If you could only pick out enough fabric or projects from your stash to fill one tote bag knowing that it would have to keep you buzy for 6 weeks, what would you pack? That folks is my latest dilema! I will be in-between homes for about 6 weeks and most of the space in the car will be taken up with a few suitcases and three pet carry-alls! Basically the entire back-seat will be devoted to the cats and Macbeth! I initially put aside what I thought was a reasonable project pile...think more like a stuffed army duffle bag! So, not going to work. Add this to my knowing I will visit several really fun fabric places on my drive up North (ie. Mary Jo's in Gastonia, G street fabrics in Rockville, Seminole Sampler in Catonsville.....) and at each one of them I will say, "I may not be back for two long years so I will treat myself to _______ (fill in the blank!)
When I travled for work almost every week I was a fanatic about only packing what I could easily carry through an airport. If my flight was cancelled I was the first one running to the next counter lookig distainfully at the folks flagging down porters or lumbering along like pack animals. This trip I am afraid I will resemble a small donkey with many, many bags piled on top, on the side, and maybe even kicking in front of me! Porters are sounding like a really good option!The quilt is an orange peel from 1930-ish. It is Queen size and has some really fun fabrics in it. I bought it at an estate auction in the early 90's. Originally I loved this quilt now...I'm not sure why but I'm not as excited by it. It may go to one of my nieces instead of traveling with me....
9 comments:
Hexagons over paper, english piecing style are always a great travel stitching project, either that or japanese folded but that does require a bit more planning and the occasional use of an iron along the way so not quite as convenient. I'm in the middle of a lap quilt solely done in 2" hexagons and often take a bag of papers and fabrics in my hand bag if I have a hospital appointment or have to sit and wait for the kids - mind you I do get some strange looks from non-quilty people - unenlightened!
prepared appliques.... When do you plan to hit G-street? (I work within walking distance - not necessarily a good thing....) Seminole Sampler - my GF lives within walking distance of that one & that is where my mini-group meets...
Well, first I LOVE this quilt! I am amazed at the piecing that must have gone into it.
Now, Since I didn't read about your preferences first and I don't know if you like handwork...MY personal choice would be hand applique blocks. I guess if I had all the patterns and fabrics I could last a long while with about 12 blocks and all the tiny pieces.
If you hate applique, then something like hexagons or a hand sewn Dear Jane would be the way to go.
I like the Orange Peel, but I suppose it might wear off over time. I found myself wanting to give it a piano key border after just a few minutes of looking at it...LOL
I'd have a terrible time just taking one bag of projects for that long a stay...maybe you should sent a small box or two on ahead of you..priority mail??
When I was in a similar situation I took along some fabric for playing with primitive applique. But then I bought loads more fabric, and embroidery floss and beads and ended up making crusties. Not that I'd recommend taking along all that beading stuff. I hand-pieced a little Amishy quilt too with the solids that I bought even tho I sooo didn't need them.
If you go too wild buying stuff, at least you can mail it to yourself, right? Or to someone who's already there? Wow, I find it hard to believe you are moving so soon.
Oh the orange peel quilt is wonderful! So make sure it goes to a niece that will love it and care for it! It is really fun!
Now I'm feeling really bad... I live about 20 minutes from G Street Fabrics and have not been there! I have about 2 months left in the area, I better go soon! I'll be interested to hear what you decide to take with you, as I'll be in a moving situation soon too.
I don't do much hand sewing, so I'd take some knitting for times without my machine.
I've been thinking of doing some blocks for the love quilts on the makeachildsmile.org site - so I might take some counted cross stitch to do for them.
And some books to read!
I hope this is okay but I used this question in my Group "newsletter" called THE QUILTERS CAFE. I thought it was a great thing to ponder so I copied it. Hope this was okay. If you want a copy of how I used it, do let me know. Thanks! *karendianne.
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