Looking for a great Christmas gift?

In my 4+ years of sewing and quilting, I've discovered many tools and products that I absolutely love. One item I've never fallen in love with, however, is an iron.

It's almost ironic, because I am an almost obsessive presser. As I've mentioned before, I'm largely self-taught ... so I don't really have a sense of how other quilters do the very same tasks that I do. It wasn't until I started talking to (and sewing with) my fellow Triangle Modern Quilt Guild members that I realized just how obsessive a presser I am. I press every seam, after every run through the machine. I use spray starch like a madman. I like my iron hot, my seams neat, and my quilt blocks flat. You might think I'd prioritize a high-end, highly functional iron.

Not so.

Typically, I've purchased and used fairly low-end irons from big box retailers, and have never found one that I'd recommend or would even purchase again. In most cases they're ... fine, I guess ... but nothing to get excited about. I think that the game may have changed ...

I was recently contacted by the team at Panasonic about a new iron that is now available for sale: the Concept 360° Freestyle Cordless Iron, which seems to have been designed and built with sewists, quilters, and crafters in mind. They offered to lend me a sample of the iron to use on a trial basis, so that I could let them know what I think. Instead of just telling them, I thought I'd share it with all of you as well. After just a couple of uses, I am definitely impressed.

First, the iron comes with this highly practical & portable carrying case. 90% of the time, my iron just sits on my ironing board ... but, having just attended my very first quilting retreat, I can appreciate this great feature. Plus, for quilters whose sewing spaces pull double-duty and have to break down and store their iron and ironing board after sewing, this is an even more valuable feature.

Another reason why it seems this iron is made with quilters in mind is its unique elliptical shape. It doesn't have a pointy front end and flat back end like most irons. With no official forward or backward motion, I've found that this makes it easier to truly move the iron back and forth, pressing the full length and both ends of each seam easily.

I will say that the shape of the iron takes some getting used to. For me, ironing is a completely mindless task, and I didn't realize until using this iron that it's normal for my mind to drift off and for my body to fall back to routine motions. So, I had a few scares when I tried to set the iron down on it's backside -- of which this iron doesn't have one! I nearly dropped or fumbled the hot iron on more than one occasion but, once I trained myself to place the iron back into its dock, I didn't have any more issues.

And did I mention that this iron is cordless? I didn't understand what a huge convenience this would be. I have never been able to find a good ironing board / outlet / plug & cord configuration that didn't lead to some awkward movement or tangled cords. Having a cordless iron takes away those concerns completely.

I used to iron with steam all the time but had too many issues with irons spitting black gunk onto my quilt blocks, so I've only used dry irons for a long time now. So far, I've only used this iron on its dry setting, so I can't yet comment on its performance as a steam iron.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic tool for quilters and sewists. It currently sells for $99.95 on the Panasonic site -- not too bad by Rowenta standards, but certainly more than I am accustomed to spending on irons. However, with its unique design, cordless nature, and practical carrying case, I think it's a great value for the money.

Plus, I am excited that Panasonic is allowing me to offer you guys an additional $20 rebate on this iron through 12/21 (that's next Wednesday), while supplies last. That brings it down to $79.95, which may be a great idea for a last-minute Christmas gift -- and Panasonic is currently offering free shipping! To take advantage of this deal, simply enter the code FREESTYLEQUILTER (case sensitive, so be sure to enter all caps) at checkout.

Here's the link to purchase.

(For a not-so-subtle hint, feel free to forward the link to this post to your moms, dads, husbands, wives, or anyone who may be doing some last-minute shopping for you!)

Disclaimer (only because it seems like bloggers who review products are increasingly being criticized or scrutinized for their positive reviews of gratis products):
From time to time, I am contacted by companies, publishers, business owners, etc. to "test drive" or review their products. I only review or endorse products that I truly like, and would want to share with my readers. I am contacted about many more products and services than the ones that make it to my blog -- some I turn down outright, and others I try but choose not to review -- so you can be confident that I am only recommending products that I myself would (and do) use.