Tuesday 9 April 2013

It actually really works ...

... not that I doubted that fact for a moment, but when I made the sleeve board I was a little worried it would become one of those 'must-have' sewing essentials that just ended up sitting around gathering dust. 

Well not this little beauty, it has earned 'top shelf' status in my books. It really works a treat on the sleeve seam and the cuffs, giving just the right amount of pressing in the right places.
The shirt I am working on tonight is hanging in the background, minus the sleeves. That is because I am in love with ironing them! Can't get enough of ironing those sleeves!
But, sadly, if you look on the bed you will see a pair of rolled up sports socks! Yes, my substitute 'pressing ham' sneaked into the picture to purely embarrass me. After such success tonight with the sleeve board, my new tailors ham and roll have suddenly earned themselves top priority on my list. So time to download a pattern, and hunt out some wool from the stash to whip up my next ironing aides. 

15 comments:

  1. Hi Judith, I'll have to send you some of my sleeves to iron as well! Seriously, when I was ironing something this morning, I thought your ironing aid would have been very handy.

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  2. Rolled up socks as a substitute pressing ham! Now I have to say that is a clever alternative. I don't know if I'll ever fall in love with ironing but you've come close, so close, to convincing me otherwise.

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  3. I am completely serious when I say I couldn't manage without a sleeve board, I use my constantly when sewing and I never have a crease in my sleeves anymore. 8-)

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  4. Glad to see it's meeting the need so well. I'll have to try my hand at making one, too.

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  5. You wil wonder how you ever lived without a ham. Love the blouse btw!

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  6. I need a sleeve board. I use to use rolled up socks before I bought a ham. ;-) I have this http://www.etsy.com/listing/108506780/shoulder-stand very handy item. I used it this week for pressing the curved area on princess seams.

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  7. nice job, I never would of thought of using a rolled up sock but then I've never used a sleeve bord either lol maybe I should get me one made lol!
    Helen

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  8. Judith... you have succeeded--- to making me want a sleeve board.. I really never thought , it would matter that much..But, now I want one.. I think, that will be on my to do list soon.. thank you for sharing..
    Your blouse is looking great.

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  9. I love my sleeve board, mine isnt as sturdy as yours I would prefer yours anyday. Surely anything that makes ironing sleeves easier is a godsend.

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  10. Funny! I've heard that ironing is one of the most important parts of a finished garment. The shirt is looking good so far. Happy ironing!

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  11. My sleeve board is on constant use, in fact I think I spend more time pressing than sewing actually. Judith, you buy your tailor's ham first and tell me how invaluable it is - I'm using a rolled up towel at the moment.

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  12. Oh you made me laugh - in love with ironing sleeves. I have a few spare sets of sleeves I can send you if you want...

    Seriously though - it is amazing the difference the right tool can make. Must get myself one of those sleeve boards.

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  13. I use my tailor's ham all the time, I also use a long wooden rolling pin for pressing trouser leg, and long sleeve seams. I have a long sausage type ham too, which is similar to the rolling pin. I have a sleeve board which I use occasionally, but use the other two more. But the right tools do help.

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  14. I am too in love with my sleeve board too Judith!

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  15. Smartie! See, this is why I live in Florida and go sleeveless...no sleeve board. I think of all the years of ironing the cuffs on my work blouses (I wore a suit every day). That little crease that forms where the darts go into the cuff by the placket...aaaarrrrrgh.

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