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-   -   Quilting and camping - any tips? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/quilting-camping-any-tips-t48072.html)

sahm4605 06-02-2010 11:46 AM

I would suggest taking a TV tray to place your machine on. I use one permanently at home. I have no place in my house to sew. I have taken over a small corner of the living room for a sewing corner because I was tired of going in and out of the closet every night. This way I can work on ironing and cutting during the day when the kids are being good playing on the floor. What Gramof6 said, about precutting is a great idea. I don't know if you are in an rv that you can move around in or a 5th wheele but it will be good fun. If you are "camping" in a tent or pop up you might want to just stick with hand work or hand quilting. Taking a machine might be a little bit hard to do. You will have to take pics of your travels and post them with the work that you get done. I know that many of us will be waiting to see it.

himnherr 06-02-2010 02:05 PM

2 Attachment(s)
We recently took our annual camping trip with 3 other families. We have done this every year for the past 16 years or so. Started out in tents, then teeny tiny trailer and now have upgraded to a 26'. This time I packed my old sewing machine (left my newer one at home), small cutting mat, rotary cutter, ruler, iron, and a bag full of fabric. I was the happy camper when it poured most of the weekend. But, what? Me worry? Nope. I had my sewing machine humming while the other families kids were in my trailer playing cards. We had the best time! Now I leave the iron and sewing machine in there and just decide which project to take with me. I found an aluminum fold up table at Walmart for $20- very sturdy- not wobbly at all and set it up on it. I ironed on top of the stove cover- just put some towels on it. I'm telling you it was the most fun I've had in the rain in a long time! Won't leave home without it now! You will be glad you took it with you!

IrishNY 06-02-2010 02:33 PM


Originally Posted by Eagle Hawk
All the time. I always take my sewing machine and a ton of fabric when we go in the RV. OK, so last year we went to Las Vegas and stayed in an RV park there, and I thought I would not take my sewing machine this one time. We were going for a friends wedding who was getting married at the Hilton. We stayed for 4 days and have been to casinos enough that they are not that interesting anymore and spent most of the time in the RV or walking the dogs. I just about went crazy without my sewing machine. Never again. I would rather have it with me and not use it than to leave it home and want it with me.

We have been traveling in first a 36' and now a 40' RV for 5 years now off and on. Love it and you will, too. You can take anything with you and don't have to pack and unpack. But, do plan on taking a tow so you can run around to quilt stores wherever you stay. We live in CA and made a 6000 mile round trip to South Carolina so got the real hang of doing this so if you have questions, just PM me. Love to talk RV'g abd quilting.

It would have been a good excuse to buy a new machine in LV!

kylenstevesmom 06-02-2010 03:02 PM

We have a 30ft trailer, and I am doing english paper piecing because I found that with my machine it just makes it too crowded in the camper if we are all in there.

If I know that the boy's dad will be busy 1 day and I might not have a vehicle, then I'll pack my pink Kenmore up and sew at a picnic table.

I leave an iron, cutting board/ironing board, and sewing kit in the trailer. That way I have "stuff" if I do happen to bring something with me.

Theresa

sewgull 06-02-2010 03:56 PM

Take a sewing machine out at a camp ground, next thing will be new friends in the making. Check fabric or quilt shops to visit along the way. You will get tons of ideas as every area of the country has different interest. Keep us posted on your travels. PS: learn to drive the rig. We belong the Good Sam RV org. www.goodsamclub.com lots on info. Check states my husband and I are the State Directors for SC.

Pam 06-02-2010 07:16 PM

sewgull, I agree, learn to drive the rig!!! I do ALL of the driving! Hubby just rides along and does his favorite activity, backseat driving. I had a CDL at one time, drove a 72 passenger pusher school bus. I loved the bus, the kids, well not so much. Poopheads!

Once I get my little slide in camper I will be ready to hit the road! I have a 30 foot goosneck trailer that I use to haul horses, so a little camper like a turtle shell on the back of the truck will be no sweat.

craftybear 06-02-2010 10:02 PM

awesome ideas!

Gal 06-03-2010 02:45 AM

I have only managed hand piecing whilst away camping, some how it suits the pace of life, but surprisingly I have made good progress having kept at it. (It is small and portable.) As our trips are not that long I usually take along some quilting mags and like to relax and plan my future projects!

Gal

watterstide 06-03-2010 03:00 AM

All the time too!
i keep a cutting mat,rotary cutter and supplies (needles,pins etc..) that stay in the 5th wheel. i also have a RV project..that stays there! (an apple core quilt). i use the larger ziplock bags to store fabric in. i bought a small white plastic table from sams club. it folds flat. i think it is 2 x 4'.
i have a janome jem platinum,weighs 12 pounds,that i take with me.
and an extension cord!
you would be surprised,pleasantly, how many people will come and talk to you when you are sewing outside! met quilters where ever we went!

applique 06-03-2010 03:20 AM

Hand applique and redwork as well as channel trapunto all "go" well camping, doctors' visits, to the kid's games etc. Wouldn't be without it.

sadly I am stuck in a medical military barracks,, and I have a little baggie that I carry with me,, to work on what I am doing at the moment,, as I had sew,, if you machine quilt,, Im at a loss,,, sorry,,, :cry:
hopefully you enjoy your sites,,and have a safe and enjoyable trips!!! :thumbup:[/quote]


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