Stitching on Vacation
Although with the price of gas, your vacation may be no further away than the closest
theme park or beach, or even swimming hole, I thought I’d take a little bit to talk about
stitching when traveling and when on vacation. I’ve divided it up into sections, so you can
read the relevant parts.
Remember that vacations are for relaxing so find needlepoint which is relaxing too.
Something with no deadlines, no hard techniques or threads. One of my favorite things to
do in the car is basketweave as the trip gives me plenty of chances to look around and
take breaks. Even so you can get lots of needlepoint done on a car trip.
Stitching on Airplanes
Although the restrictions have eased on sewing scissors, you might want to look into
thread cutters or blunt-ended scissors to take in your carryon.
Plane trips are long, connections often get delayed and airports are not always great
shopping destinations. I always bring along with me at least two projects. One of them is
a small low-priority project which I keep in my tote for emergencies. They are always on
mini-stretcher bars and have all instructions and materials in a bag. If the bag is big
enough to hold the project, even better.
Stitching in the Car
Car needlepoint needs to be something which can be stopped and started and which can
be done either on small stretcher bars or in hand. If your seatmates object to needles
flashing near them, precut short stitching lengths.
Stitching in Hotel Rooms
Most hotel rooms do not have good light. Bring extra high-watt light bulbs, or a small
travel lamp.
Needlepoint in Your Luggage
If you are bringing projects in your luggage, don’t have them on stretcher bars, take it off
the bars and roll the canvas around them, it packs better. Keep all parts of the project
together.
Needlepoint near water
Swimming pool or beach, needlepoint near water can be a challenge. First off make sure
all the threads you are using are colorfast. You don’t want an errant drop of water to ruin
your work.
If you like plastic canvas, use it. Since there is no sizing, it won’t fall apart if it gets wet.
And 14 mesh plastic uses the same size thread as 18 mesh canvas.
If you needlepoint at the beach, expect sand and only bring things where you won’t care
about that.
Keep your needlepoint, all of it, in plastic bags which zip and keep them aipped.
Boats move on the water, even when docked. Try to needlepoint and if you don’t like it,
keep your stitching on shore.
And happy vacation!
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