Ironing anyone?

[Rogar]

I've had an iron since probably not too long after leaving home and used it somewhat often early for job interviews, weddings and funerals, and maybe a few special events. My iron is now about to go, but is one of those things you think, maybe some day... Job interviews are pretty much out any more and I can get a reasonable look out of a few shirts and slacks if needed with a few tumbles of the drier. The ironing board went a few years ago, but I've ironed on a counter top with a town underneath a few times. It just seems like people are more casual about funeral and wedding or most other special event dress anymore. At least outside of the country club crowd. I don't want to be some sort of low rent person where it would be out of place not to have a neat press, but I'm not seeing it?

I remember, Mrs. Misery wasn't it, that liked to iron as some sort of calming zen meditation, but as a pragmatic function has it lost it's purpose for the majority of us?

The sports coat is getting close too, for the same reasons. The only one I have is a nice wool Sears I bought just after college, which miraculously fits and not too outdated, but slightly tight. It's a little further away from the chopping block, and I'll hold on to ties and a dress shirt or two..

[catherine]

I remember Mz Misery. I don't remember her feelings about ironing, but from what you recall, I think I identify with it.

I don't iron frequently but I would never throw out my iron. I like pressed tablecloths, pillowcases, and sometimes even dishtowels.

Also, sometimes I sew, and you have to have an iron if you want to sew things. Crisp seams can't be achieved without ironing.

[iris lilies]

I keep an iron around for occasional sewing and flower show fabric pieces used for napkins, backgrounds.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay---But yeah---Go ahead and keep it.

[Rogar]

I forgot about table clothes which I have used occasionally. I'll have to think about that. Lately it's been mostly placemats.

[pinkytoe]

These days, I only use my iron for sewing chores like hems. It is probably 20 years old and still works great - just a cheapie from Walmart. Sometimes I wonder if the casual factor has gone too far.

[frugal-one]

Something I would not dispose of… it takes little room and even if just used for that fusing tape for hems… it is worthwhile to have around.

[rosarugosa]

I think it was Mrs. Miserly, not Misery (that "l" makes a big difference). I seldom iron anymore, but I do on occasion, so I would not get rid of my iron and ironing board.

[Rogar]

I think it was Mrs. Miserly, not Misery (that "l" makes a big difference). I seldom iron anymore, but I do on occasion, so I would not get rid of my iron and ironing board.
Yes, typo :-). My apologies to Ms. Miserly, where ever you are.

[happystuff]

I actually learned how to iron in the service - had to keep those uniforms crisp! LOL.

Once we were married, I taught dh how to iron. With his job, he uses the iron all the time while I rarely use it. So, we still have one and a board. Now to get him to put it away every now and then. :(

[jp1]

I’m 55 and have never owned an iron. Throw the damn thing away and focus on things that actually matter. All it does is waste time and energy.

[Rogar]

I’m 55 and have never owned an iron. Throw the damn thing away and focus on things that actually matter. All it does is waste time and energy.

Thanks for the encouragement. Today is trash day and I'm putting it in the to-go pile before I have second thoughts.

In a minor way, it feels a bit like the end of an era. My father had work that required a neatly pressed and starched shirt and as kid I remember how the advent of "perma press" was something of a revelation. It's still hard to top the comfort of cotton these days. There's always the option of sending shirts out to the cleaner for special occasions.

I do agree that the casual look gets overdone these days, which is too bad. I still tuck in shirts and don't wear sweats (or worse yet, pajamas) out of the house. Those are a couple of my slovenly peeves.

[Teacher Terry]

The only thing I ever used an iron for was to patch my kids pants when they were little. I haven’t owned one in 30 years.

[Klunick]

I have an iron to hem new work pants with the hemming tape stuff. Oldest used it to make his ugly Christmas sweater this year. Used it to attach things to it.