mim

I live in Maine 6 months and WA state in rainy winter. I have fabric in both places -- FQs mostly in Maine because I go to Mardens when I need big stuff. I plan small projects for Maine -- but usually bring a work in process in our check bag if it is going to a Maine recipient. I buy fabric here and take to WA -- I make jams to give at Christmas so I wrap the jars in fabric and put in the check bag. We have clothes and shoes in both places -- more casual and cool here and gardening jeans.

It took a few years to really get it sorted out, but it is really 2 very different life styles. My Bernina is in Olympia and my Janome is here in Cushing.

We are never bored and there is always something to look forward to.

Enjoy the difference

Mim

bearisgray

We've been going to Florida for about five months for about 12 years now. I finally acknowledged that I have accumulated a LOT of stuff there. I do have all the "florida room" for me and my stuff. (about 10 x 35 feet)

I still drag some things back and forth. DH always groans and fusses - but he packs it.

lots2do

Thanks, Mim. Different is right. I am so busy in Florida, lots of groups to join and people to do things with, in addition to exploring with the husband. And a big Joann Fabrics ten minutes away. Not to mention driving in crazy traffic at times.
Maine is much more slow paced but closer to the kids which is a big plus. Joann's is much further away but we are getting a Michael's just over the NH border which will be great.

lots2do

Hi bear,
How funny...I just told my Florida friend on the phone that I'm going to try not to drag so much back and forth from now on. We'll see how that goes. Best intentions and all of that fun stuff....

cathyvv

This is a true dilemma.

In the past, when away from my home base here in SC, I bought fabric at a local fabric store in NJ and made a simple quilt top. However, I have been cutting fabrics for scrappy quilts lately and now bring several sets of them to NJ to sew.

I have a Brother mechanical machine that I store in NJ to use when there. I store the scissors, thread, rotary cutter and blades in the same sewing machine wheelie bag as the machine, plus some small rulers. My cutting mat and larger ruler is stowed flat under a low traffic area of an area rug. Ironing board is stored where it always is/was, iron is stored with it.

My DH was forced (yes, forced by little ol' me!) to make a space for me to actually sew - the size of a small desk. It works; my 'sewing footprint' is the size of that desk. It's enough, but I am always grateful to get home!

In the past, I used a walk in closet for an office. It worked well and kept all my work stuff out of sight, but convenient as well. If you have a walk in closet, maybe you could set up your sewing machine/area in it. While there are usually no windows in a WIC, you do have privacy and a space of your own to work.

I'll be gone over a month the next trip. While I am looking forward to several family events, I am not looking forward to spending the time between events there!

rjwilder

I live in FL year round in On Top Of The World and I am so busy with all the groups, friends and traveling that I don't have time to sew. It sounds like you are really busy when you come done. Maybe all you really need is a small machine, small cutting board and other related supplies. Try to plan out a few projects and pack for those things and you can always buy stuff at JoAnn's.

janjanq

I had every intention of doing just that (taking picture) before we left Florida to come home. That would prevent me from bringing back duplicates from home and would also save time from searching for something at home when it's 1200 miles away in Florida. However I forgot to take the pictures!

lots2do

Ha, ha, now that made me laugh. I needed to so thank you!
My hubby taught me something valuable way back when we were first married - the reward system - particularly if you overcame a hard time or did something successfully that you really didn't want to do. If I am able not to pack the car to the max with projects and supplies in October, I think I will need some kind of reward. (More stuff? Now I'm laughing at myself).