Don't think I can be of any use answering your questions as I'm in the UK. I just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you and am very sorry to hear you were affected by floods from Harvey. I'm sure with positive input from Cuties you will replace what is lost and be up and running again soon

I love the Oliso. The problem is that I might start fire when I go to the quilting group. I am so used to setting it down and of course the one I am using then has to be set on the heel.
I have no clue what bag closing needles are. I own Koala furniture. Unfortunately everything sits on carpets and after closing the door many times the hardware broke out of the door. This happened 2 x and Koala would not replace it the second time. My dealer however did and I never installed the replacement door, figuring the same would happen. Just wanted to have it for the future.

I'm a Rowenta gal all the way. I've only used them for the last 10-12 years. I'm on my third one but I'm a daily user until of late.
Bag needles are just a type of upholstery needles that make it easier to close up bags.
I've had the same cabinet for over 30 years. I used to love the fact that I could lower my machine down into it and close it, but that doesn't happen but once a year (at Christmas) because I have to remove the embroidery arm.

I am also a Rowenta girl for 20 yrs.

I bought a little more expensive iron this time and I strongly dislike it. It has a long pointy "beak" on the front, so it is longer than most irons, and is very heavy to use. So, look carefully to get the shape you really want, regardless of the brand name!

Thanks to all for the replies so far, I could still use more input, so don't be shy about sharing your opinion.

So sorry to read about your losses in Harvey. I only use a light weight iron as I'm always ironing. I've been interested in the irons that cut off automatically when put down too. I've seen them on the Missouri quilt company, but I'm not sure whether we have them in Australia, must check that out. With regard to cabinets I have HORN cabinets for my machines and a cutting table as well. Don't know anything about the needles you mentioned. Good luck with it all. ❤️ Chris

So sorry to hear of your losses in Harvey...but glad that you are okay! I have an Oliso iron and i don't like it as well as my Rowenta...I use a teflon slip cover over the ironing plate so I can iron anything (including silks) and not scorch anything...the up/down of the Oliso iron does not work well with the teflon plate cover (and I like the teflon plate cover soooo very much and will not give it up)....also, I like an iron that does not automatically shut off after several minutes...I am too impatient for it to heat up again....Rowenta makes a professional model that stays on...that's for me!

So sorry for your losses from Harvey....I just got a great deal on Arrow cabinets at a quilt show over the summer. Check out the show there and see if anyone has specials. I have a Koala too but it is so big and heavy. The Arrow cabinet(s) is 4 separate units that roll and lock for easier movement. I just love the corner unit - it is bigger and my Diamond fits down in with the acrylic bed it is flat surface. One unit is a set of drawers, another has pullouts for my threads (finally got rid of some plastic containers!), a regular unit for my machine that it can sit on top of or be recessed into and the large corner unit. I am so pleased with these pieces!!! As for the iron, well, I have burned up more than 4 irons in the last couple of years so I choose to buy inexpensively for that. Good luck and prayers! Tonya

I'm so grateful that you are now safe. Good thinking to move what you could to the 2nd floor, but I'm so sorry that you still have damage. I have a cheap Rowenta and will be replacing it soon with a better one. This Rowenta is close to 10 years old. Try sitting down and checking out the cabinets and see what feels better to you and your needs. Enjoy this time of exploration and discovery. Remember what is best for you is not always what works for another. And share with us what you decide on and pictures of your new sewing roo.