For those that are interested, I had a fabulous weekend with my visitor, and got a bit of hand sewing done, as well as a pile of project prep in between feeding and water her, and taking her on jaunts to the Ikea fabric department (I’m such an enabler ;o) ).
Now I realise Sewing Summit is still 5 and a bit weeks away (and counting every.single.second) but I need to do a bit of planning now for what to take with me project wise in case I need to order things. I will have a 2 1/2 hour flight from Edinburgh to Paris at silly o’clock to start with, most likely having slept in the airport the night before, so it’s safe to say I probably won’t be doing much on that flight other than looking a tad glazed… On the next flight though, I will be stuck on there for over 11 hours – argh! Big yay that it’s a direct flight, but, alas, I’ll probably be climbing the walls by the time we land in SLC unless I find something REALLY good to keep me occupied.
Once there, I’ve got 19 days after Sewing Summit on a mad road trip with Laura, where there will be long evenings to sew in (Laura’s already insisted that as I’m driving I’m not allowed to sew as we go, for crying out loud, hasn’t she heard of cruise control? ;o) ), before the long flight home, which is marginally shorter that the inbound one, but really, not enough to write home about! For the plane I have a nifty little thread cutter that cost me all of 85p, and which *should* be flight safe as it doesn’t have an exposed blade.
Obviously taking the sewing machine is out, as is much of the related quilting paraphernalia, so what should I take with me to work on? What new projects *must* I do? I need a bit of prep/ordering time, which is why I’m asking now! Here’s what I have ‘in stock’ as it were:
Square dance cushion cover – I have all the templates and fabric pieces already cut for this, and a big pile of squares sewn, but I have loads more to do:
Dimensions embroideries – I have two of these ready to be sewn:
Now I also have Katy’s fabulous Spring Carnival templates, and the latest round of charms from the Mystery Charm Swap, which this time happened to have an Indian summer theme I was thinking these might work well together supplemented with a few other lines maybe? Or should I use the charms on another EPP project and use different fabrics with the templates? Here’s what Katy’s finished one looks like, followed by the charms I have to hand:
I want to do a mini scrapbook for the trip too, and I have this little guy
to help me along. Yeah, I know it’s pink, and I normally would avoid pink electronics like the plague, but it was cheaper than the black one ;o) 2″x3″ sticky back photos come out, all ready for me to apply, so I’m thinking I just need the mini book, a few journaling pens and my phone (to take the photos). I have a spiral bound journal that I’ll probably stick pockets in front and back to hold tickets and things. Anything else I *must* take for this?
Then there’s some Summersville and perle cotton that may find their way into my bag, and some other templates from Tabslot for little hexies, plus of course I have more charms from other swaps…
So what else should I take to keep me entertained hand project wise?
Also, should I take my wee rotary cutter and 3 1/2″ and 6 1/2″ rulers plus baby cutting mat with me, or just use scissors? (All will be in my suitcase, never fear!)
Decisions, decisions…
I love that cushion and I'm sure you could reproduce a stunning equivalent from your own colourful stash, but yes, you really do need to make a cosy for that pink photoprinter – it is just so not you as it is 🙂
One thing about you – you travel so light (giggle). I think you can call the airline and double check what you can take on board – although I know they will thumbs down the sewing machine. (o:
Is it possible to send some stuff to yourself addressed to the hotel where you will be staying? Works great if you travel within the USA but not sure about international travel.
Getting yourself ready will be an entertaining "novel" in itself – can't wait to read more.
Hugs
I think projects for the plane are great, but I found that sewing on a plane in coach gets a little close. You're lifting your arm with the needle and the guy next to you will be thinking you are going to poke his eye out. (That guy was my husband on our last trip).
You will be so tired from all the driving and sight seeing that you won't feel like sewing at night. But, knowing you, you will finish all these projects and then be chomping at the bit because you don't have enough to work on on the plane home.
How about some crochet? I love your charm squares and think a rainbow spring carnival would be great. Or you could make rainbow rings like Leanne@She Can Quilt and then appliqué them on a background. Don't forget to take some plasters in case of needle accidents – I hate not being able to sew because a hole I've just put in my finger won't stop bleeding! A small mat, cutter/ruler sounds like a great idea if you have room in your case – or you could buy one if you need it as I'm assuming you'll be doing lots of shopping! Oh, and I hope you're taking at least one of the bears with you – will there be a public vote to choose your furry travelling companion?!
P.S. Glad you had a lovely time with your visitor!
Wow, you are preparing. Takes lots of Dramamine so you can pass out on the plane for that 11 hour flight. The last time I did a red eye flight I was nearly blind in the morning because I slept in eye makeup. I got in the rental car to drive and blurr was all I saw, blurr and tears for the burning. So if you wear makeup pack some wet wipes. And of course DON'T FORGET JACK.
Can you find something you haven't tried before? 11 hours of flight time should be more than enough for you to master something new. The return flight will be no problem, you are bound to have projects from the Summit and your shopping trip afterwards to keep you occupied.
ooh that's handy extra knowledge for me – I need to go to Ikea to buy a desk, and now knowing they sell fabric too!!
i presume needles are allowed on planes? I know knitting needles have only recently made the allowable list …
Where is your after-summit road trip taking you? Sounds great fun!
Can't help. Too busy admiring your 'pink thing' and deciding that I really, really want one.
I bet you won't sew a bloody thing on the plane!!! To many films, crap lighting and annoying passengers, you will just want to sleep it away!
Sounds like you've got heaps to keep you busy for months!!
I would be too distracted to sew. I'd just take a bear to keep my company – one I could have deep and meaning fulls with – especially if everyone else around you smells or takes up too much space as when you start talking to the bear and doing the bear voice as he answer they'll move…
I think you need to take a very big bag!
Pomona x
We had 9 flights on our big trip and I could no more have sewn than done cartwheels down the aisle.
Sounds like you have all bases covered tho.
Im thinking I need to get me one of those cutter thingamies…
Gosh it sounds like you have more than enough to keep you occupied there! The embroidery should take up a few good hours alone!
Where did you get the camera from? =D
Forget all the sewing stuff, 19 days with Laulipops ?! I'd be taking ear plugs. :)) x
Can't help, because every time I go away i take hand sewing with me, and probably only ever work on it for an hour tops. I'd take something but not all that lot, you won't have any room in your suitcase for purchases!
Ha Ha, I can see the overhead locker with material and thread hanging out of it, Plus all kinds of patterns. I'm glad I'm not sitting alongside of you. hehe…
Big Hugs
I love that we pack hand sewing bits before we pack clothes! I EPPed my way across the Atlantic recently and it was great! It looks like you're all set to me 🙂
Load your ipod or other music device with both audio books and music and get a good set of earbuds. If you are sewing you can also watch movies – I watched 4 full movies on my flight home from London. I knit when I fly, I find the fuss of tiny bits of thread and fabrics just too much bother but good luck to you on the hexies. Also a nice long book made of paper is often a great idea too. And do pack small mat, rulers, cutter and sewing kit, as you will find that they come in handy at the summit I think.
For the flight I would bring my hand embroidery, but that is just me. I bought a panel recently so I have LOTS of embroidery to keep me busy. And don't forget a couple of good books to read for when your hands need a break from all the handwork.
Oh poor you, 12.5 hours flyimg, boo hoo. I'll see your 12 and double it. 4 flights to get there for me.
I LOVE that pink thing! Inkless? I may be borrowing it! Dont forget u may be busy teaching me to use adobe CS too :D. I want to hit an art supply shop in SLC and get a sketch book and some pencils
Oh poor you, 12.5 hours flyimg, boo hoo. I'll see your 12 and double it. 4 flights to get there for me.
I LOVE that pink thing! Inkless? I may be borrowing it! Dont forget u may be busy teaching me to use adobe CS too :D. I want to hit an art supply shop in SLC and get a sketch book and some pencils
Oh and who is that slandering me that i dont even know? Cutter thing? God gave u teeth woman. Use them. I do like the potential of sticking a needle in already screaming kids tho…
Wow. Glad you have to decide and I don't!
That little cutter is pretty nifty! I can't wait to see what you make with the charms!
Oooh, that Polaroid printer is cool! I'll be researching that! After recently misplacing my regular big rotary cutter in my disaster of a sewing room (seriously, I had to send my husband in to find it, because I was numb to the mess) I decided that the small rotary cutter is kind of unwieldy and hard to control. Best to keep the big one handy 😉 This coming from the lady who just did some rotary cutting for EPP on a mat in her lap during a 16 hour car ride.