Thanks everyone! It's great to know that even with different ways of doing things, we can still get the results we want
I find pressing isn't very effective for me (though if I've cut something down I do press) but I'm paying attention to which grain stretches less when tugged, and ironing that way. Making everything look real nice on the comic book boards!
And thanks Bree! Just got the treadle on Saturday. There are many pretty vintage machines.