Have Quilt- Will Travel

We travel to Peru six to eight times a year to oversee our Humanitarian Foundation. I have many hours in planes and in the airports to sew. Since 9/11, I have surrendered 3 pair of scissors, 3 straight pins and two needles. When they took my needles and pins, I asked if they thought I could pick someone to death with them. They didn‘t think that was very funny. NOW I do go prepared. My scissors are in my cosmetic case in my checked luggage and I put the needle and two pins in my lapel. My sewing case is in my carry-on so I can sew to my heart‘s content. I cut all my fabric ready to be appliquéd. I use starch and my iron to get the edges turned. My marking is done and I fill bobbins with a variety of colored thread. My small notions (extra needles, needle threader, thimble, chalk, pencil, eraser, pins and a 6-inch ruler, etc,) are all in a little plastic box. I use a small dental floss container (the one the dentist gives you) to cut my threads. I put each block with fabric, appliqué pieces, and the vinyl pattern in a zip-lock bag, squeezing out all the air so I can take as many as I think I can finish. I get everything in a small plastic container or a soft pouch or purse that will fit in my purse or carry-on.

I prepare my sewing kit, making sure I don‘t need my scissors till I have arrived at my destination. When the plane reaches altitude, I am ready to sew.

Since I have several projects going on, I also have kits ready when we come down the mountain to Provo or Salt Lake, or when I have to wait at the doctor‘s or dentist‘s office. I also have a pad of paper and some pencils just in case I see something that could be an idea for a quilt block or pattern. I like to doodle as well, so I practice my long arm quilting patterns. I can get a lot done in small segments of time, so when I get home I can go back to the sewing machine and set my blocks together.

I have taken my machine as a carry-on several times. We scout the area for a fabric store before we decide on the Hotel so I can replenish my fabric supply if necessary.

Not only does the time in planes and layovers pass quickly, I am able to take some of my favorite projects with me and work on them. When people say to me, You get so much done, you must quilt all the time,? I just smile and think, I really don‘t, I just squeeze in as much as I can in those few minutes I have free. Just a word of caution don‘t let your efficiency with your projects rob you of the excitement of the things to see and people to be with on your trip. TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES.

Happy Travels,
~Ella