Busy Busy and a Cautionary Tale

I am really off my posting schedule this week.  It might have something to do with how much I need to get done before I leave on my trip!

My little zippy bags sell well at my son in law's wine tasting shop, and it was time for a new color line more in keeping with the season.  I have been stitching away in an effort to get the new inventory into the shop before I leave for my vacations.

This collection is a Sandy Gervais group--Everything you see above was made from one jelly roll, and I have enough strips left to make at least six more bags.  I adore Sandy Gervais designs, as they are so seasonal, whimsical, colorful and fun.

When you go on a trip, do you "audition" your clothes before packing?  This is one of the most fun things about going anywhere, this preview of outfits and imagining where you might be wearing them and if they will be appropriate for the weather and the occasions.

I have outfits on display all over my bedroom.  My goal is to pare back and try to get everything into the smallest possible suitcase.  Have you ever traveled somewhere and found that you can barely lift the luggage you packed?  That can be a real disaster!  It has happened to me.  On one occasion, I found myself in the airport disposing of my travel iron, cosmetics and anything else that was heavy.  Once I lightened my load, I found I could actually carry my bag.  I do miss that travel iron....

On this trip, I will be carrying on my sewing machine, so I really need to practice my moves with that.  I need to be able to lift it over my head and place it in the overhead compartment.  In the past I have had to rely on the kindness of others to help me accomplish that task.  I've decided to take my little Janome, which weighs around ten pounds.  Add on the cord, foot pedal and the weight of the bag, any projects I can squeeze in, and I am looking at at least 25 pounds.

Speaking of carry ons, I read a terrible story on Bonnie Hunter's blog recently.  Bonnie is a well known quilting teacher who travels extensively all over the country.  She always takes a sewing machine with her for class demos.  This trip, she had with her a little Featherweight that she was planning to carry on the plane.  When she boarded, the steward informed her that the overhead bins were all full and that her carry on (the Featherweight and also her laptop) would have to be checked as luggage.  Reluctantly, she allowed her machine and laptop to be taken from her and placed underneath the plane along with all the other baggage.  You can probably see where this is going.

When she arrived, her lap top was smashed and her vintage 1938 Featherweight was in three pieces.  Pictures are on her blog.

United did give her replacement value for her damaged property, but still.  Oh dear.  I would be so unhappy if that happened to me!

Comments

[Jan]

I'm so happy to see that your zippy bags are in demand at the shop! That's wonderful! The story about the carry on being put in baggage makes my skin crawl! I'm new to Featherweight ownership (1951 model) but I am pretty sure I would have caught another flight or had a big hissy fit and gotten thrown off the plane before I would allow mine to be stowed underneath!!!! All that said, here's to happy travels for you!

[AnnieO]

I love Sandy Gervais' fabric designs too--boy they sure look terrific as zippy bags.

Hmm, I have never auditioned a wardrobe before traveling that way--but good idea!

Bonnie's story was terrible, and her point that other huge dufflebags, etc should have been moved rather than her machine and laptop was sure true! She'll definitely not tolerate that again.

[sillysally]

Wow on your collection of zippy bags and eyeglasses cases! All of them are beyond cute! Good luck and may the "travel angels" be with you on your trip. We wouldn't want to hear another horror story like Bonnie's. Eee gads.

[Marge]

I need to make some more of those zippy bags. And I have some Sandy Gervais charm packs....yup, that's what I'm going to do!

And I am leaving next week for Alaska, so am also auditioning outfits. How many times can I wear the same sweater or jacket with different tops underneath is my goal! Have fun on your trip.

[Jean]

Good heavens! What is a person supposed to do if they travel with their sewing machine? Did she ever find out whose duffel bag was under her seat? I would have made them move it!!

[Thelma]

I was going to wear that same outfit, guess I'll leave it at home! What a romantic and creative person you are, to sit around and contemplate what you'll be dong when you wear a certain outfit, never has that crossed my mind!

Horror of horrors, that Featherweight was PINK! That makes it all the more sad!

Your zippy bags look adorable, as usual!

[Christine Thomas]

I've traveled several times with my little Janome, too. I put it in the overhead. And every single time, I've been taken aside for extra security checking. I would advise you to remove the needle, though. I didn't want it broken but I also didn't want them to think it could be a "weapon" which sounds stupid, I know. But you know TSA...they don't always think logical.

[Sharon]

Pick out your clothes for the trip, then cut it in 1/2! And try everything on, I traveled one time with my S.I.L. and she packed all her summer stuff for the first time that year, and well, you know where this story is going...right to the dept store to buy some clothes that fit. We laughed like crazy over that one.

[CarlaHR]

Lovely bags - so professional looking!!!

I usually pack too much. This year I really cut back but still came home with one outfit that had not been worn.

Wishing you Happy travels.

[Allison]

I just love the button & yo-yo 'flowers' on your zippy pouches