Welcome from Maryland. I used to live in KS and I know a GREAT quilt shop in Alden. It was the "general store and craft store" when I was a kid, then the owner turned the whole place into one gigantic quilt shop. Anyway, my advice on the iron is to go to Target and try different ones out for weight and comfort. I recommend a medium weight one that's comfortable, has sharp point and auto shut off. I have a Sunbeam from Amazon under $30. Doesn't leak . I've also bought irons at Goodwill for $4 that held up. I'd say don't buy one just for quilting unless you need one anyway. Put your money into a beginner class and fabric.