Have Sewing Machine, Will Travel

Are you like me – do you travel with all your quilt stuff just in case you can get to it and finish something? Let me show you my ‘Have Sewing Machine, Will Travel’ setup.

​We are in a travel trailer for two months and just can’t imagine going that long without sewing something. So……
First and foremost, good lighting. Fortunately there is a skylight and top window lights plus the windows so there is plenty of natural lighting. Plus directional light for my cutting board positioned so there is no shadow.

​Any travel setup needs space for the machine. Having a chair would be ideal, but hey, in the spirit of compact living space, it’s amazing how easy it is to sew standing up. Getting quite used to it actually. This airstream used to have a second bed/couch in this space. Well that had to go of course. This has been replaced with a very handy counter and storage space. Darn, didn’t bring enough thread!

​Next, space to cut. I often cut width-of-fabric (WOF) so absolutely must a have 24” wide cutting mat. But, due to the compact depth of the counter, just can’t get more than 18”. So that means when handling the fabric, just accordion fold at the back edge and cut from the front edge.

​When it comes to ironing, there is definitely not enough room for an ironing board. But there is this very handy counter addition that fits my portable 12 x 14 cutting/ironing mat from Omnigrid. That, plus the mini iron and Strip Stick, is more than adequate.

​My design wall? Well…… there are curtains and a door, and pins or tape. So, although leaving things up for any length of time is not an option, it works.

​Now, where to put the UFO bin – and what to put in it? Totally guilty of bringing way too much and even in two months doubt even a fraction will be finished. Note to me, make a realistic plan of what can be accomplished.

​Plus there are 5 quilts to start, the most important of which is for our new grandson!
And finally, fabric! One thing you might discover if you travel and sew is that fabric is HEAVY! So putting too much into a bin is probably not a good idea. Raise your hand if you travel with bolts of fabric (see my hand up). Remove the cardboard from the bolt so the fabric folds and stacks. Accordion fold ahead of time so you can just select your bolt and lay it on the back of the cutting mat and pull forward to cut from the front.

So that is the set-up. Anyone inspired to travel for a few months without having to leave the sewing room behind? Now if I could only fit the longarm…..