Surprise in the mail today!
 

I received a surprise package today - a dry iron. My mom sent it for my birthday next week. It's awesome, I was tempted to iron my whole stash playing with it. I guess she was listening when I threatened to throw my iron in the river LOL one day when it was acting up.

Oh I just received one from DH for my birthday also. I have not used it yet but it seems very nice. I did notice it does not have an automatic shut off. At least mine does not. A big congrats! Enjoy.

Mum's know best.

I just got the dry iron from the Vermont Country Store because my black and decker classic was spitting and leaking a bit and I was tired of having the holes catch. I kind of like not having an auto shut off now but need to be mindful. However, this dry iron doesnt get super hot. Still testing it out but seems ok. Congrats on your surprise! Always nice to get fun stuff in the mail!

Could someone explain why the dry irons are good for quilting? Is there less fabric distortion? Do you spray any water on the fabric? Just curious. :)

hugs,
Charlotte

I would prefer a dry iron, I do not use the steam feature on mine. I keep a spray bottle with water on the ironing board. Now mine does have automatic shut off and I do like that feature, you would be suprised I have at times walked away and not unplugged as I plan to get back there shortly. Something distracts me and there it is on, thankfully it shuts off. Even with this feature, I do try and unplug. I am going to watch this thread and see what everyone else has to say.

Happy Birthday next week. hope it is one of the best.

I love my 1948 Sumbeam Iron Master dry iron.... !! It's has many reasons that I like about it. With water bottle I control the amount of water on my fabrics. I like that it's 2 1/4# and it does the all the "heavy" work. Which cured some my shoulder & neck pains. I don't have imprints of the holes, so it's a nice flat iron job. I love hearing the crackle noises it makes while it's on and it get's so hot on cotton that I use the line between silk & wool as my normal setting unless I have a super tough crease. And it's super easy to clean if I get some fuseable on it.

Tricia

I think it's primarily because steam irons eventually develop problems with spitting and sputtering. I have had one stain a fabric I was ironing! You can use a steam iron dry, but then there is no reason to have the holes. Holes are places where the iron is not delivering heat. Also, when using a steam iron in one place to cement a fusible to the fabric, the areas where the holes are will not be fused. It's just simpler to use a dry iron and get a smooth, flat surface for ironing.

Some quilters prefer to iron dry because steam (in combination with heavy handedness) can distort fabrics -- especially bias cuts. Many quilters like to spray mist when using a dry iron. It's all a matter of personal preference.

I've never heard of a dry iron, but love the idea. I will be checking these out. Thanks.

Your Mom is a good listener, she listens with her heart!

What a great Mom! I get tired of the little circles on my fabric when I'm fusing. My husband may be getting a hint.

I miss the old, heavy irons. Wish I could find one. They iron so much better than today's irons. The only thing I like about newer irons is the automatic shutoff. I am really paranoid about leaving an iron on.

Happy Birthday and enjoy your new iron, Mom's are pretty great !!

My youngest daughter bought me one from an antique store. It has no holes in the bottom and is wonderful to use with Wonder Under as it doesn't get those little bubbles when ironed with the smooth soleplate.

I started using a dry iron when I got the smaller version just to press open seams. Was amazed at how much better the pressing is than when I used the old iron (I never use steam). But I can see what you mean about the holes being a problem. Even my travel iron does a better job. You will like it a lot.

I really appreciate the discussion here about the advantages of dry irons, and no doubt at least a few others are benefiting, too. Thanks!!

Hugs,
Charlotte

Yall are talking about a dry iron is that like a travel iron?

I hate the steam iron I have. It can also be used without steam. It has auto shut off. If I look away or don't use it for 30 seconds, it shuts off. Pain in the petutie when trying to iron seams. Was using it once while trying to just iron DH shirt and it even shut off. Going to get me a dry iron and be done with it.

Happy birthday a bit early! Congrats on the great gift! I'd like to know where your mom got that dry iron. I have been looking for a good one, and not finding much.

What a great birthday gift from Mom.

Have a wonderful birthday! You have a great mom!

clean your steam iron with vinegar.. cleans those holes, or use distilled water.. I love the steam, even my little travel iron has steam. but after reading your comments I think I will look for a dry iron for the same reason steam does leak or spitts after a while and irons are not made to last like the older ones were..

What a great surprise!!! By the way, LOVE your word and definition.......awesome!

For you that have ask a dry iron is the same size as other irons but does not hold water and the bottom plate has no holes and is smooth. You have to sprinkle and let fabric set for awhile or spray with a spray bottle as you go. That is all most of us older ones had to use for many years. I retired mine in the late 60's but of late wish I still had it.

dry iron
 

[ I THINK i WILL DIG MY OLD RY IRON OUT OF STORAGE AND SEE IF IT STILL HEATS. iT WAS A WEDDING GIFT 67 YEARS AGO.

I left my iron on all night earlier in the week. Got distracted, probably feeding the dogs or cats. Thank goodness it goes off by itself. froggyintexas

Thanks, Prism99, for your clear explanation. I will definitely be adding this to my "Be On the Lookout For" list, aka, BOLO!

I have my grandmother's 1950 Sunbeam iron, however it's for display only. The thermostat is toast, it burns my fabric on the lowest setting.
Sharon

I couldn't tell you how many irons I have had in my 67 years. I have had expensive ones and cheap ones, and it does not matter, they break. I must be hard on them.

Well I'll be, I learn something every day! I too will be looking for a "dry" iron. Thanks ya'll :)