I'm wondering if you all can help me with this. We are going on the road for 4-5 months starting the 1st of November. We'll be in one place for 2 months so DH can do some gold mining on a claim :wink: . During that time, I know I'm going to have withdrawels. We can't carry a lot of stuff including my sewing machine. I love to hand applique, so I'm making up a list of things to take with me.

My question is -- if I run out of background fabric, or go thru the stash I'll take, do you think most LQSs will be willing to cut the fabric down to 12" or so squares? I know this sounds silly but it's a difference of whether to take the cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler (which DH is balking about).

Thanks for your help.

A lot will depend on the store. But maybe if you explain what is going on, and are willing to wait or maybe come back and make sure the store isn't busy . I would like to think that you would find one that was willing to work with you .

The other thing is to maybe leave some with a friend and if need be have them mail to you when /if you need them ?

I would go prepared. A mat and rotary cutter won't take up much room.
that way you won't have to depend on the unknown!

I'd say take a smaller version! I've got a HUGE mat (I don't even know what size it is) and I've got one that is 18x24 or thereabouts (I think). I believe they make a smaller version that may even be square (say, 12" - 15" range). Check out your local shop and get one of those. While you're there, pick up a 6" or 12" square ruler, too. Your cutter you can store in an eyeglass case. All these supplies will fit into a canvas tote that can also house your fabrics and other things for your project. No wasted space (unless hubby is balking :evil: at this small bit of comfot for you to take :roll: ).

If he still complains, remind him that if you have your applique to work on, you'll be happy and a happy wife = a happy trip! :D

Odessa

.....also, most LQS (independent's, not big chains) have very understanding staff who would be more than likely to cut your fabric down to useable sizes if you request very nicely and explain your situation.....

You can always compromise and just take a 12" square ruler (or a piece of template plastic or cardboard if DH gets really stubborn). Then you simply mark the square on the fabric with a pencil and cut it out with scissors. Sounds ancient, I know, but that's how many of us started doing all this...cutting fabric with scissors. :D

And some of us actually still LIKE using scissors!

They don't get dull as fast as rotary blades, either... :)

Also an option, some shops I've been in will let the customer use the cutting table, of course when it's not busy. But buy and large, MOST shops are friendly and have no problem doing something a little out of the ordinary to help a fellow quilter.

But I'd suggest bringing your own rotary cutter at the very least. But that's just me.

I would take my own supplies just in case they say no.. Or maybe if you know what shops you are going to go to contact them and ask if you can use their supplies. :D :D

I have a large mat, but also have a 13" square mat, so I would take something like that. And if not that, then a pair of scissors.

I think a small mat and a cutter. The mat could be slid under the seat.

If they are busy they may let you use their scissors or rotary. I would think this is true in smaller towns. Have fun on your trip and good luck with the mining.

Do you have one of those Quilter's Project Carriers? They are made of Nylon and you can stash anything in its internal pockets including mat, ruler, cutter, pattern, supplies - - - fabric. It zips up and becomes quilt central. Hubby shouldn't balk at ONE SIMPLE LITTLE BAG (make sure you make googoo-eyes when you mention it :? )

Another idea is to get the quilter's companion book. It lists all the LQS by state and city. They may have it on-line as well (less bulk, assuming you are e-connected.)

My LQS has a weekly "quilt-along" on Wednesday afternoons. I would espect that other LQSs, especially ones in rural areas, have something similar - so you could go along, introduce yourself and explain your situation, and ask to use the shop's mat. Bring your rotary cutter and maybe a small mat.

Jan

you can pick up a small rotary cutter and cutting mat at our local dollar store. won't take up much space. have a great trip.

sorry, meant to add. most places won't let you use their scissors or rotary cutters as they could be used as a weapon against them and insurance wouldn't cover them if something was too happen. not a pleasant thought, but this is the world we are living in.

I am going to go and ask what state are you going gold hunting, been to NC, GA, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico per the GPAA book. I currently live in my 5th wheel and have taken all my quilting supplies with me. If your trailer has a booth in the kitchen the seat makes a really good place to put your things, also I got a real small cutting mat and rotorary cutter at joanns that came in a small kit that fit in a very small box. The mat is only 6inches by 6 inches and has a small handle and a very small rotary cutter to match. It has worked for me. I take my sewing machine too and put it in a hard case and sit it under my chair and you dont even know it is there. Good luck finding gold and happy quilting.

A small cutting mat and and a rotary cutter won't take up any space at all. Just slip it under the front seat and it takes up no space at all.

Sounds like you are going to have a great time. I think most LQS would be most helpful. I know that the ones around here would be willing to help out, or at least let you use their space with your rotary cutter. :lol:

The LQS both in CA and UT that I frequent have a work room with lots of mats, rulers, and cutters. I know that the CA one would let you pay a $5.00 fee to use the room for as long as you needed. I am pretty sure you will find flexible people. Have a fabulous trip!

Thanks everyone for the info! I think I will take my rotary cutter...oh heck, an excuse to buy a new one and a small mat!!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

HI FELLOW GOLDER!!! We're going to California to the LDMA camp -- Duisenberg. Hope to be there in time for an outing. Then we're headed on to Arizona...a few stops and want to go to the Stanton camp. I've given DH a strict order find a BIG nugget --- or two --- or three....heck to find as much gold as possible! :mrgreen:

Hi,
Unless you are backpacking through the country, HOW much room would an 18x24 cutting mat a an 18" ruler and a cutter take? Really when I hear fellow quilters express conceerns about what the mate says, I thank my beloved for loving my addiction and never questioning space. Even has made many suggestions as to color, size and placement of squares over the years. He really has a very good sense of composition. Perhaps you could involve him and make him a part of process. They really "dig" getting asked.
Happy vacation

He won't let you take WHAT? And you are going to go WITH him??

I can understand space limitations, but an 12x18 (approx) mat, ruler and cutter are not that bulky.

i think dh should leave his mining equipment home. that should leave plenty of room for your stuff. :lol: :lol:

I'm facing the same problem with storage while RVing most of the winter somewhere. My favorite size of cutting mat to take is the 12X18 with a pad on the back. (for ironing.) I slip it into a pillowcase and have it stashed under the mattress on the "over the cab" bed! Look around your vehicle, I'm sure you can find a spot for something so thin! I've even given up some clothing to make room for quilt supplies. Hope you have fun. :D

I have this cute little item from Omnigrid. One side has a cutting mat and the other side a pressing mat. It folds up to about 7" square and has a velcro closure. I purchased it from jhittle a few months ago and it's great to take to class as well as have by my sewing machine. :D

Touche' :lol:

OK -- I figured it out!!! LOL I'm going to slip the mat under the mattress!!!! And the rotary cutter can go in my makeup bag (he NEVER gets in that, and the ruler can go under the mattress, too.!!!! heee heee Actually, Dear Sweet Husband NOW says "you can take it, I was just reminding you we have limited space" :roll: Wait till he finds out I want to take that really heavy bag of UFO of counted Xstitch...ROFL!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

have you considered taking your sewing machine and leaving dh at home?
:lol: :lol: but under the mattress is a good idea. put everything in a big ziplock or two, or three, lay it out as flat as possible, and keep it under the mattress at your feet. put the fabric pieces under your mattress at the head. it's good to sleep with your head slightly elevated. :lol:

I use one of these cutting mats, too! They are thin plastic, can be rolled up, and do work in a pinch or for traveling!! I spent $2 for it at a dollar store.

ROFLMAO ! I love the visual I'm getting with that!

Hi, I hope you get lots and lots of gold, wish we were there with you, its been awhile. I have seen some web sites that sell good things to hold those nuggets in. Bought two necklaces for my MIL and GMIL to hold their dust that hubby found. Be careful in Arizona, ran into some interesting biting objects expecially scorpions. We stopped right out side of prescott and did a stream or two near the campgrounds. Also went out in the desert, very fond memories of those days. Have fun and get lots of gold, when you get back let me know how you did.

I'm tempted to ask what DH is going to be mining gold with. Maybe a shovel and one of those over-sized pie tins? Is he taking those with him or buying new once he gets there? How about his boots or waders? I'm thinking you could probably stash most of your tools INSIDE some of his tools....a boot would hold a rotary cutter, scissors, small ruler, tape measure, box of pins, with the other boot holding FGs in ziplock baggies. A smaller mat would fit in the bottom of a suitcase.

I'd be telling DH to have a good time, call me when you get there. 8)

You gals are too much. :lol: Haven't you figured it out that hubbies just don't see things the way we gals do? (Remember they're from Mars. :lol: ) Just do what you have to do to get your things there and do it as subtly as possible. Better yet, make it look like it is HIS idea.

:D Well if you go; your supplies go, this is what I would tell your man.
I'm sure he is taking all manner of mining gear. You would go crazy without something to do. Then you would have to tell him how to mine and to do it neatly and all sorts of the things to drive him up a wall. It will keep him safe :lol: and you happy.
safe trip.
Karen,WV

Okay -- now DH has decided it won't take up much room....LOL -- when I suggested we leave beer behind he got a WHOLE new attitude! ROL :mrgreen: Actually, I showed him how much room it would take.....he then said he thought I meant to take the sewing machine, too. Heck, who knows, I MAY hide that in the closet! :shock:

Glad that you are able to figure out how to take a mat and cutter. But I do know that if you walked into our LQS, they would be really happy to help. And there are always local quilters working in the back room, that would probably let you use their items for some limited cutting. It never hurts to ask. I have met some of the greatest people by sitting down and talking with them and know that if asked nicely, it wouldn't be a problem. I would be the type that jumps right in and help you cut whatever you needed.

Thank you everyone for the ideas and well-wishes. I just remembered the clubhouse at the mining camp has BIG LONG tables! I was kinda worried that if I bought more than fat quarters, I wouldn't be able to cut them in our 5th wheel. But now that I figured out I can go to the clubhouse and lay out whatever I want!!!! YIPPPEEEE!!! I can't wait to go! Another month or 6 weeks. :mrgreen: Yeah, and the more I think of it, the more I think I'll take the little sewing machine...LOL