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12 Ways to Carry Your Stitching with You

© Lori J. Seaborg

Don't stop stitching just because you are traveling or running around with the kids! Here in the States it is Summer time and that means swim meets, waiting to pick up kids, physical appointments, etc. We might as well use our "free" time with stitching. I finished an entire baby afghan just waiting in the obstetrician's office while pregnant with our third child! More recently, I had to take my three-year-old daughter to a half-hour speech therapy appointment twice a week. At first, I wasted the time reading old magazines. Finally, I put my stitching in a tote bag and took it with me. I found that my stitching relaxed me and those days always seemed to have been started out right. My daughter has "graduated" from speech therapy now, and I miss those stitching mornings!

So, now that you have decided to spend those potentially-wasted moments on stitching, how do you take your stitching with you? First of all, have a couple of projects going on at once so you can take the smaller one with you in the car or plane. My largest project, a Lavender & Lace pattern, always stays home due to its size. I take a smaller design with me when I leave home. Here are some suggestions for containing your work:

• Canvas tote bags - these are often free at conventions, or buy them from a favorite charity
• Computer bag - great because of all the zippers and pockets
• Document folders - those translucent or colored plastic "envelopes" that are about 9"x11.5" and 1" thick. A stretch band closes it, making it perfect for holding your design chart and fabric. They cost less than $1.00
• Diaper bag - these are often free from formula companies or hospitals. They can also be picked up for $5.00 at discount stores. An added benefit to this is that it has a waterproof liner, usually.
• Vera Bradley bag - this company's designs are popular with crafters. To see them, go to http://www.verabradley.com
• Bathroom bag or makeup bag - inexpensive at discount stores, and great because of see-through pockets
• Basket - I use wicker baskets at home for my crafts and have them strategically located so I always have a project within reach. You could just grab a basket already stocked and go!
• Backpack
• Bank bag - this is a heavy-duty bag that is free from the bank for small businesses (and maybe just for the asking). It's great for holding tools.

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