The quilt I am making calls for me to iron every seam as I piece them together. Which means I have to hop up and down between my sewing machine and ironing board. Does anyone have a better set up? Alas, I do not have a studio...yet! Thanks so much for your expertise!

can you move the ironing board closer to the machine? I sew a bunch, and then get up to iron, like to chain piece.

Joann's, and other places probably, carry something called a Quilter's cut & press which is a cutting board on one side and pressing board on the flip side. I keep one next to my sewing machine along with my iron. I've attached a picture of it. Comes in two sizes.

Call the jumping down excerise. Now you are getting more for your time.

Great tip! Thanks!

I made myself a little ironing board with one of those TV tray/table. Just covered it with 2 layers of cotton batting and upholstery cotton. small, light and foldable.

I attended a retreat last year where one quilter had one of those small folding tables from the office supply store. It is about 18x24". She had covered a piece of plywood the size of the top and padded it and put fabric on top as an ironing board. It sat right next to her and was very handy. I attended a lecture/workshop this past weekend in which the teacher said to press after every seam and to put the piece aside with something heavy on top to press the seams in place or to let cool. It sure works in keeping the seams flat and open. I'm heading to the office supply store to get my table and may one for myself. Pressing as you go really is a good way to maintain accuracy. the teacher also said to measure after each seam to make sure the piece is remaining to tru size.

Are you using spray starch on the seams?

Yes. I do. First I iron them towards the direction I want and then add a little starch to make them lay flatter.

You do need to press each seam. I chain piece which is really quick and take several to the ironing board a one time. Actually it is good to get up and down to press, LOL.

Here is a You Tube video that shows chain piecing. The only difference is I'm a pinner. My fabric always seems to shift just enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPb5J-vdO5E