Hitting The Road

If you're an avid reader, you make sure that you always have a book to read - well at least one.  If you are going on vacation, you probably bring a bunch of books. If you're a quilter, you need a project to bring - a project that involves hand stitching.  I cannot rest easy until I have my project(s) ready for a trip.  I get it ready days before I leave.  I get it ready before I pack my clothes.  I get it ready before I clean my house.

For our 1,130 mile journey to Key West, my project needed to last me a while.  I made this dupioni  silk flower block using fusible applique a few weeks ago while I was stuck without a sewing machine.

 This is a close up of the handstitching

I originally created it for a friend's quilt show auction, but then I made another.

And then I thought, hmmmm, I like making them so much, maybe I have the start of a quilt. 

I did realize that I was committed to handstitching.

Here are the two blocks that I have prepped for the trip. 

 (Of course, I had to stitch a bit before I packed them into my travel bag.)

I'll add to them as we travel.

There's always an iron available at hotels along the way.

I think this is the start of a great quilt.  I'll keep you posted.