Going on your holidays? Don’t miss Stuart’s top tips for crafting on the go
Stuart x
CRAFT DIARY
At this time of the year, when the weather is warming up and the days are longer, I start feeling guilty if I’m sitting behind a sewing machine indoors instead of making the most of the sunny weather. However, my desire to create is still strong, so I look for ways to make crafting outdoors possible. I find the fresh air and bright light stimulating and the sights are also very inspiring. Whether it’s the mixed blooms in a park flower bed, a beach tent or windbreak in vibrant colours, or the ice cream shades in a seaside sundae, I’ll take inspiration wherever I can find it! I also make sure to bring my phone camera, plus a pad and pen so I can make notes or draw designs as I go.
I like to craft whilst travelling too, but in order to do this, I need portable projects which don’t require a lot of close attention. I’ve learnt this the hard way and have spent hours unpicking a couple of dodgy rows in an Aran sweater that I messed up on a train ride. Instead I keep it simple, such as sock knitting in the round using self-patterning yarn, or sketching bag and quilt designs for future reference.
Virtual crafting is another way I get my fix in the summer, so I’ll be heading to Pinterest and my favourite blogs. I also enjoy visiting craft fairs, county shows and exhibitions at this time of year and the kits and supplies I buy will form the backbone of my autumn and winter projects.
Travelling with my crafty projects is something I do all the time. I spend way too much time on my own in hotels, so I like to bring something to do. I’ll cut out patches for a quilt or pattern pieces, baste English paper piecing shapes, or knit and crochet. This means I can take my crafts with me to the pool or communal areas of the hotel and indulge in my other great passion... people-watching!
