I bought my fav ironing board cover in Melbourne Australia at a market. It has Aussi animals and birds and bright colors. My friends thought I was nuts -- On a backpacking holiday and I buy an ironing board cover?? !!! LOL
I wouldn't trade it for the world. I remember that holiday every time I press seams -- the only time I iron
Make the cover with a fabric you love. Look into heat resistant material for the first "batting" and then something soft. The first one will protect the soft one.