seam stick

I keep mine cut off. They get in my way.

I thought putting nails down would seem silly. I have long nails and always use them.

I wear one of those gloves used while using a curling iron on hair (found it on Amazon). It works great and no more burns. My iron is one of those pressure boiler irons and the glove serves double duty at the end of the day when I release the pressure. If I do it quickly, it's not a problem, but I'm still fearful that extremely hot steam will get me, so wear the glove.

I also use a strip stick. Best $8 bucks I've spent in a long time!

I took a bargello class and the instructor told us to use a the clover mini iron. It worked great. Now I always use it when the pattern calls for pressing seams open. I also use it when I am doing paper piecing.

Darn I wish I had seen this thread yesterday before I went out and bought one of those wooden iron things -like Eleanor Burns has- before I bought one at quilt shop for way to much money. The nail file idea sounds like a winner.

Try pressing the seam to one side first, then press it open. You just slide the tip of your iron between the two and it will open up much much easier.

There is also a silicon stiletto available from Clover. It is called Press Perfect (http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Press-P.../dp/B00NA2VKPO) and it works pretty well, when I remember to use it.

I forget where I bought mine.

That's what I do too.