Compact Ironing Surfaces
 

I was just reading the thread about compact travel ironing surfaces & while I checked on something I lost it.
The most compact & useful surface I've ever found is using a cardboard bolt at the center of fabric bolt. Most fabric stores will give them to you when you ask as bolts are emptied.
I cover one with InsulBrite then a sturdy fabric. I actually hot glue my fabric making sure I wrap it so the seam will be on an edge. Then I glue the ends down. That way, I never iron a glued seam.
Ive used the same one for yrs & have just put a new layer of fabric on when it gets ugly from starch.
I keep it at the end of my cutting mat. I've ironed some fairly lg. pcs on it. Easy to reposition as needed.
I have come across some stores that use the floppy cardboard ones though which won't work. I've even made them as gifts for fellow quilters.
They're compact enough for RVers & I think will fit in larger suitcases.

I purchased a ironing surface at a quilt show a few years ago. It's made from wood and about 3' x 1 1/2'. It has wooden boards on each side that serve as "legs". I covered it with the silver ironing stuff but will probably go with a heavy fabric next time. It sits on a table next to my sewing table. For our 5th wheel I took one of the ironing board/cutting board combos to use.

I have a quilt and press too but eventually if you iron too hot, it does warp the mat.

Found this pattern that doubles as an iron tote & pressing pad:


http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/...ron-caddy.html

OSEWME, thank you for the link, printed out to 4 pages plus 1 more page showing her photo of the ironing surface and tips.