This is the first in a series of posts about helping you to find time for your stitching. If you are like me, finding the time to pick up your needle and stitch can be a huge challenge. As a mom with four little ones (who are growing up way to fast), a full time job in an IT company, a new blog and cross stitch design shop and a passion for baking, cooking, reading and of course cross stitch, I absolutely struggle with this on a daily basis. So I wanted to share with you some of the ways I’ve found to help me find more time for my stitching.
The Joy of Portable Stitching
Stitching on go can be a really great way to decompress, relieve stress and make some progress on your project. We all lead super busy lives these days and optimizing our time by using the little moment in between, can be hugely satisfying and improve our mindset for the upcoming activity. For example, if I’m sitting in my car, waiting to pick the kids up from school, pulling out my stitching and managing even 5 stitches helps to relax my brain, soothes some of the days stresses from work, and puts me in a better mind set for greeting the kids from the bus. And if that’s all you manage for the day, well it’s 5 or 10 more stitches than none and forward progress is always good!
How to Pack a Travelling Project
We are a family on the go all the time, as I’m sure is the case with many of you. Between work, music classes, Cubs and Scouts, sporting events and all the other adventures our family has, there is little time left to just sit and stitch and relax. So stitching on the go has become a huge thing for me this year. Here’s how it works for me.
I pack myself a project in a to-go-kit, this usually includes:
- a small to medium sized project I’m working on,
- a small craft box (the mini floss holder style boxes, I actually buy mine from the tool section in the dollar store), which stores my supplies, pre-cut threads, beads or embellishments, embroidery scissors and extra needles.
- and the pattern of course, unless it’s a digital one on my phone, although I usually have a printed copy I prefer to work from.
Then I tuck it in my bag and it goes with me just about anywhere. If I’m taking the kids to an extra curricular event, sporting event, music class etc. Then I can easily pop it out and stitch while I wait for them.
In the Car
We often go on adventures over the weekend, either to drive kids to Scout camp or just for fun. Our family really enjoys getting out and exploring so we Geocache a lot or pick nearby towns and explore the little shops and local restaurants together.
Now to put this in context, we live in rural Ontario, Canada. So nearby towns can be anywhere from a 15 minute drive (to the village nearest us), to a couple hours drive away. I think our sense of distance here in Canada, especially rural Canada, is very different from other parts of the world so I wanted to mention this because when we go for a little drive, it’s a minimum of 15 minutes that could be use for stitching if I’m not the driver. This has become valuable stitching time for me anytime we go out as a family (my husband is typically the driver)
Another good suggestion if you find you have lots of time in the car between destinations, would be to leave a little project tucked under your seat or in the glove compartment so you always have one nearby.
On the Plane
Earlier this year we made a family trip over to the Netherlands, and of course, I had a project with me for the hours on the plane and for working on while on holiday. I had a great suggestion from someone to purchase a thread cutting pendant for use on the plane, since embroidery scissors are not allowed. This worked beautifully. I bought a clover shaped one from Amazon and popped it on a chain around my neck. It was so convenient and always available. I highly recommend this if you travel regularly or on holiday.
Creative Commuting
Commuting, whether by bus, train, or carpool, often feels like lost time. However, it can be a hidden treasure trove for cross-stitch enthusiasts seeking moments of creative bliss amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Transforming Monotony into Creativity: Stitching during your commute is a transformative way to turn monotonous travel time into a creative haven. The rhythmic motion of the needle becomes a soothing counterpoint to the movement of the vehicle.
Portable Comfort: A carefully curated portable stitching kit can be your passport to stitching serenity. Choose a small hoop that fits comfortably in your hands, pre-cut threads and a compact pattern that’s easy to follow, or maybe a digital pattern if that suits the situation.
Navigating Public Transportation: For those who use public transportation, stitching cna be an excellent way to unwind and disconnect from the stresses of the day. Making sure your stitching essentials are easy to access in your bag allows you to seamlessly transition from commuter to cross stitcher.
Tips for Stitching on the Go
- Choose Simple Pattern: Small projects or ones with repetitive elements that don’t require constant reference to the chart are great choices for taking with you .
- Mind the Light: Ensure you have sufficient light to stitch comfortably, especially during evening commutes. You could consider adding a portable LED light to your travel bag if that helps as well.
- Secure Your Stitching: Use needle minders or magnetic tools to secure your needle and have a padded or hard case to pack your project in to prevent losing items or unwanted pricks and pins during your adventure.
Final Thoughts
Finding time to unwind and stitch can be such a challenge but stitching on the go is a great way to de-stress between activities, prepare yourself mentally for your next destination and make progress on that item you wanted to gift your sister at Christmas. A win win situation for sure. So pack yourself a travel project and fill those few minutes with joy and creativity.
Happy Stitching,
Jeannie
Thyme for Stitching
