Fabric Preparation and Household Use with the Laurastar Smart U

Hi everyone! I’m BERNINA Expert Amanda Murphy and I wanted to introduce you to the newest addition to my sewing space, the Laurastar Smart U Ironing System. Lots of people have written to me asking about my experience using the Laurastar, so I thought I’d write a series of posts on WeAllSew. There will be three posts: one centered on using it for fabric preparation and household tasks, the second for piecing and appliqué, and the third for finishing quilts.

Laurastar

I honestly don’t think was is possible for someone to be more excited about an ironing system. (This is how you know you are a true quilter BTW.) We’re all staying at home like everyone else and I must say that my level of excitement was greeted with some eye rolls from skeptics around here, especially since they all know that I’m WAY more into quilting than household chores. They have now eaten their words though because the iron makes me happy and the amount of steam it can produce is amazing!

A week after the iron arrived, I received about a hundred yards of fabric from my new collection, Crescendo, that ships to shops in August. (I’ll put a sneak peek of that for you guys at the bottom of this post.) And I wisely noted, “What a great opportunity to try out my new ironing system while watching Masterpiece Theater! (This was greeted by more eye rolls but I was serious—we all need silver linings right now!) After washing I dried the fabric until just slightly damp, and then I ironed it selvage to selvage like it comes off a bolt. But with the Laurastar Smart U I could iron through both layers AT ONE TIME! I like to use the Sens-Steam feature when ironing yardage because it applies steam whenever I am moving the iron forward on the fabric, so it is easy even when ironing for hours. And I like the board in blow-mode for yardage because it helps stretch out the wrinkles on the underside of the fabric.

Laurastar_and_Quilting

Laurastar_and_Quilting_tips

Activating the Sens-Steam feature

Did I mention I can even iron through multiple layers in one step, which is something I have not been able to do before? So think about a stack of fat quarters. I can iron several layers at a time so that I can begin piecing sooner.

iron through multiple layers in one step with Laurastar

Any persistent creases are wiped out by steaming and then applying heat with the iron. No need to keep a plastic spray bottle full of water at hand anymore!

Any persistent creases are wiped out with Laurastar

Even with a lot of steam, the water lasts a long time! With over a hundred of yards of fabric I only had to fill the water reservoir three times—and you can use regular tap water! Plus, there is a filter in the reservoir, so I don’t have to worry about stains from the water getting on the fabric.

Even with a lot of steam, the water lasts a long time

The Laurastar Smart U also can be used as a powerful steamer for garments.

You don’t have to worry about stains from the water getting on the fabric with Laurastar

The sanitizing feature is great for quilts that travel and for general household use—that feature is especially applicable right now. It kills 99.999% of bacteria, dust mites, and fungi.

Sanitizing fabric with Laurastar

I made a video showing all of my favorite Laurastar Smart U features you can see here:

I’ll be back here on WeAllSew to talk about my favorite features for piecing and appliqué.

And now for a sneak peek of my new line, Crescendo, which was going to show at Spring Quilt Market and will ship to shops in August.

Crescendo Fabric Line by Laurastar

If you love it please consider asking your local shop to order Crescendo from Contempo of Benartex.

In the meantime stay safe and healthy, quilting friends!

Amanda

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4 comments on “Fabric Preparation and Household Use with the Laurastar Smart U”

  • Love the colors, Amanda! I would like that fabric line and the Laurastar! It’s fun how we get to see into your houses during shelter in place 🙂 Have you ever done a tour of your sewing area?

  • I had never heard of Laurastar when I purchased my first one. My dealer knew that I was an ‘ironing fanatic’ and said it would be worth the investment. She was right. I used that iron every single day for almost 13 years. Sometimes all day if I was piecing a quilt. It owed me nothing. I’m on year #2 with my new one. (Painful going back to a regular iron while I waited for the new one.) It is every bit as wonderful…. I actually enjoy ironing my cotton sheets. Also can easily steam clothing because the iron shoots steam across the room! No iron offers more heat, and one nice upgrade from my original is the automatic shut-off. Worth every penny.

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