Gadget Time - Travel Ironing Board

It's been awhile since I shared a favorite thing.

Lately I've been working on my Art to Heart Count On It projects which has involved lots of ironing, starching, and fusing.  This is simple with my small and portable ironing board next to my sewing machine.

Forgive the mess.... for I quilt.

I made this! Woot!  It's a homemade ironing board cover for one of those inexpensive wooden TV trays.  Small, portable, and collapsible.  Love its square surface and fits right next to my sewing machine.

I used the pattern from Avi-Oli Quiltworks but there are SO many free patterns for it in the blogosphere!

My suggestions:

• It's more cost effective to make it with a friend (one cut of silicon-treated fabric, one package of Thinsulate or Insul-brite batting, and cording is enough to make several trays).
• Make sure the tray you select (bought mine for $10) is stable - not wobbly.
• Prior to covering your wooden tray, drill multiple holes in the wood and sand the raw edges down so condensation doesn't get trapped when steam-ironing.
• I used muslin for the channel for the drawstring - next time I think I may just staple-gun the cover to the board.
• If you do make a draw-string cover, use a silky cord so it slides easily when you thread it through the channel.
• Make a generous channel so you don't have to struggle as you feed the drawstring through it because those corners are tight!
• Great way to use up your cotton batting scraps!
• I used a thicker, cotton fabric (green flowers) to frame the silicon square on top so it would survive wear-n-tear.  I made this 2 years ago and it still looks new.

Let me know if you decide to make one and share a picture!

Elisa