just janet

It looks just like mine and it doesn't bother me a bit. I tried a patterned cover once and thought it was too distracting.

FoxyLady

I had the same problem. Then I made a new cover from canvas. What a difference. Doesn't stain as quickly and for pressing it's great. Lasts a lot longer than those flimsy purchased covers, too. (I use old towels for padding.)

grann of 6

That is scorching that you see. It can't be helped, as you most likely iron in the same spot all the time. I have a large 60X80 table that is covered with the teflon fabric (the silver stuff you can get at Joanns) and padded with a wool blanket and cotton batting. I have to replace it every couple years because it gets stained like that. I try to use different parts of the table to iron so I don't get the scorching. I find the plain or print fabric covers scorch faster then the teflon does. I have taken an old ironing board cover and used it for a pattern to make a new one, then take some heavy string and zig zag over it, being careful not to sew through it, and you will have a gathering string to make it fit nicely.

Aurora

I buy heavyweight unbleached muslin and make my own. Now that I have a pattern, it's very easy and quick to make a new one.

costumegirl

jmoore - your room is so cheery and your design board is delightful & fun with all of your interesting and colorful blocks!!

My board looks the same as janjanq - I made my top cover and it is patterned - I periodically wash it to remove residue from the starching. Underneath the top cover I have a thin thermal batting and then a few layers of flannel to help preserve the heat when ironing. Right now I have to replace the string that holds everything in place - came out during the last washing but haven't taken the time - I have the top cover creeping up and off sometimes and it's very annoying - guess it's one job that I really should try to get done asap so that I'm not tugging, smoothing and pulling at it every time I press - just being lazy - I want to keep sewing fun things!!