Sunday, October 5, 2008

A Pressing Matter..

I'm behind schedule on a project, so I spent an absolutely perfect, blue-skied and sunny, Spring Sunday.... pressing purses!

All that slaving over the ironing board gave me ample opportunity to photograph another tip to share. The ol' MOLESKIN OFFCUT trick!

As I've said, I can't live without my sleeve board. I also couldn't press fiddly little bags and purses without a few scraps of heavy-duty cotton moleskin.

I keep three or four different sized pieces near the ironing board so that they can be folded or rolled into ANY size pressing ham I need.
The purse below is a 75mm (3 inch) frame purse. No space too small for a roll of moleskin!!
Why moleskin? It's SUPER-dense, so heat doesn't penetrate it very quickly - don't want to burn those fingers! It's 100% cotton, so will take high heat. And it has just the right amount of softness - without being too spongey - so it's like a ready-made mini-ironing board. Love it!

Now... before you ask... I don't know where to send you for moleskin fabric. I've had this for about fifteen years. Look in bargain fabric shops where they sell "job lots" of fabrics from manufacturers. Look for the thickest, densest moleskin you can find. Perhaps if you've seen some in a shop near you (or online) you could leave a comment to let us all know...?


Now... what was I saying about being behind schedule on a project...? ...and why am I blogging?

14 comments:

Michelle said...

the purses look just lovely...my grandma had one just like them for years now i'm not sure where it ended up...she would put her 1cent coins in them to play bingo...

Kirrily said...

Y'know, I'm thinking that this may be where having two very cowboy-ish brothers might actually be a good thing! Surely one of them will have some moleskins that are past their use by date??

(PS, I'm back, mostly! Oh that reminds me, I need shiny metal things...)

Anonymous said...

Hi Nikki
It WAS a beautiful day today. However, those purses of yours are beautiful too. I've started blogging again after a couple of months off. just couldn't do it! Check back when you get a chance.
Cheers
AM

Sophie said...

I've always wondered how you get your purses so nicely pressed - thanks for sharing another secret.

Gay McDonell said...

The purses are gorgeous! Thanks for the tip! And, you weren't blogging - you were SHARING!

Michelle said...

That's a great tip - thank you!

Jodie @ The Haby Goddess said...

Nikki, the fabrics you have used on those very cute purses are gorgeous. Very Spring - bright & happy!!

ladydi said...

I admire your darling little purses so much! I've never attempted to attach a purse to a frame. Is it difficult? About 40 years ago it was all the rage to have one of those cute little frame purses to match your dress. What goes around comes around!

Bellgirl said...

The purses look like jewels! Thanks for the tip- nothing sets off a sewing project like an expert pressing.

flossy-p said...

Clever clever clever, and really pretty too!

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

That is such a great tip. Those purses look adorable all laid out like that together.

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

Wow! That is a great idea! I'm going to have to hunt me down some. I have a sleeve board, but sometimes it's too big.

Kirrily said...

What make/model of iron do you have Nikki? I'm looking for a new one...

9crafty11 said...

I just purchased some of the moleskins, & for the seamstress I think it's a great investment. I use them also for all the children's clothes I make..what a difference the moleskins make! I think these would make a great gift as they are not so easy to come by! Thanks Nicole!