Teen

I seem to function OK with a standard ironing board but it would be much more efficient to have a larger base to press, probably. My ironing board is 35 years old and still hanging in there tho I've replaced the cover a gazillion times since taking up quilting.

charlottequilts

I read a lot of tutorials on this and finally decided to "shop the cellar." I found a long piece of 1/4" plywood and painted it to seal. I had some white denim and cut two layers in a loose rectangle for the top. It's not stapled but doesn't go anywhere. And I think it's a bit prettier than the canvas that's frequently recommended.

Next, I worried about heat transfer to the wood, as I had had some experience with pressing on a wood table and having it become damp. DH brought in a piece of plexiglass from the garage and asked if it would fit. My first thought was, are you kidding? But work it does, and the wood underneath is dry. And nothing is so heavy as to be dangerous or poorly balanced.

Another view, and it doesn't require a single staple.

hugs,
charlotte