pressing bags and handles

[Christie]

I discovered today that I can press 4 handles at the same time.

I put one piece of fabric on top of another on the ironing board, then do the same with another 2 pieces and put them a little way away from the first 2.

Press the first fold on one pair then on the other.
Press the second fold on both sets.
Do the final fold and press well.
Slide each set of handles apart.

Hey presto 4 handles in the time it usually takes to do 2.

Apologies if some of you already do this. Pressing is not my favourite job so I'm really please I've discovered this.

[Offcuts]

Christie, as we are potentially pressing 2400 handles for the Knitting and Stitching shows until we know what size our stalls are, this could be ground breaking. I have a problem with written instructions. Would you be able to photograph each stage or would that be too much of a phaff?

[beattie]

Offcuts - you know how, at the NEC, we sometimes had customers who sewed both handles together, one on top of the other so that we had to unpick them & get them to start again? They were sewing kits that I'd made the way Christie describes. Christie's variation does 2 pairs at once. And, crucially, separates the handles before bundling the kit!

[Christie]

I'm not surprised that you thought of it before me Beattie! I think we both have a dislike of ironing! Anything to cut down on it. I'm experimenting doing the same thing with the top of the bags if the material isn't too thick. I'll let you know if it works or not.

Are you OK with it now Offcuts or do you still want photos?

[beattie]

It works - I do it all the time!

[Offcuts]

I know the way that Beattie does it - it might have even been a zapperism - is it the same only seperating them at the end? Maybe some other podders far and wide might appreciate some photos. Once they are done they are in the tips forever

[beattie]

You're right - I got it from Zappers! It's a good tip.

[Ivybags]

Speed handling............is that like speed dating ?

[beattie]

You'll have to try them both & report back, Ivybags, but I don't think there's any handling allowed in speed dating. Not til the next date, anyway

[Offcuts]

[selby baggers]

[kuhtams]

Has anyone tried using a bias tape maker for handles? It seems like a godsend to be able to zip right along and not have to worry about aligning every fold. I guess the main thing would be to find one that would result in a wide enough strap, but what do you all think? I've never actually used one before.

[beattie]

I remember it being discussed about 2 years ago. Use a large size & press as you go. It's a gadget that might help people like AD who make handles in enormous long strips & cut them up later.

[beattie]

Been away & had a look for it - here's the discussion from about a year ago.
http://www.morsbags.com/phpBB2/viewtopi ... t=ias+tape

Sorry the pics are missing - "account inactive". Ah well!!