I love my Ironrite....
but then again, I do tons of ironing once a year - and it's getting to be about that time! I'm on cast at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, and I make my own costumes. That means I am washing, sewing, and generally manipulating 10 yards of fabric when making a gown. I used to hand-iron my yards of linen after pre-washing them - what a mess! I don't wish that hassle on anyone! I just got my mangle this year, and I'm gearing up for making my new dress (the festival is in the fall, but rehearsals begin in July). This will be my first year using the Ironrite, and I am really looking forward to it!
It will be useful even after the season has begun. It gets so hot and dusty out there that my dresses really get dirty fast. If it's rainy out I will wash my dress every day so the hem isn't covered in muck. If it's dry and dusty, I will wash it after the weekend is done. With all of that washing comes a lot of ironing too. Again, all of this will be made easier with my Ironrite!
So, I guess ultimately it depends on what type of work you do whether a mangle would be useful or not. I got mine for $5 at an estate sale, and was thrilled at my good luck for finding such a great deal. I was told, however, by the folks running the estate sale that mangles show up a lot, and they don't usually sell well. I bet a local community theater would love to have one to help them maintain their costumes.
-Sherri