'm with you, rather spend money on fabric!!
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Elaine Phillips: From now on I am buying cheap irons, too
Elaine and Thea,I did not spend that much on my new iron,I pruchased the mid -priced one and it was under 100.00,I got it from Amazon. I've been buying the cheaper iron and have had lots of trouble with them leaking..BArbara