Boy, these days go fast! With only 8 more days to go until Christmas, we’ve bundled together a bunch more items for you today – all on sale for 20%off! Let’s get started with a few of my most favorite things for working with fabric!
Our three sizes of wool pressing mats are a must have. We use them at The Gathering and pretty much everyone who tries them ends up buying one to take home… if they don’t already have one that is! Our mats are sized differently than others out there, and not to mention much, much cheeper. We made them in three sizes that I think make the most sense. Our large mat is made to go on “big board” type ironing boards. They are 20″x 58″ and fit very nicely. I know some people have cut them down to custom fit their ironing surface, so there are many options with the big ones. These wool mats offer even distribution of steam, and releases it back up into the fabric instead of down into your wooden ironing/ big board or table. These mats are nice and thick, and make the most beautiful covers for your โbig boardโ ironing station. They come in 20″ร58″, 20″ร20″ and 12″x12″. The smaller ones are especially nice if you do not have a big space or you have to travel with it!
Since we’re talking about all my favorite fabric essentials today, I thought I would show you the starch I prefer to use. Unfortunately, I don’t sell it at this time but you can look for it in the big box grocery stores. Price wise it’s a few dollars a can depending on where you live. If you don’t have time to shop around for it you can also find it on Amazon!
Pressing sticks are also a crucial item in my fabric essentials arsenal (I know I call it a pressing stick but it is really called a Strip Stick)! I know most of you have seen me use them in our American Quilter’s SAL while working on the Hogs for Heroes quilt. If you haven’t, check out our videos on our YouTube Channel! At 20% off it’s a perfect time to pick up a few of these handy tools. They make pressing simple and fun! The larger sizes are perfect for pressing sashing and borders open with ease, and the smaller ones are super convenient for traveling (to Primitive Gatherings quilting retreats, of course)! Sizes available include 8″, 18″, 22″ and 45″. They also make great gifts, so don’t forget to pick one up for a quilter friend or two!
Then there are Magic Pins!!! I can’t believe how much I am In LOVE with these pins! I have so many other types of really nice pins around me yet, I always avoid them and go straight for these! They come in all sizes and thicknesses so please pay attention to those details when ordering. Don’t get me wrong, they are all good. You just don’t want a thick pin while pinning your blocks. Thicker pins do work fine for pinning borders, however!
Then last item on my list today is the coveted Rowenta Steam Station. Simply put, no other iron measures up! I LOVE it and so does everyone else who is using it at The Gathering. Yes, we have them there! I guess that means you should come stay with us…
Ok sorry, back on topic! The Rowenta Steam Stations are very popular which is making them really hard to get right now, even for us. If you’re lucky, you can snag one off Amazon if they are in stock. If not, keep checking back as inventory is constantly changing. Here is the link to find it there…
The Rowenta Steam Station is super powerful with 430 g/min steam bursts, 7. 4 bars of high-pressure steam, and over 400HD active steam holes. It’s a powerful wrinkle remover that drastically shortens the time it takes for ironing and crafting projects. I couldn’t love it more! It’s patented calcium collecting technology provides state of the art long-lasting steam performance and helps your machine to last even longer.
With a large removable 37oz water tank, locking system and cord storage, this machine is easy and safe to use. The Rowenta Pro Steam Station gives you meticulous steam control, which means you get the perfect amount of steam for whatever project you’re working on. Amen….that’s iron gospel there!
To win some of my favorite essentials for working with fabric please leave me a comment and tell me about YOUR fabric essentials collection. Do you already own all of this? Do you starch? Did you try the Magic Pins yet? Let’s have some fun and maybe you will win…someone will. It might as well be you!
Please watch our 12 Days YouTube videos (link below)!!! My team works so hard on these videos and you can do it while you stitch! See you tomorrow!
I have a regular Rowenta that is nice as itโs a heavy iron & I usually use Best Press to crisp my fabric. The magic pins may need to be a stocking gift. What Iโm going to the PG site is to research the wool mat. Thinking I need the small size for sure.
You can tell I am a follower and big believer in you, Lisa and your teachings! I use and love all of your favorite/needful things today, except the Rowenta iron. I have used it at your retreats and it is on my want list. These items certainly have made a huge difference in my quilting hobby!โค๏ธ
I have most of the items you mention. I have been starching for years, after a tutorial you did, and i dont know how i ever pieced without starch. I have the juki, a wool mat. Your needles, marking tools, strip stick, i could add more. If you’re reading this, i never have buyers remorse, Lisa’s recommendations are great.
I never had used starch before coming to one of you classes and now use all of the time. Love your patterns and sew alongs. Was looking forward to staying at the gathering tonight but got ill and am not able to make it. Hope you have a Merry Christmas
I just read up on that seam station and because my heart rate accelerated with excitement, I added it to my wish list for a future purchase…LOL. My quilting essentials are the starch (a real game-changer) and, sadly, my seam ripper!
I do not own the the fancy iron. I do starch after watching Lisa’s video and what a difference. I have an ironing wool mat and I love it. I recently purchased magic pens after watching Deb’s video on dying, learned the size of pens matter.
Hi Lisa,
I am currently looking at “flower garden gatherings’ not sure about pattern yet. I have faultless starch and love the pins (only have light aqua and yellow, no blue, oh and am buying a larger stick. I also would love to win something. See you tomorrow.
Oh, yes, I use all those items. Every time I’m at the grocery store I check for the Faultless starch, because sometimes they have it, sometimes not! What I don’t have is the Rowenta Pro Steam Station – tat’s definitely on my list!
I have several items on your list, and use them each time I sew and Quilt. I am a huge fan of your suggestions! Hope to get the Steam Station Some Day!
Hi Lisa! Yes, I starch. I havenโt used this โflavorโ of the Faultless starch – I use the regular. Not sure if my box store has the heavy so Iโll have to get it from Amazon.
I absolutely love the Magic pins. So sharp.
I use a handcrafted wood clapper to make my seams open nice and crisp. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
I don’t have the Rowenta Steam Station but would sure love to own one. I have 2 wool mats, one large and a smaller one which is great for sewing days/retreats, but who wouldn’t like the big board size!. I started out using regular faultless spray starch and then our local grocery started carrying the faultless heavy duty starch. And now that is what I prefer, it’s a real game changer. Last year I bought the 18″ strip strip from Primitive Gatherings and love it. It really worked well when sewing the strips for the American Gathering Stitch along blocks. An 8″ size would be good to have for smaller blocks. I have the magic pins but I confess I have not tried them as yet.
I have all of the essentials except the steam station. Maybe someday there will be one in my sewing room. I now starch thanks to Lisa’s recommendation and it does make a BIG difference. I ordered the pressing stick and the Magic pens for myself for Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Hi Sue! We are currently out of stock on the Steam Station but if you follow the link I posted on my blog, you might be able to get one on Amazon. Last I checked they still had some in stock so I grabbed another one for myself.
Used to starch my fabrics way back when and then for some reason I stopped. Thanks to you I am back to that method and loving it. Santa was kind and brought me the steam station last year. Everyone, it is a game changer! One of my essentials that you haven’t mentioned are my Creative Grids rulers. Have not tried the pins yet but am thinking I may have to.
I have been thinking about trying the magic pins, sometimes regular pins donโt seem to be strong enough, they bend easily, these sound like they may be sturdier.
Faultless spray starch is the BEST! I recently switched to it and won’t use any other. Rowenta is a great iron. When my Mom.passed away I got hers. So many memories of her in my sewing corner. I’ve never used a pressing stick and now I think I need one!
I so much enjoy and value your expertise.
Thank you!
Anne
I currently have an older Rowenta, but when that stops working, Iโll definitely look into this steam station model. I have the other essentials you mentioned and really like the magic pinsโฆI have the skinny ones that donโt leave a hole in fine weave fabric, and they are super sharp.
I do not have nor have I used any of the items. They are now on my list to find and purchase, if I don’t win them๐. Thank you so much for the advice and opportunity!
I do own all of them. I love, love the pins and the iron. oh, who am I kidding I love all of these. I’m afarid I’m going to wear my iron out. Merry Christmas everyone.
I believe I have used and do own all of these. Probably the one I couldnโt live without ( all of them) but the Rowenta steam iron is truly amazing and I love it. It sure makes those blocks easier!! And all of our clothes that need ironing. Itโs a necessity.! Christmas blessings!!
Iโm a beginner so Iโm just starting my โtoolโ collection. I began starching after I found Primitive Gatherings. Iโve found such great advice from you and the awesome FB group. Merry Christmas ๐
I have used the sticks before and love them. I’ve seen you use the steam iron at the shop and will be putting it on my wish list. Happy Holidays to alll!!!!
I love magic pins, I forgot they were called that and thought, โif Lisa likes these, Iโd better check them out.โ Turns out, yes I have them, I call them mummy pins because it looks like they are in a sarcophagus! They are a must.
I have two wool mats but not the large one, I have mat envy in my heart at this moment!
I have a Rowenta Steam Station but not the newest one I see here.
And pressing sticksโฆ I bought them from you maybe during a 12 Days of Christmas a few years ago! They are wonderful!
Starch, easy to find here in the grocery aisle but during the pandemicโs worst, I relied on Amazon for my starch.
I have a wool pressing mat, use the Faultless starch (have for years since there is a facility here in Kansas City), and use a Rowena iron, hurst not the Steam Station yet. I have to wait until my iron no longer works before I can convince hubby I need a new one. I am looking forward to trying the pressing stick and pins though. Will have to order them when I finish here.
I have the pressing stick…the size you prefer, one long, thinner wool mat that I have under a cover on my big board, a medium size wool mat. I don’t have the iron; I’ve never starched. I’m planning on buying the pins after all the 12 days are finished & ordering everything at once. Thanks for all your tips & help. Blessings to you!
I have used starch on fabric, works great. I have a small wool mat that I love! I would love a large wool mat. Have not tried the magic pins or the sticks. Rowenta irons are the best. I have not seen the Rowenta station before, that would have to go on my wish list.
I agree these are all definitely essential. I have all of them and wish one day for the Steam Station. It will happen!! Thanks Lisa for introducing us to all these great products!
I have started to starch thanks to you, wow what a difference it makes. My blocks are so much more accurate. I have tried magic pins, I just wish they wouldnโt bend so easily. As for an steam station iron, I had one over 20 years ago and it was so heavy as I aged it became cumbersome and difficult to use. Might have to research and put one on my gift list. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all.
I love this iron you recommended many years and I got one and donโt know how I lived without it or starch. I also have the pressing stick and wool mats but may need a wool mat for my retreat bag. The only thing I havenโt used are the magic pins. ๐I watch and appreciate all the videos you and your team put together!!
Happy Friday!!!! First, I have a strip stick and do use it. I occasionally starch, mostly on mini stuff. I havent tried the ins yet. and I’ve given you my take on expensive irons in the past. I’ve used this one at your retreats and it works great…..I just dont have one:) I like how this years’ 12 days is a little different from years past. Thanks again for another chance to win:)
My dear hubby found our local drugstore sells my Faultless spray starch so he buys them out (leaves one for someone else) every time heโs near the store. I use everything else mentioned, however the large wool mat (I have the medium size) and Rowena Steam Station are on my wish list!
I absolutely have to have my wool mat. My pressing area is my old kitchen bar countertop so my husband got me the long wool mat. Love it!
. Also I have the June Tailor Half Square Quarter square ruler that I use obsessively to square up my blocks. I also need the Creative Grid ruler to mark on either side of the diagonal on a square. Of course my Pfaff. Fabric and wool.
I just got the pins you are talking about. Havenโt used them yet.
I don’t have a wool pressing mat yet or the magic pins, or the Rowenta steam station. I did buy the spray starch for the one small quilting block that I did. That worked really well. So I guess I need to win something!
Thanks for the comment Marcia! Hit the Amazon link provided on my blog. I just ordered one last week without issue! Last I saw there were still some in stock. Let us know if you get one! Good luck!!!
I must admit, I’ve never tried starching… but after reading these comments, I may have to give it a try! I do have the ironing sticks, as well as a small wool mat. And yes, they are game changers! Steam station…well, that will hopefully be in my future. After I recover from Christmas spending, lol! Merry Christmas to all…and thank you for all you do for us out there in the stitching world!
I have everything you mentioned even the iron! Bought it last year & big board mat several years ago. I absolutely love all of them. My fave pins are fine w glass heads. Blue & yellow heads. They bend easily, but still love them. When I smocked garments40 years ago, I was introduced to them back then & have never left!
Thanks for all your hints & sharing which is what I love about quilters!๐ฅฐ
I have wool mats and a strip stick and love them, but my #1 essential tool is a Creative Grids ruler – accurate and easy to read, and above all it does not slip.
Love the magic pins and wool mat. I use the starch but donโt do as heavy as you do unless they are small pieces. My essentials also includes the wonder clips.
I love the wool mats, strip sticks and magic pins and have them all! Iโm new to using steam, so I donโt have a steam station yet, but they are pretty cool!
I have to laughโฆ This is the fourth year Iโve joined in PGโs Twelve Days of Christmas, and I find that I use almost EVERYTHING that Lisa recommends, thanks to both her prior recommendations and her fabulous videos. Didnโt know how to either wool appliquรฉ or quilt when I first started visiting the siteโฆ Now excitedly make everything in the Wool Boxes and more quilts than my house can hold from Lisaโs fabrics and patterns! The one item I havenโt used is the Rowenta Steam Station. This is the year I give myself this as a luxury Christmas gift. Merry Christmas, Lisa and wonderful PG team, and as always, thanks for giving me so much quilting and wool appliquรฉ enjoyment. Hope to see you at The Gathering in 2022!
I always starch and I use Faultless as well. Canโt believe the difference it makes in accuracy! I also have magic pins and use them almost exclusively, ignoring the many other pins I own. I have a wool mat and find it makes for flatter seams. I donโt own the Rowenta steam iron system, though, as I canโt justify the cost to myself. Too cheap, I guess! ๐
I have the Rowenta Steam Station (because Lisa has it on the list every year) and I LOVE it !!! I can’t imagine pressing with any other iron. I think this year I need to gift myself the Wool Pressing Mat. I have a small one, but it would be a luxury to have the Big Board size. Buying this will complete my ironing/pressing station !!!
I love how you starch fabric Iโve been doing it that way for years my friends come over and I have to show them what all you do it I would love to have that steam iron I seem to replace my Steam irons every year and a half
As a Primitive Gatherings devotee for many years, I have been fortunate to acquire my steam station, wool mats, and pressing sticks from prior 12 Days events. Iโve just started using the Magic Pins. I love all of these things and use them all in my sewing room.
I am a big fan of starching cottons for quilting! Magic pins are the bestโฆ I have the short ones that I use for wool appliquรฉ. Andโฆ I have a small wool pressing mat that I loveโฆ not sure how I survived without it!!
I do starch and learned this from you Lisa. It really makes a difference. I do not own the Rolenta yet. But have the other items you mentioned. Use them all the time.
I DO have all of these! But if I had to pick my favorite one in this bunch, I would definitely pick the Rowena Steam Station! Itโs an investment, but totally worth it!! I like to take it to retreats so other quilters can try itโฆand love it too!! You really canโt go wrong with a purchase of any of the โgoodiesโ that Lisa picked for today!!
I purchased my steam station a year ago after watching you use yours and I love it! And my wool mats, magic pins and starch! Of course, I enjoy trying out any new notion – what quilter doesn’t? – but I use all of these items on a daily basis.
Because of you, Lisa Primitive Gatherings I have learned so much and have many of the essential that you talked about today the only one I donโt have is the Rowenta Steam Station. Maybe some day I will be able to get one. Yes I starch it sure helps Yes I have the magic pins got them last year
I have all of these except the pressing strips. love my mat, starch, and I have an old Rowenta steam station. It is more than 30 years old and going strong! I love the adjustability of the steam settings andthere isnt a wrinkle she cant get out. Well worth the investment.
I have two wool mats and love them. I have some Magic Pins that I really like. For starch, I use whatever I can find at the grocery store. ha! That Steam Station looks amazing.
I have the medium size wool mat and one of the pressing bars. Love both. Planning on trying the magic pins, also need to get the smaller mat to take to quilt group. The Rowena pressing station sounds great.
I always, always starch. It’s a must for precision piecing! I also press my seams open as much as possible so the โpressing sticksโ have been on my radar for awhile. I guess now is the right time to give them a try.
I have the pressing mat for my big board and one other size. Also have some of the magic pins. I love them. I need to see what I have and order some more different sizes. Yes I starch and it makes a huge difference. What would we do if we ran out of starch?? Lol. The one thing I need to gift myself is the steam iron station. Thank you Lisa for all the inspiration.
I started starching my fabric after your tutorials and I love how much that helps with piecing and I started using a wool mat a few years ago. I have been saving for the Rowenta Steam Station, but don’t want to buy from Amazon. I’ll keep watching your website to see when you get them back in stock. The pressing sticks look like they would be really helpful. Merry Christmas!
My husband gifted me a really nice iron and travel iron last year – I love them! I do starch as I feel it helps me be more precise! I have been looking at the wool pressing mats – medium sized – so many great reviews on them! I have never heard of the magic pins!! ๐
I use a few of these items, I starch my fabric and it makes a world of difference in making it easier to piece. I have a medium pressing mat and it makes even an inexpensive iron work better. A pressing stick is a great tool to have and the magic pins are so much easier to pick up. Thanks Lisa for finding all these great tools.
I do starch my fabric, itโs a real game changer. I love wool mats and strip sticks. I have a wool covered strip stick that combines the best of both in one. A big board wool mat is on my wish list.
HAVE A WOOL PRESSING MAT AND LOVE IT. Haven’t starched fabric yet but plan to as i start on smaller mini projects. Plan to watch your tutorials on the subject. Would like a strip stick for opening seams on those minis.
I do use Even Flo for my starch and I don’t make it very heavy. I us it on my small piece’s, it seems to help my pieces be straight. I don’t have a wool mat, my husband made me an ironing station this summer, have looked at them but haven’t purchased one yet.Never heard of the pins before, will have to check them out, and my iron is as old as the hills,lol, heavy but gets the job done.
Wool pressing mat is definitely an essential item! Magic pins and strip sticks are great tools. The Rowenta Steam Station is on my wishlist! Would love to add one to my sewing room.
I have one pressing stick and just got my first wool mat. I don’t have the pressing station. I’ve had a couple of Rowenta irons over the years and they were great irons. I currently have different starch than that but I will look for it next time I shop. Fun, helpful stuff!
I love my wool pressing mat and I’ve been learning to starch as well. I have the pins and love them. The pressing station is still on my wish list. ๐
I am in love with my square wool pressing mat. Having a big one for my ironing board would be fabulous. I use Best Press, but you have reminded me that a heavier starch would be very helpful for small piecing.
The Rowenta steam station is on my wish list. Sounds fabulous.
I have several of the products mentioned in my sewing room. The Rowenta steam station and the magic pins are missing though. I didn’t realize the Strip Sticks came in the 8 inch size, that would work better for blocks than the long one I have.
I am a great student! I have all of these items…except the heavy duty Rowenta. I have a Rowenta…..but not that one. The wool pressing mat is a LIVE SAVER!!! jmh
I think starch makes everything easier! Iโm always looking for the best pins, so I have a collection! I donโt have a wool pressing mat but would love one.๐คถ happy holidays!
Love all these items. But my favorite is the iron. I asked for it last year for the holidays after watching Lisaโs list last year. And it was the best gift ever received in my sewing room. I love it.
I have a wool mat, two pressing sticks and some magic pins. Iโll be adding more of these. Love all of these. Considering the iron station. Maybe this next year.
I use Best Press for a light starch. A seam ripper is a necessary part of my tools (although I hate to admit it!) I’ve been eyeing up a wool pressing may but haven’t bought one yet.
I do have 2 sizes of Magic pins, and do like them. Wool mats are awesome, and will be trying the Faultess spray starch the next time I need to purchase starch. Thank you for your give away chances.
My iron completely sucks because it spits out brown icky water sometimes but it is probably because I wasnโt using distilled water.๐๐คฃ๐ I really love my Karen Buckley scissors and they make cutting out appliquรฉ shapes an absolute joy. I love my stiletto/seam ripper too which seems to be getting way, way more use than I would like. I have used the Magic Pins and they are absolutely incredible!!!! I need to starch more too so want to try out Faultless starch. ๐๐
Hi, My favorites are the wool mat and pressing sticks, what a difference these make in my quilting world! Have not tried the Magic Pins. I have starched in the summer when I can do it in the garage or outside. Winter months, I don’t have a place to starch and dry. Would love to have the Rowenta iron, maybe some day. Happy Holidays!
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