We built our own ironing board fitted to my ironing board.

Here was the directions:

http://www.angelfire.com/art3/elainesquiltyshop/Iron.html


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I bought mine from Nancy's Notions, and it's wonderful, though I don't remember the brand name. It has a sleeve board that slides out of the way, an end rest for the iron, and a rod with dents to hang clothes hangers that folds out of the way. I also use it by adjusting it at the right level to help handle larger quilts by my machine. And when I need a hard ironing surface, I place two of Sharon Schamber's boards on it. It's a great system. Cheers, BJ

Here's a link for the company that sells my best ironing surface for quilting: http://www.guardian-tablepad.com/sewez.html
Their primary product is table pads. The Sew EZ board can be pinned into for blocking, the surface is very firm and the back can be used as a small design wall. I have the larger of the two boards offered. The surface does give off an odor when using a hot iron, however, it does not transfer to the fabric and I overlook the small deficit as it's other qualities are sterling. I slip my cutting mat inside the fold when neither is in use. This would be my choice of pressing surface even if I had a huge studio to sew in.

Every ironing board I've ever owned has developed a bow down the centre, lengthwise. I'm not sure if it's because my husband leans on it when he irons his shirts, or if I'm doing it somehow. A friend of mine says it has never happened to her. I've bought standard ironing boards and an expensive Polder one, and it's happened to all of them. Anyone have any ideas about this?

www.sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes.aspx
Here is a link to Sharon Schambers free videos and she has instructions on making the pressing board.

These are great ideas. I never thought about making one to sit on top of the one I already have. I'll check out Walmart as well. Thanks ladies.

If you need an actual ironing board, WalMart has a wider, longer board than the standard ones. It's sturdy and well-made. I've used mine for about three years now.

I made a couple from OSB board. You can buy it at stores like Home Depot, Rona and Revy where they sell lumber. It comes in 4' by 8' sheets, wasn't too expensive about $8 a sheet and most places will cut it for you. They cut it 3' by 6' and then the 2' square piece from the end I made a smaller one. I did the same as Cheryl in the last post. A layer of cotton batt and cotton canvas, stapled on the back. I didn't cover the back with felt, I just covered the stapled edges with some duct tape. When the top gets yucky from glue and starch etc, I can easily undo the staples and put a new canvas top on. After you have it all stapled, use a spray bottle and spray the top with water to soak it and then leave it to dry. The cotton in the batt and canvas will shrink and tighten right up to your board.
Since I have used these, I don't think I've even touched my regular ironing board. I really prefer the harder surface now for pressing. They are really easy to make, give it a try and I bet you use it more than your regular one too.

I made one using 1/4 " pressed board from the home center. the boards usually are 4 feet long and perfect for pressing yards of fabric. layer thin batting and then cotton canvas and staple gun to the back side. I finished the back side with felt by the yard and glue. This sits on top of my regular iron board. When not in use ( a rare occasion) I slip it between my cutting table and the wall. I have lines drawn down the center for pressing sewn strips and also use it for blocking blocks.

We're always talking about irons, but I'd like to know how you feel about your ironing board. I think I'm going to be the market for a new one soon and I can't figure out if there is really any difference between them. I'm beginning to think my surface is to "fluffy" and should be more firm. I'd also like to find a larger size. Suggestions?