2 things - It’s best not to use steam on a wool mat. The steam will cause the wool to begin to smell & May also stain the mat. #2- Your wool mat will sweat through using the hot iron, so DON’T place it on top of your cutting mat, & if you lay it on a wooden table, be careful that it doesn’t impact the finish of the wood. I used a plastic TV tray recently when doing some small piecing & layer a small hand towel under the mat to absorb the moisture.

I decided some time ago to never use water in my irons anymore. Now that I have two good misting bottles - one large at home and a smaller one for traveling - I find that the mist from the bottle is enough. Another benefit -- the misting bottles don't have to be refilled as often as the tiny iron reservoirs do. Just my preference. YMMV.

I warped my cutting mat using a mini iron on my wool mat, that was on top of the cutting mat. I now move the mat and place the wool on my tabletop

Please consider not putting water in your irons. That blue water sprayer your mom bought you is what you should use instead. Irons work better for much longer when they don’t have to contend with mineral buildup and rust. And you will benefit with no stains on your fabrics from rust and minerals. Win win

Just a bit of advice. It’s not a good idea to put your wool mat on your cutting mat. The heat and the steam will warp your cutting mat. Just a word to the wise.

Don’t use that mini iron on top of a cutting mat. You’ll ruin it. Ask me how I know? 😬

I’m 74 and have sewn just about all of my life. In the last few months I have purchased each of the items you showed today and I also have the same brand sewing machine that you have! I also didn’t know what a walking foot was. It definitely makes a world of difference in my quilting. I also love the mini iron, (not the same brand). Like you, I like to use the mini iron and my wool pressing mat for the smaller things and use the mister instead of putting water in the iron. I use my wool mat on my cutting table, not on my cutting mat, since the cutting mat is just to cut on . I don’t use water in any of my irons because the mister works so much better and I don’t have the hassle of filling and emptying the irons when I start and finish for the day. I enjoyed your video very much!

If you are using some kind of table below your wool mat be careful using steam cuz it goes thru the wool and will make the table damp and will ruin it. I pressed on a sheet of freezer paper to the under side of the mat. It will keep the steam from ruining your table or mat.

My wool mat is a western saddle blanket that cost $39 from State Line Tack. It was so big that I cut it in thirds. I have a pad I made with a layer of batting and InsulBrite under the mat on a wood tv tray. Works great for having at my side while sewing.

Note for the wise: Don't steam on top of the wool mat on top of a cutting mat! I made that mistake and ruined my cutting mat - it warped it terribly because the steam was going through the wool mat and I didn't realize it! 😑

8:42

To get a mister, buy Mr. Clean in the misting spray, use it up cleaning your house and save the bottle to use as a misting bottle

I love my silicone iron rest. I can rest the iron on it and just slide it over to use it. I don’t have to pick it up and turn the iron upright. It saves wear and tear on my wrists. With arthritis it really helps.

You should add a clapper to your list of much-needed/useful items

You should add a clapper to your list of much-needed/useful items. Love to use my clapper!

Three extra tips to complement this video:

I was fortunate many years ago to buy a Pfaff with an on board walking foot. It was the only mfg at the time with an on board foot. It absolutely is needed for straight line quilting.

I love your easy, breezy, ❤uncomplicated way of quilting. Keep up the wonderful videos

Love my walking feet, I have one for 3 of my machines

Yes, I would like to receive video’s of you sewing/quilting mug rugs, hot mats, fast & easy oven mitts & any other projects you care to share. Thank you for inspiring other’s to eventually take-up the stress-free hobby of quilting.