No, my iron is not a Rowenta. I had one of those and it quit working after about a year. I am currently using a Sunbeam, and a Black and Decker before that. I can't recall why I gave away the Black and Decker, though I know I wasn't pleased with it.

I am not a perfectionist by any means, and, yes....I press, not iron. (I just use the verb iron, I guess. Press doesn't come to mind, for some reason.) I do prefer the flatter looking seam though. I still haven't cleaned my iron. I guess that is what I need to do, if I want to press with steam. :) I have been ironing for 55 years (only pressing for three) and have never had my iron "give me a stain" before. Never to old to learn, I guess.

I may have to finish this quilt before I do anything, as it has white in it also. But then, the one I have cut out for next has white too. Hmmmm, may just need to think about this more. At least it is time to google how to clean my iron. :)

Dina

keep a spray bottle of water near by and spritz when needed.

I was taught to only use a dry iron to prrrrresssss the seams. Water from spraying or steaming distorts the fibres. So I do as I am told.

Iron manufacturers figured out they didn't have to make irons get as hot if they had steam. A dry iron, (not just a steam iron with no water) will get hotter than a steam iron.

I use dry iron and a spray bottle. Have done this for so many years it is just a way of life for me.

Well, I actually found the instructions on how to clean my iron. Looks like a lot of trouble!! Maybe I am just lazy. :)

Dina

Let's be 'special' and claim it is!:D

Jan in VA

I am so pleased to see this thread! I have been pressing/ironing with steam the entire time I have been quilting, even though I've read many places that you shouldn't because of distortion issues. And now I know I am not alone! Yay!

I've never had distortion issues, and I like the flat flat seams I get with steam.

Alison

I like flat seams too but hate steam irons. So, I use a dry iron then spray a little
piece of cloth (damp but not soaking wet) which I put on my seam then press.
This way I "steam" the seam only.

With our water I have to use bottled water if I steam, our well water leaves rust stains, even with the softner