In two weeks my ds and I are going to California, for an autism research study. We will be gone for 2 days. I need something to take along, that I can work on in the airport and the hotel room. I need some handwork. I tried paper piecing some hexagons with needle and thread, but I found it boring. Any ideas? It's got to be simple, so that a needle and clippers are all I need, as that's all I can get on an airplane.

I need to get on ordering something, so it's here by the 20th.

TIA
Dorian

Oh, if I could hand-sew I would embroider pillowcases. I miss it, but my hands just want to sleep.

Oh this is the sort of time I look for. look in your books, magazines.....pull out something you would like. select the pattern, then the fabric, plan to do it by hand....the pattern. Be brave and select pieces that are from your scrap basket or the really pretty ones you have been saving. Now is a perfect time to do this.......It doesn't have to be a whole quilt just a small one 4, 6, 9 blocks, but do the whole process the old way. cut the templates out by hand, Mark only the light pieces and then only with a small dot to show you where the intersection should be. I love to do this. You will be amazed. You could be working on a special gift or something beautiful for your livingroom, you get the picture. This is how I got into applique. I just love times like this. Every thing should fit in a ziplock bag, Needles ,thread......Wind a bobbin, you can sew for hours on one........I am not sure what the airports are allowing in the way of scissors, templates, pattern and instructions, small ruller if needed. Oh do let me know if you try this, please.

Do you know of any good online sources? I'm looking at Embroidery.com, but I'm not sure what I'm looking for.

I didn't like paper piecing some hexagons but I enjoyed doing it with the plastic template. Always loved the GM Flower Garden. You could even make potholders or something small for Xmas gifts.

I would do something with embroidery or cross-stitch.

When I need something to embroider I usually just find a black and white picture on the internet, coloring pictures are great, then just trace it on to some muslin with a cloth pen; unless it fits in 8x11 then I just print it on some muslin. Seen as how you are going for autusim mabye you could blow up and trace your avatar. Satin stitch the puzzle pieces and simple writing of the words or motto.

Cross-stitch hit a hobby store and pick up a kit when you arrive.

Good luck on your search and your trip.

I like to take small crochet projects with me when I travel, but I don't know if they will allow a crotchet hook anymore

Cut some circles and make some yoyos. I did this every time we traveded and make enough for a quilt I had in mind, use scraps and you will have a pretty throw or bed runner.

I might do this, then donate them to someone here. I've tried sewing them together before, they just don't look good. lol

I'm thinking I'll do some hand embroidered pillowcases and some yo yo's. That way I can switch back and forth between projects.

How about redwork or bluework embrodiery? There are so many patterns available, free online, too :D