I have one of the June Tailor Cut n Press. It's awesome. I've had it for 15 or 20 years now and it's still good. I use it a lot when I'm doing paper piecing and am too lazy to walk to the ironing board for every press. I just put my old Black & Decker iron and the Cut n Press on the table next to the sewing machine so I can press each time. I don't remember it being that expensive and it's lasted so long, it's been worth every penny.

I also like that it has a grid on the pressing side as well as the cutting side.

Ditto to to what Dotty said. Simple to make your own.

I use this. Omnigrid 12-Inch-by-18-Inch Fold-Away Portable Cutting & Pressing Station. It's super nice and easy to tote.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/image/j...nHzgooojD/2Q==


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In a pinch you can press seams on a folded towel.

a lot of great ideas here

I have the omnigrid onebyone posted.

I made my portable ironing surface with cotton duck. I stapled it on, then sprayed it with water and let it dry. It shrank nice and tight around the board. Duck is awesome because it has a nap and holds fabric still as you press/iron.

My personal feeling is you don't need 3 layers of batting. I find I get better results from a harder surface rather than a softer surface - unless you're pressing a lot of applique, in which case I prefer a fluffy towel underneath. YMMV.

Thanks ladies...

A couple of you have mentioned "Duck". What is "Duck" and where would I find it?

Duck is a heavy cotton fabric - almost like canvas. It can usually be found in JoAnn's or most other fabric stores. If you can't find 'duck' - any heavier fabric will do. I would prefer cotton if making something myself but I usually just use a folded towel on a small folding 'tv tray' type table.

If you are moteling I've never seen one that didn't have both iron and ironing boards. Most are in the room already, but smaller motels have them at the desk, all you have to do is ask.

If you make your own carry along board be very careful where you place them, I was in a class once where a home made iron surface ruined the surface beneath it. Practice on it at home:) and see if it gets hot or steamy on the underside.