Donna Pea this will be fun and done in no time! And yes a tap of a hammer will work for that center hump. Another option for the ruler is to get a piece of board...a 12 x 12 piece of pine would work nicely and lay that on top of the block after pressing and leave it on until cool. It's the same principle as using a tailors clapper. The wood absorbs the steam if you have used starch or plain water.
Ah the noxious thistle...one variety we have here is the musk thistle..so pretty and if you pull the purple flowerettes from the base they are sweet. I have seen cows eat the flowers...they must be craving some sugar! Here our state bird is the goldfinch and they love the thistle seed. So yes it is good for something!
