Pressing Seams Open - ouch
 

I hate pressing seams open, but this pattern calls for just that. My problem is in trying to open them so I can press them open and flat. I always burn my fingers. Any suggestions?

They make silicon finger protectors:
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...al+thimbles.do
You can also use a small piece of wood, like a tongue depressor, a short wood ruler etc. Another alternative is to finger press the seam open first.

that is what I do, too

I use one of those wooden irons to at least get the seams opened.
http://www.quiltinaday.com/shoponlin...play.asp?i=710

About an inch or so in front of the iron lift the fabric with your thumb on the open seam. The seam will stay open really well. Just slide your hand along as the iron follows behind.

In addition to the answer Kitsie gave you, I am using a wooden dowell about the size of a closet pole cut in half lengthwise to put under the seam, keeps from disturbing the surrounding seams. For a short seam in a block, a length of dowell about 8" works. For a quilt top all put together, a 4' length is adequate. Some people enclose the dowell in a fabric sleeve and close the ends, but I use the wood bare and it has not discolored light fabric. I learned about the dowell from Mrs. Darkow of Washington Stars Quilt Guild.

That is the number one reason I don't use steam. Unless I actually touch my fingers with the iron, I no longer burn them.

I use to sew mostly clothing (and I sewed almost every day) and if I had to keep my figures up close, I'd turn off the steam until I got that part done, then I'd turn the steam back on.

I really like the elnan's idea with the dowel, though a ironing ham would work too.

I use the curved end of a cuticle pusher tool from a manicure set, like this one.

http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/sanhesun/S14004-3.jpg

Best use of a stocking stuffer yet! :D

I have also found that finger pressing or using something like a cuticle pusher tool before taking the iron to the piece is helpful.