I don’t know about you, but I like to stitch on projects outside or on the road. I usually have more than one project going on at a time for that very reason. Obviously, I can not have my sewing machine outside on the porch or in my car (…. at least not yet! LOL!), so I have a project in the works that requires the sewing machine and then I have one or more hand projects, either wool or needle-turn applique. Then I have my bases covered and my hands are not idle on a road trip. I just can not sit in a car and not be reading or stitching!
To take a project with me on the road, first I have to have a way to store all the pieces so I do not lose anything. I use small zip lock baggies, either snack, sandwich or quart size (depending upon the size of my project) to store my appliqué pieces. This also works for wool appliqué, hexies or other hand projects!
Then I use a larger “project bag”. You know those plastic bags with zippers that small sheet sets come in? They are perfect to pack a project into. enough room to fit your project and sewing supplies you will need such as rulers, thread and needle storage, etc.
These bags work great for plane trips too. Since it is not hard sided, the bag of supplies is easy to squeeze into a suitcase.
I store my threads, needles and scissors is small tins or plastic containers. Here is the tin for my needle-turn applique:
Here’s the inside:
Notice the magnet in the corner. I found this magnet “block” at my local hardware store. It fits right inside my tin and holds needles, a small scissors and some pins. A lot better than having them rolling around inside the tin!
Next is the plastic container that holds my wool applique threads. I use this for travel sewing and for my summer days “porch stitching”! This is a Snapware container that has a few levels that all snap together and have a cover. I love this for travel!
Next, I needed a place to put sewing supplies within reach when I am sewing in the car. I got this idea from a student in one of my classes. Go to the bathroom section of a Target, Wal-Mart or similar store and look for these small suction cup storage items. If you can not find one there, find it here. I think they are used in a shower to hold soap. I stick it on the car window and store my thread and scissors so they are easy to reach!
Isn’t it amazing what you can do with everyday items?
So, I’m packed and ready for my next car trip at any time. I better get going on some ideas so I have something to work on for my next car ride. Summer is coming and the kids are miles away, so I’m sure there will be road trips in my near future!
Happy Quilting & Stitching!
Deanne
Hello Deanne !
Unfortunately I don’t stitch when I travel for two reasons : I am leaving in France and the roads are not sooo long than in the US ! 🙂
And the second is that I am sick if I don’t look at the road when I travel so…
I love the idea of the magnet block ! Very clever !!
I’m lucky that I do not get car sick when traveling.
Wish I had gotten this email before May 7 so I could have gotten a chance to enter the drawing. Got the email on May 9 😔
I can’t stitch when riding in the car or I get motion sickness. I have however taken my cross stitch outside in the summertime!
I love to stitch outside since summer seems so short here in north Iowa. I have to take advantage!
Love to stitch in the airplane, and airport,using some of the above tips.
Makes traveling more fun!
love the soap dish idea! I commute from southern NH to Boston every day for work – I’m on the bus about 2 1/2 to 3 hours a day. I sew on my way home. I try to prep several projects on the weekend, so I can grab and go in the morning. I find that I need to be sure applique projects are firmly on their background because bumps and brakes can cause you to move the piece inadvertently. If I’m hand piecing blocks, I’ll get all the pieces prepped in advance so I have stuff to sew in case I don’t have time to iron what I sewed that day. I keep all the pieces in plastic bags, like you do and have a traveling kit that is well supplied with needles, pins, threads and scissors. The pre-prepping on weekends helps a lot. Like you, I need to have my hands busy.
Wow! If I had a long daily commute like you, I would definitely need to plan projects to take along. You sound very organized! 🙂
Don’t travel much any longer. But when husband & I did craft shows I took my quilting with me. One summer I did a complete wall hanging by hand.
Wow!
I’d love to travel stitch however my husband scares me when he drives so I have to keep my brake on at all times on my side of the car! I don’t fly since 9/11. Your ideas are so noted for my home stitching. It’s so calming for me to stitch. I’m supervised of course by my cat, Louey.
LOL! I get a little nervous when my hubby drives too!
Love the idea of the soap holder! Planning road trip from Ohio to Iowa to Minnesota to Wisconsin the home. Will need alot of projects.
Glad to help! It was great not having to look for my thread and scissors on the floor of the car!
I always like to take my stitching with me when we travel but I can’t stitch in the car because it makes me a little dizzy. But once we stop I’m ready to stitch! I keep myself organized with zippered pouches and keep each project in their own ziplock bag and that makes easy to look in my tote bag and pull out what I need. I also keep notions in little tin boxes and I love your idea of putting the magnet in to keep everything from rolling around. Thanks for that great tip!
Sounds like you are really organized!
Needle safes and rolled organizers plus the ever handy zip locks keep me ready to stitch my appliqué projects on the road.
Sounds like you’re well prepared!
Love the soap dish idea! I’m going on a trip later this month, will use that idea! I love stitching outside! I have taken my machine out one time. I have a container that is divided into 8 sections that I take everywhere- always as a project!
I’m in awe of you …. figuring out a way to take your machine outside!
I like to take a throw pillow(about 14 inches square) to stitch on–it raises the project to a good level and I can rest my hands while stitching.
This has helped my upper back so much by using a pillow in my lap. My stitching time is watching baseball!
Love the magnet idea! I will use this in the future. Love to sit on the deck and sew!
I anyways take my sandpaper board or my art
Board with the paper clip on it .. it’s a hard surface to rest your arms on while you stitch and the clip comes in handy too !
I always make a copy of my pattern and pack it separately from my project as things can get lost when traveling! I also always have a little extra fabric/wool just in case a piece gets misplaced.
I keep a separate travel set of scissors, thimble etc so my favorites stay home and safe.
this has been a life savor when part of my pattern fell out of the car unnoticed on a trip .
Great ideas! I always have a project with me, and like you, if I could get my sewing machine to run in the car, I’d be stitching my way down the interstate! My precious husband of 49 years is a great driver, and will stop at any quilting or craft or antique store we happen to run across.
Love that suction-cup tote idea! No more losing the scissors down the side of the seat!
I too got this on May 9th. What a disappointment. Exclusion is not a good feeling.
My favorite thing to take on a trip is my knitting-on a long circular needle. One time I took a sock on 4 needles and dropped one under my seat. It was a couple of hours before we stopped; then it was my turn to drive.