a wonderful device for wool-workers - X Marks the Scot

Mac Ghille Sheathanaich · #1 02-21-2010, 05:45 AM

Greetings all, 21 February, 531amMST

I recently purchased a Rowenta DG5030 pressure iron.

I made this purchase based on a recommendation from Barb T. Got it at JoAnn's and happened to get it on sale too. Regular price was $169.

I have had trouble being able to get a razor sharp crease in pleat edges. The regular steam iron I have always used just doesn't provide enough steam to force kilt fabric into submission.

It provides continuous steam and that's what does the trick. Not so much heat from the iron itself, and therefore don't have to use a pressing cloth under it.

I was a little nervous about the "no pressing cloth" concept, but tried it on scrap and it caused no damage to the fabric whatsoever.

Then I took it to my tweed kilt and got a fine pressing with it. Sharpened up the edges of the pleats very nicely. Also works as a vertical steamer to un-wrinkle garments.

Make sure your folds are where you want them though, because this baby sets a permanent crease and is damned difficult to undo if a mistake is made.

Regards aye,

T.

Chas · #2 02-21-2010, 06:11 AM

I can't agree more. We invested in one about 2 years ago (Tefal Pro). Here in the UK they are known as steam generators. It comes with an extra hose/head just for steaming - when you don't want to press but just remove wrinkles.

My wife would not go back to a steam iron for anything.

Regards

Chas

Mac Ghille Sheathanaich · #3 02-21-2010, 07:19 AM

A steam iron still has it's place in some sewing projects. Not for wool though, but I make other clothes as well, chiefly for my wife.

Am working on a "handkerchief" skirt for her right now in a very lightweight black knit fabric. It's murder to work with. Slithers and slinks around all over the place.

Dixiecat · #4 02-22-2010, 07:01 PM

I have such a beauty set up in my sewing room as well. I've also got a Rowenta DE-921 that is close to 10yrs old. Wonderful machines. If you haven't tried ironing or pressing with these or other high end irons, you're in for a treat. They make the job easy and the key for easy ironing and pressing is steam and boy do these puppies know how to make steam.

They may be pricier than your ordinary iron, but they'll last longer and perform better.

One thing though Mac Ghille (and this is the only drawback about my generator), I use a press cloth even with my steam generator. I find that the dial under the handle can be easily turned just by my fingers brushing it as I pick up the handle. And it always seems to turn in the increasing heat direction...

Haven't burnt anything yet, but I certainly don't want to.

Highlander31 · #5 02-23-2010, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the tip.

Barb T. · #6 02-26-2010, 06:05 PM

I can't agree more. I saw my first pressing system in action in Steve Ashton's shop, and I went home and ordered one just like it. I have not spent one nannosecond regretting the purchase. It's it truly fab, cuts the time of pressing a kilt in half, and gives an unsurpassed crease without shine.

The system I have has a Teflon cover on the sole plate. I crank the temp on the iron up to max, and the steam does the work, not the temp of the iron itself. I've never had a moment of concern about scorching the fabric, and I've never had an issue with shine, even with dark tartan.

Dixiecat · #7 03-01-2010, 10:23 AM

Barb, make sure you remove your teflon cover periodically and clean your Rowenta's soleplate. The sizing that is applied to fabrics (even our wonderful wool tartan) can damage the soleplate over time as it builds up between the teflon and the soleplate.

A link to one of the better teflon shoes as it will mold to your iron, and is all teflon, where a teflon plate is only teflon-coated aluminum and will wear out faster:
http://www.njeffersonltd.com/i-1064-...OE_TEFLON.html

Barb T. · #8 03-01-2010, 10:37 AM

Actually, I don't have Rowenta - I have a commercial steaming system. But I'll check the sole plate. Thanks for the heads up!

sydnie7 · #9 03-01-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

[snip] A link to one of the better teflon shoes as it will mold to your iron, and is all teflon, where a teflon plate is only teflon-coated aluminum and will wear out faster:
http://www.njeffersonltd.com/i-1064-...OE_TEFLON.html

Interesting -- evidently that specific item isn't available for sale in U.S. due to patent issues. Just something I've read, no solid proof -- but it's not listed at bonash.com, and I don't even find any on eBay (not that a patent issue would stop an eBay seller LOL). I'll have to try one of the "similar products."

Dixiecat · #10 03-01-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Interesting -- evidently that specific item isn't available for sale in U.S. due to patent issues. Just something I've read, no solid proof -- but it's not listed at bonash.com, and I don't even find any on eBay (not that a patent issue would stop an eBay seller LOL). I'll have to try one of the "similar products."

Interesting. Not surprising though. I attended sewing conferences for several years and met the person behind the product. She made it at home, in her living room apparently. I don't know her personally however, and this is 3rd hand info gleaned about 3years ago, but some retailers had supply issues with the company.

If you're interested, I do have a contact that used to sell these at sewing shows. I'll email her and see if she has any to sell.