Yes, I am sure you will think this is quite impossible, but thanks to my portable travel sewing machine I have been able to enjoy this hobby on the ship as well. Not only I was able to adjust and repair my uniforms, but in my spare time I was able to sew small projects, which transformed into thoughtful gifts.
I find that the best places to get supplies in US are Joanne’s and Michael’s and in England- John Lewis, where they have a wonderful haberdashery (I love this sweet little British word), where I was able to get my sewing machine, professional scissors and all sorts of fun pieces of fabric, buttons and patterns. I am sure there are plenty of other crafts store every where, but if you are in a hurry and have only a couple of hours to spare, these are the places for you. Of course, Online there is limitless choice as well.
While I have this cute little machine, featuring 5 professional stitches I have also two other sewing machines – a Toyota and Brothers, both perfect for beginner to advanced level users. They both can sew denim and other heavy duty fabric, as well as perform over 15 different types of stitches. I learned sewing from my Mom and Youtube, where you can find great tutorials and learn basic techniques.
Here are my very first projects- I made a sewing caddy, where I can store the sewing accessories featuring many pockets, allowing easy access. A small pin cushion comes handy too.
While on the ship, I was happy to make a few items that I presented as gifts to some friends cruising. For Christmas I made Advent Calendars. where for each day (pocket) I inserted a chocolate and a Coco Channel Quotes, which were both delicious and fun.
For our Captain, I made a “Uniform” Bib, which he loved.
Soon, I started experimenting with bigger and more challenging projects- mostly accessories for my home and for friends. Below are kitchen gloves and some cushions, as well as a pillow for my laptop, it has a hidden plastic board to keep it leveled.
This is a travel pillow case, which comes with many inside pockets that can hold my passport, socks, inflatable pillow, toiletries and Kindle.
Carrying around lots of cables when on the road is always a challenge. so these small holders did a good jib keeping the cables in place.
Of course, your sewing machine needs to have a cover, I chose a pattern that was matching the rest of my furniture:
Once on a holiday in Florida, I decided I needed to reduce my beach gear and this is how the below beach bag came to life. It easily unfolds into a beach towel.
Another challenge I was facing during travel is properly storing my jewelry, so the necklaces don’t get tangled. I also needed something to display my jewelry while hanging on the wall in my cabin on the ship. So, I designed this case that features various pockets and pieces of net that holds the necklaces in place. It also is can be used on a hanger and folded nicely when packed.
I have already posted my yarn bags in the KNITTING ON THE GO post, but since they are seeing projects, here they are again:
When COVID 19 stroke and there were no masks available, I made a few for family and friends. I also ended up making a protective shield, as well as protective aprons for some front line shop attendants:
Here is the pattern for the mask I got on Youtube:
And of course, the most fun I have when making a gift for a baby. Here is a small baby bag that I knitted with a cat hat , presented in a diaper case, I made with some left over pieces of fabric:
I am currently trying to master the art of sewing simple clothes, so I git a body form to help with the process. I got it in the North of France a few years ago and I am yet to make something worth displaying on it 🙂
