SusieQOH, Thanks for that information. I had spray starched a few pieces of fabric so maybe that is what the problem was. Later I used the mat again and there was on problem.

Crzypatcher, Now that is a good idea!

Funny but I just read a comparison of a wool mat and a homemade plywood, batting, cotton, foil pressing mat. The author of the article said she saw no difference between the mats and that if you use steam on the wool mat, it smelled like a barn so don't do it. She mentioned that using steam with a h-o-t iron would scorch it which is exactly what I had happen. So, just be careful out there when using a wool mat ... or maybe build one out of the previous mentioned items instead.

I bought the Coobe brand from New Zealand on Amazon. I love it. I bought a set with the 3 sizes. And I bought a single large one for my daughter. I gave her one of the ones in my set so she would have a smaller one for classes. I use it all the time and do see a difference in the ironing with them.

Ha, I must be the only one who doesn't mind the 'wet wool' smell. I haven't used steam on mine yet, but I think I did have the iron up too hot on mine, I have some slight browning in one spot.

I use spray starch, sizing, water, or stiffener using the wool mat. If it gets too messed up I'll buy another but so far it's been fine and it is over a year old. I have washed mine several times so far.

I bought a mat from Amazon. The first time I ironed with it there was a residue on the iron. Then it dawned on me that I was using the cotton setting for the wool mat. Cotton is too hot so I now iron with a lower setting and it works wonderfully.