If you are anything like me when you start a new hobby, then you probably want to take it with you everywhere. In order to spend more time doing things I'm interested in (i.e. reading, cross stitching, etc.), I've found myself reading in the car (via audiobooks) or working on a cross stitch pattern during some downtime on a vacation. However, when my husband, Jake, and I went to Dragonsteel Nexus for the first time back in December, I found a new way to enjoy cross stitching: on the go!
There were many times that Jake and I had to wait in long lines during this convention, whether it was to pick up our new books, visit the official Dragonsteel store, or attend exciting events. Normally, if I have to wait in a long line like these, I read an ebook to help pass the time. But, since Jake was with me, I didn't want to hang him out to dry!
Enter my idea: cross stitching on-the-go!
(Pictured above: me cross stitching in line at Dragonsteel Nexus!)
While this might not be a completely original idea, it was new to me, and I had a lot of fun with it! The key, in my opinion, is to choose small cross stitch patterns with fewer colors to manage how many threads and other supplies you need to bring with you. While at the convention, I decided to stitch a sample of one of our cross stitch keychains, which fit the bill for the small pattern requirement. Less counting equals fewer chances of mistakes, which is good when you are moving around and/or chatting with friends! I found that by cross stitching and chatting with Jake, the line at the convention seemed to move rather quickly, and I made some more progress on my current work in progress. Win-win for me!
Here are some helpful tips if you would like to bring your next cross stitch project with you as you travel:
1. Even though I stated it above, it's important enough to say again: choose a smaller project! Smaller patterns are easier to manage with counting, supplies, and the size of the material that you are working on, especially if you are standing or walking while stitching.
2. Place all of your materials in a resealable bag. This is key so that you can grab what you need quickly and easily while keeping everything in one place! The bags that our keychain kits come in are perfect for this, but you can use any that you have lying around!
3. Have your patterns on half sheets of paper, if possible. This is where small patterns come in to play: since our keychains are smaller, I am able to print them as a larger picture on a half sheet of paper, making them easier to see and hold while stitching. It was a lot easier to manage both my pattern and my stitching project at the same time since the pattern itself was on smaller paper.
4. Skip scissors, especially if you are traveling on a plane. This one is important if you end up flying, because I have heard of some stitchers having no issues with their embroidery scissors, while others have theirs confiscated. The solution is actually quite simple: nail clippers! If you buy a pair of small nail clippers, such as ones made for fingernails, this should pass through security without issue. Plus, they are easily able to cut through your thread while you stitch and will fit into your travel project bag nicely.
5. Have fun! Cross stitch can be a great activity for passing the time, especially if you are waiting in a long line for something you are looking forward to. I had a great time chatting with Jake while keeping my hands busy with stitching, and before I knew it, we were ready to go into the next event!
(Pictured above: the progress I made cross stitching while waiting in a long line at a convention. Not bad!)
I hope this inspires you all to try cross stitching on-the-go, and I'd love to see how you travel with cross stitching on TikTok or Instagram (@novelsandneedlesOH)
Happy stitching!
Hannah
