Crafts Make Idle Time Pass By Pleasantly

Fri., March 1, 1996

Pat Trexler And Nancy J. Thomas Universal Press Syndicate

Wherever you go, needlecraft projects are the perfect traveling partner. Whether you are off on a day trip or plan an extensive journey, your crafting can help you pass idle time. When we plan to pack for a trip, we include needlework as an important part of our baggage. You can do the same thing. Having an easily worked activity and the proper tools are just two of the ways to make traveling with crafts more enjoyable.

First, make sure your work is portable. Pillows, such as the ones shown here, make good projects for traveling. You have to take only a minimum amount of materials and tools to complete such a project. Even a partially completed pillow will not take up too much space. You wouldn’t want to begin an afghan or sweater that called for numerous balls of yarn and could grow quite large.

Pick projects that can be easily done in small spaces. Get everything you need together. If you aren’t sure how far you’ll get, toss in an extra ball of yarn.

Instead of taking along your original instructions, magazine or hardback book, make a clear copy. If you happen to lose the copy, you’ll still have the original at home to finish up your needlework.

Find a good tote bag for carrying everything. Make sure that it’s deep enough or has a zipper top so that you won’t lose essentials. Some bags are made just for crafting and have neat zippered pockets for keeping needles and other items.

Don’t forget all the tools you’ll need. You can even use something as simple as a Ziploc bag for holding them all. A tape measure, needles, pins, markers and scissors are good basics. A pad of Post-It notes is good for helping you keep your place on your instructions, allowing you to jot down notes as you go along or keep track of row numbers. A small notebook and calculator are nice extras. Keep your little tool bag packed and ready at all times.

When you prepare in advance, you can make your traveling much more enjoyable.

MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Portable Pillows, send your request for Leaflet No. 022596 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 022596 by sending a check or money order for $24.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and bulky yarn in a wool/mohair blend in your choice of cream, rosewood or spruce green. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537.

To obtain directions for making the Portable Pillows, send your request for Leaflet No. 022596 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 022596 by sending a check or money order for $24.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and bulky yarn in a wool/mohair blend in your choice of cream, rosewood or spruce green. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.