Welcome from Central California, and Congrats on the coming Grandchild !!
Heres a thought on a small traveling project can be prepared in advance and taken along a few blocks at a time.
Look into needle turn applique, pre cut some larger 10-15 inch blocks, and cut out a shape, can be a ball, teddy, any topic you like, then do the hand work on the road, do the machine sewing when you get back home. Have seen this with a Oak Leaf, done in a situation where no machine available.
Very Nice when completed !!
Good Luck !!