When I travel, I usually pick out a pattern with squares that I want to do embroidery designs on. Then I can just bag up the squares and the threads intended. I usually use a pair of nail clippers for cutting threads. Just something simple. Right now I am working on a Sudoku quilt, with items representing the numbers; say one apple, two hears, three stars, etc. These are cut out of different fabrics and bonded to the squares. I then embroider them along the outer edges. It's a good project that I can carry when I go somewhere and work on when I have the time. Once they are all done, I will sit at the machine and sew them all together into a lap quilt.