How much do you love Craftsy? I see a lot of hands raised! From classes, to patterns, to supplies and much, much more...Craftsy has become a part of many of our Quilting lives...they truly have Sweetened my quilting life!
When I was approached about joining a Craftsy Blog Hop, it didn't take but a second to say yes! Thank you Julie @Pink Doxies and Sandra @mmm! Quilts for including me in this fun Blog Hop! There will be many reviews happening this week, lots of giveaways and of course, maybe meet a new blogger you may not be familiar with! Total WIN WIN, don't you think?
As an added bonus: all classes reviewed on the blog hop will be 50% off! Sweet!
So, let's get to it! Let's talk Craftsy!!
I do a lot of tiny piecing. Whether it's improv or paper piecing, they both have one thing in common...lots and lots of seams and rotary cutting!
There has to be a better way, a perfect solution, a time saver (and knee saver), effectively efficient! And I found it! A Steam Fast Mini Iron and a Folding Cutting/Pressing Mat.
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| Steam Fast Mini Iron |
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Omnigrid Foldaway Cutting and Ironing Mat |
First, let's talk about the iron. You wouldn't think such a tiny thing would be so mighty! Oh, but it is! It's light weight (under 1 pound), has a long cord (always welcome) and heats up in under a minute. My seams and wrinkles are no match for this 'hot & steamy' travel iron.
When finger pressing is not enough, I find myself repeatedly getting up and walking to the iron board...over and over and over and over! All for one little pressed seam! Crazy!
I don't have the ideal sewing space, so having my 'station' compact and efficient is very important. I need things at my fingertips and this set-up has been a life saver!
Small projects such as this paper pieced star, involves numerous seams. You can see how crisp and clean the seams are. Honestly, I was so impressed with this little iron from the start. I wasn't sure it would live up to my standards, but it has and then some.
There is no denying the crispness of the press! In case you are still unsure, check out the back seams!
You can choose to use the iron with steam or without and while there isn't a 'burst' of steam button, it isn't needed at all! The steam and the heat is enough for perfectly pressed seams every time.
The proof is in the pudding, as they say!
What about the Folding Cutting/Pressing Mat? You can see from the previous pictures that it has all the bells and whistles needed for cutting. The trademark yellow lines, 45 degree lines, and of course...inches! If you don't need both sides simply fold one side under the other! With three (3) sizes available, you can pick the size that is right for you and your space.
While making this paper pieced rainbow star, it was a breeze to stand up from my machine and trim each seam. Slice, dice and press!
This has been the perfect set-up for me at home, but it doesn't end there! These are the perfect travel companions! Small and compact! Take them to your Guild meetings, sewing with friends or on a quilting retreat! I'm happy to say both of these will be going o their first retreat next weekend! Yes!!
All of my opinions are my own, I'm not affiliated, sponsored or being compensated for this rave review! I couldn't be happier with both of these items. Each one is available at Craftsy and as always, Craftsy has screamin' deals!
I hope this was helpful to you. Before I buy anything it's important to know what I'm getting and have some honest feedback!
I know you are ready for the giveaway part! Yes you are!
Craftsy is offering three (3) great prizes!
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| Amy Gibson Crown Jewels Kit, Color Theory 6" Strips, Color Theory 10" Square |
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| Click Here To Enter The Giveaway! |
Enter until Sunday, February 21, 2016, at 11:59 pm MST. The winners will be announced Feb. 22
Please do check out the other Blogs participating in 'Craftsy Sweetens Up My Life' Blog Hop!
BLOG HOP SCHEDULE:
Thursday 11 February
Cindy @ Stitchin At Home
Vicky @ Vicki's Crafts and Quilting
Friday 12 February
Zenia @ A Quilted Passion
Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal
Saturday 13 February
Tish @ Tish's Adventures in Wonderland
Anja @ Anja Quilts
Sunday 14 February
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts
Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts
Monday 15 February
Julie @ Pink Doxies
Sandra @ Musings of a Menopausal Melon
I use a travel iron too, you are right, they are perfect for the sewing room and retreats. I looked at the folding cutting/pressing mat, you are right they are a great idea, unfortunately they are a little expensive for me as I wouldn't take it away often enough to warrant the expense. I do have a cut'n'press but it's quite old now and the cutting side is warpped. The folding mat wouldn't warp though, and it would make a great birthday or Christmas present for me (strike that, too long to wait), thinking, scheming..............
ReplyDeleteSmiles
Kate
I couldn't be happier with that little iron, it surprised me how powerful it was! Having a good set up makes all the difference and I hope you get your cutting mat one day!
DeleteJayne, I am telling myself that IF I have that "Hot & Steamy" number, my work can be as neat (almost) as yours. It is a shame that it is not available right now...BWAH..WA..WA..
ReplyDeleteBut honestly, I love everything that you do. Hugs, Preeti.
http://sewpreetiquilts.blogspot.com/
Yikes! I didn't know it was out of stock…Darn it! For it's size, it is a fantastic iron and perfect for my 'little sewing'!
DeleteThat little iron sure is neat. Sure would be handy to take to classes.
ReplyDeleteIt was a worthwhile investment! I couldn't be happier with it! Nothing like power in a small package!
DeleteI couldn't agree more with you on the iron, I so love mine. I couldn't believe how good a job it does. I will have to check out the folding cutting/ironing mat. I would love it to take to sewing days.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a long time deciding on buying the iron. I wasn't sure it could do the job, but I was amazed! It's been great and it is perfect for away from home sewing!
DeleteGreat review Jayne! I have an iron like that one and love it too. Oh, your rainbow star, lovely!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't be more pleased with this iron! I have been slightly in love with making those rainbow stars! I'm not sure what they will become, but they will come together!
DeleteI love this little block! And I think I need that folding pressing/cutting mat! This would be perfect for my trips to Arizona a couple times each year.
ReplyDeleteWell owning the Clover mini iron (that looks like a curling iron) and having made a folding cutting/pressing mat at a guild workshop many years ago, I can attest to every point you've made here. I have much the same set-up as you do when I'm paper-piecing. Now...having said that, my mini iron is showing some signs of use, and I like the ergonomics of this iron, so ..yeah, been there, done that, checked it out on Craftsy, am on the wait list for when they restock! Thanks for being part of this hop Jayne, and for sharing these terrific products.
ReplyDeleteI did think about getting the clover mini iron. I'm very happy with my little one, just a lot!! My biggest issue with the little iron was sitting it up on its end! I'm so use to my Osilo where let the feet do the work! I wish Craftsy had them in stock during this Blog Hop!!
DeleteGreat review! I'm thinking I'm going to need one of these...especially the cutting mat, ironing board combo. My space is super small and limited and my family would probably enjoy not bumping into the big ironing board as much :)
ReplyDeleteIt helps a lot for small blocks, but the iron is plenty steamy enough for big blocks too! I love my set-up and it makes all the difference!
DeleteHmmm, I'm thinking I need a Valentine's gift to myself...I'm always looking for compact tools, and these are great ideas! Thanks for sharing your opinions of them. I love your rainbow star, too.
ReplyDeleteWe all should gift this set-up to ourselves! I love tools in general, but especially love tools that I use on a regular basis!!
DeleteI have one of those Omnigrid combo cutting/pressing folding mats and love it. I have put a piece of muslin over the top of the pressing part, as I used to do quite a bit of starch turned edge prep for applique. When the muslin piece got nasty looking I just replaced it but it kept me from destroying the pressing mat part of this handy quilting tool.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea! I love using starch as well and after a while it does mess up a board! I'm going to try that! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteGreat to read about the travel iron and cut/press board. I had just seen one of these boards recently but didn't know anybody who had one. Great to read your review and it might just go on my birthday list!!
ReplyDeleteThat really does look handy! Thanks for the review Jayne!
ReplyDeleteYour little start block is beautiful!
*Star, not start... ugh.
DeleteWhat a perfect set up and adorable block! Thanks for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review Jayne. I don't own either of these two items but I'm thinking they would be really useful to me as I have to go into a different room to iron. It does give me exercise though.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have thought such a tiny iron would have any heat or power. Good to know.
ReplyDelete