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Review: Why I kicked my Rowenta to the curb

by

Panasonic iron

I have to admit, I was not thrilled about receiving a Panasonic iron to review. After all, I own a Rowenta. Even so, I dutifully set up a sewing day with my daughter to try it out. We planned to embellish some onsies and burp rags, yes very quick and easy. Arriving at her house with the thing still in the box, I was not prepared for what I discovered. The Panasonic NI-L70SR Cordless Iron is a dream. It’s pretty and smartly designed.

How clever of it to come with a carrying case – so handy for traveling to and fro. But by far the most appealing feature for me is that it’s cordless (the iron sits on a charging base with a retractable cord) so the cord stays out-of-the-way, plus the base is very stable. If you have a child and/or pet underfoot, you will not worry as much about them knocking the iron off the board and onto their heads.

burp rag resized

Here’s one of the burp rags I made while testing the iron. I embellished a plain diaper with some scraps of fabric. At first I worried the iron would not stay hot enough, but it did so nicely throughout the course of the project. It also reheats quickly after it auto shuts off. The steam feature works fine and is easy to fill with water.

Nothing is perfect and I do have some things I’d like to change. I wish the cord was longer and on the other end of the base. But that’s just me. All in all, I L-O-V-E this iron. I use it exclusively instead of my once cherished Rowenta. Yes, you know you want one of these irons. And I have good news. Panasonic is giving away an iron to a lucky Craft Gossip reader.

Stay tuned for giveaway details in a future post!

Comments

  1. Looking forward to hearing more about this. My iron is dying and I need to find a replacement.

  3. Enjoyed your review – I don’t think I’ve ever had an iron last more than 2 years. Most are not sturdy, can’t handle a lot of work, and leak like a sieve.

  9. Who knew in this day and age that it would be possible to get excited about an iron? But I am! Want this marvelous Panasonic cordless!

  10. I bought one of the Panasonics almost 18 months ago and I LOVE IT! I sew clothing, mostly and this little baby is superb – hot enough, great soleplate and you can use both ends to finish corners. I am so glad I bought this one.

  11. I have a cordless iron I received as a gift from my DH several years ago. I love it! In fact, I haven’t used my corded iron since.

  12. Love the burp cloths. I kicked my Rowenta to the curb a couple of years ago. Like the old grey mare….they ain’t what they used to be. I thought a cordless iron would not stay hot, so I am glad to read this review. Ironing is a chore so it is nice to find an iron that makes the job a bit easier.
    Deb

  14. I also had a Rowenta as I am a quilter and thought this was the end all be all. Well, not.It died and I now look for an iron the is heavy in weight as I think they press better. I would love to try this iron and being cordless is such a great feature.

  16. Do you have info on weight or pricing? Sounds promising, but I have been a Rowenta “lifer”.

  17. Wow, finally a cordless iron. Who wudda thunk! Thanks for a chance to win one. I have 2 of the pricey R irons.

  18. I’d love to hear more about thus iron. I have a Rowenta steam iron, but use my Maytag cordless iron for retreats and other projects. I’m glad to hear that there is a company other than Oreck that is making cordless irons. I bought my last cordless iron used on eBay!

  19. I could use a cordless iron when I go to crafting classes. What I always hate about irons is that they claim to be “dripless” but then my articles are always covered with water drops.

  20. THIS IS MY FAVORITE SEWING ITEM EVER!!! I have this iron and LOVE IT!!! i’ve had mine for a little over 3 years now and it’s still going strong (despite moving around the world 3 times!). It doesn’t drip, it heats up very nicely (not scorching but enough to get a great press!) and cords are so annoying! It’s so annoying to use my mom’s normal iron when I visit her. haha. If you are even remotely considering this iron, buy it!!!

  21. I had two high end Rowenta’s each lasting less than a year. I am one of the few that is so not going to buy a Rowenta ever again.

  22. I have only owned two irons, one when I went to college and my present one that I bought at a garage sale. Probably time to invest in one that will be good for my crafting and quilting that I’m doing now. This one looks perfect. 🙂

  23. This Iron sounds like the answer to nearly all my dreams, I say nearly because I would love it to come with a fairy who does the Ironing for me and then puts it all a way in the wardrobes and drawers for me as well.

  25. Would love to win this. My iron is past it’s use-by date and I would put a cordless model to very, very good use!

  26. New to quilting – need all the help I can get with tools, fabric and HELP! Would love to win this great iron to jump start my collection!

  29. I love my B&D but I go through irons regularly. I burn them up. I am a longarm quilter and so I piece regularly also. I don’t have an iron that turns itself off, because every time I need it it is cold. I am also notorious for leaving the iron on. I do however have it plugged into the same switch as my lights, this means when the lights are off the iron is off. This sounds like an iron worth trying!

  30. Sounds like a dream come true. And to think I used to think that ironing when sewing was not a necessity. Live and learn:) Got my fingers crossed that this cordless wonder might be in my future.

    in VT where irons do turn a gal’s head,
    the Vermonster

  31. I would love to win this iron. My current iron is over 20 years old and should retire. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Janet

  32. Would love to win this iron but, if I don’t this may be the next iron I purchase. Thanks for the chance to win…

  33. I cannot wait to read of the giveaway. Congratulations on the new grandbaby-to-be. Wishing a speedy delivery.

  35. Have always been happy with my Rowenta but it will need to be replaced soon. Thank you so much for the review.

  36. I have an eight year old granddaughter just learning to sew and what a joy to be able to work with her!!! The iron that I use is old and heavy. It would be great to let her use an iron that is easier and cordless to learn with. Thanks for the contest and I hope Q and I win!!!!

  39. Would love the opportunity to try this iron and love the fact it is cordless as my iron always gets tangled up in the telephone cord when I am ironing, yes I still have a phone with a cord! Nice of Panasonic to offer a give away and I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

  40. I have kicked many an iron to the curb and out into the street to be run over and put it out of its misery! I’d love this iron if it is all you say it is.

Have you read?

How to Turn Any Quilt Pattern Into a Scrap Quilt (Without It Looking Messy)

There comes a moment in every quilter’s life when the scrap bin starts judging you.

It’s overflowing. It’s slightly chaotic. And yet… you can’t throw any of it away because “that tiny floral might be perfect one day.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to scrapify a quilt pattern, or how to turn a regular quilt design into a cohesive scrap quilt, this guide is for you.

Because yes — you can turn almost any quilt pattern into a scrap quilt.

And no — it doesn’t have to look chaotic.

What Does “Scrapifying” a Quilt Pattern Mean?

Scrapifying simply means taking a standard quilt pattern — one that usually calls for specific fabrics — and replacing those fabrics with a mix of coordinating scraps.

Instead of:

  • Fabric A 
  • Fabric B 
  • Fabric C 

You use:

  • Multiple small cuts within one color family 
  • Assorted low-volume prints 
  • Mixed tone-on-tone scraps 

The structure stays the same.

Only the fabric selection changes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Quilt Pattern to Scrapify

Not every quilt pattern responds equally well to scrappy treatment.

The easiest quilt patterns to turn into scrap quilts are:

Why? Because they have repetition and structure.

The more structured the block, the better it handles variety.

If you’re a beginner, start with a simple block quilt layout. Avoid complex appliqué or highly detailed modern designs for your first scrap conversion.

Step 2: Decide What Stays Consistent

This is the secret to a beautiful scrap quilt.

When you scrapify a quilt pattern, something must stay consistent.

You can keep consistent:

  • The background fabric 
  • The block center 
  • The sashing 
  • One repeating color 
  • The value (light or dark balance) 

If everything changes, the quilt feels chaotic.

If one element repeats, the quilt feels intentional.

For example:
 Make all star centers navy.
 Keep all backgrounds white.
 Use the same grey sashing between blocks.

That one repeating anchor ties the whole quilt together.

Step 3: Control Color Flow (Instead of Using Everything at Once)

When turning a quilt pattern into a scrap quilt, resist the urge to use every fabric immediately.

Instead:

Option A: Scrap Within a Color Family

Example: All blues for one block unit.

Option B: Rainbow Scrappy

Assign one color per block row.

Option C: Controlled Scrappy

Mix prints, but limit to 5–7 dominant colors.

This keeps the design cohesive and prevents visual overload.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Value (Light vs Dark)

Value matters more than print.

You can mix florals, geometrics, polka dots, and stripes — but if all the fabrics are medium tone, the quilt will look flat.

When scrapifying a quilt pattern:

  • Pair lights with darks 
  • Add contrast in block units 
  • Step back and squint at your layout 

If the shapes disappear when you squint, you need more contrast.

This one trick alone makes a scrap quilt look professionally designed.

Step 5: Use a Design Wall (Or the Floor)

Before sewing everything together, lay it out.

Walk away.
 Come back.
 Rearrange.

Scrap quilts require visual editing.

Sometimes two fabrics sit next to each other and fight. Separate them. Spread colors evenly. Balance heavy prints across the quilt.

This is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Add Sashing If Needed

If your scrapified quilt starts looking busy, add sashing.

Solid sashing:

  • Creates breathing space 
  • Separates strong prints 
  • Adds polish 
  • Makes the quilt look modern 

White, cream, soft grey, or even black sashing can completely transform a busy scrap layout into a cohesive design.

Example: How to Scrapify Popular Quilt Patterns

Let’s break it down practically.

Scrapifying a Log Cabin Quilt

Instead of two solid fabrics:

  • Make the light side scrappy light prints 
  • Make the dark side scrappy darker prints 

Keep the center square consistent.

Instant scrappy charm — zero chaos.

Scrapifying a Star Quilt Pattern

Use:

  • Scrappy star points 
  • Consistent background 
  • Repeating center color 

The star shape stays crisp while the fabric mix adds personality.

Scrapifying a Rail Fence Quilt

Use multiple strips within the same color family for each block.

For example:
 Block 1: Assorted blues
 Block 2: Assorted greens
 Block 3: Assorted reds

It looks intentional instead of random.

Scrapifying a Nine Patch Quilt

Make:

  • Corner squares scrappy 
  • Center square consistent 

Or reverse it.

Nine patch quilts are forgiving and ideal for scrap conversion.

Common Scrapifying Mistakes to Avoid

If your scrap quilt feels “off,” check for these issues:

  • No consistent background 
  • Too many high-volume prints 
  • All fabrics same value 
  • No repeated color anchor 
  • Skipping layout testing 

Scrap quilts need editing.

They’re creative — but they still need structure.

How to Make Scrap Quilts Look Modern

If you prefer a modern scrap quilt look:

  • Use lots of negative space 
  • Stick to low-volume backgrounds 
  • Limit color palette 
  • Use bold graphic blocks 
  • Keep block layout clean and minimal 

Modern scrap quilts often look curated rather than busy.

Best Beginner Quilt Patterns to Scrapify

If you’re new to scrap quilting, start here:

  • Rail Fence 
  • Checkerboard 
  • Simple Grid Layout 
  • Nine Patch 
  • Half-Square Triangle quilts 

These are easy to control visually and build confidence fast.

Why Scrap Quilting Is Worth It

Scrap quilts tell stories.

Every fabric piece came from something — a baby quilt, a dress, a project that didn’t quite work out.

When you turn a quilt pattern into a scrap quilt, you’re not just saving fabric.

You’re layering memory into structure.

And honestly? Those quilts often become the ones we reach for the most.

If your scrap bin is staring at you right now, consider this your permission slip.

Pick a simple quilt pattern.
 Choose one thing to keep consistent.
 Start stitching.

You don’t need perfection.

You just need intention.