One of the things that kinda, well . . . stresses me out . . . about moving back and forth between home and cabin all summer is deciding which projects I want to bring with me. And which projects to leave behind. Tom is certain I overthink it – and he might be right. But I’m not generally an overthinker (I know what I want and I tend to trust my instincts). But this is an important decision for most “makers.” I mean . . . different projects hit different “buttons,” y’know? (And I want to get it right.) (Because I’ve been stuck up north with the wrong project before, and that is No Fun.)
So before we left home again yesterday morning, I decided to do a bit of a project update for myself to help me sort out what to pack . . . and what to leave home.
As you can see, the baby sweater I’ve been working on is very near completion at this point. In fact, it has been in this very state for about two weeks now. The knitting is finished. The ends are all woven in (except for the ones I need for seaming). The buttons are selected and ready to sew on. All I need to do now . . . is Finish the Damn Thing.
I could have easily left this project at home to finish later. But it has been languishing at home for weeks now already. And there is a (rapidly approaching) deadline. So . . . I packed the baby sweater. And I’m going to making myself finish it before we head back home on Friday.
And then . . . there’s my nearly-complete embroidery project.
Technically, it’s finished. Or . . . was. But when I took this photo a couple of days ago, I realized that I wasn’t exactly pleased with it yet. I decided it needed . . . a little more something-something. (Which is saying . . . something. Because there is already a lot going on there.)
Anyway. I jazzed it up by adding some more color punches (sorry, no good photo of that yet) and . . . I decided it needed further riffing with a focal point right in the center there. A something-something more than a contrast French knot.
[Cue serious overthinking about focal points . . . with a deep dive into my embellishment stash.]
I decided to leave this project at home. Y’know . . . so I can let the focal point decision simmer for a while. I also Have Plans for finishing this piece that involves more stitching. There is a reason for that contrast backing fabric there (you’ll see), but I don’t want to mess with that experiment while I’m up north.
Just for fun, here are two of my leading “contenders” for the focal point. One is a cute little ladybug button, and the other is a big pink sequin. There is also a sweet little yellow button (no photo). And a bee button that, sadly, isn’t very cute, although a bee button would be perfect, I think (no photo because the ugly bee button is not actually a contender).
Feel free to share your opinions in the comments, although I’ve already (pretty much) made my decision. (You can also see the extra something-something I added, stitch-wise, in the photo with the pink sequin.)
I did bring something new with me up north, though.
I’ll tell you more about it another day.
But here’s a teaser photo for you . . .
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How about you? What are you making? And how do you decide which projects to bring along with you on a trip?
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And a reminder: Today is the last day to submit your July scavenger hunt “findings!”
When I am going on a trip I usually start something new but since there are no trips in my near future, I am in finishing mode. I have a basket with a few projects that are very close to being done so drag that from room to room to deck and back inside – determined!
I always kept some dishcloth cotton and needles in MD for knitting emergencies, especially because my stash was in NJ. And I always had a pair of socks on the needles and whatever Hitchhiker I was working on, but lots of projects traveled back and forth across the Delaware Memorial Bridge multiple times.
I like the way the sequin catches and reflects the light in the center of the garden.
For a traveling project I like to have something that is already well underway so that I know the rhythm of the project and what tools I need to bring.
Lady bug! (I have to focus on your projects because I’m still Doing Nothing Crafty. Sigh.)
I took 3 different knitting projects with me on my camping trip last week and I never touched a single one of them! I did make a potholder and read 3 books, though. I like both the lady bug and the pink sequin. They give very different vibes so I’m curious to know which one you chose.
I like the ladybug, but maybe it’s just a little too “cute”. The sequin is unexpected.
The first thing I do, usually in October or November, is to plot out what knitting projects I will take on our winter snowbird trip. I want to have selected the pattern, the yarn, and have completed swatching well before we leave. Suitcase packing comes long after the knitting decisions.
I am in complete agreement about the importance of having the “perfect project”!! And sometimes having one that is a “Must Do” is the only way that baby gets done! (So bravo for bringing that along!) Oh my… that stitching! I am loving that darling lady bug, but I think the sequin looks better. (but the perfect bee button…. )
I’m thinking a sequin for the center of mine too.
Horror story:before we moved out here full time, we came out for 3 weeks at Christmas and I FORGOT MY KNITTING BAG and it was very worrisome. But luckily I had a few skeins at the house and quickly did a Knit Picks order to make sure I was fully stocked (I don’t think I even touched the Knit Picks during that trip!).
That ladybug made me smile… “what big eyes you have!!”
My project selection for a trip depends on the type of trip! I’ve been known to load up the back of the car with “one of everything” — sewing, knitting, mending (in totes, bags, in progress, brand new…). Sometimes I even work on one.
That ladybug looks right at home and the sequin looks good too! I like to bring a new or recently started project on a trip and leave the finishing decisions for when I can take my time at home.
not adding any (more!) opinions about the stitching … and looking forward to seeing the sweater finished – I do love the buttons you chose. I really only travel with knitting, and for car trips, I’ll take two projects – one for social situations, and one that I can work on when I need some “alone” time.
I’m in the sequin camp! What a beautiful piece Kym! Travel…by plane socks or a hat and by car whatever is active and socks. 🙂
I always overpack on the crafting when I go away because I like options! And there’s always the concern that I’ll be super productive and finish everything I’ve brought and will be stuck with nothing to do (which has never happened, ever, yet I always think it’s a possibility).
I’m not offering an opinion on the stitching centerpiece because I know you’ll choose what’s right for you and I’m sure it’ll be great!
When I don’t know what to take I take a book. LOL Maybe your embroidery needs that little zuzz, but you’ll find just the right thing.
This reminds me of how ages ago – before Kindle time – I used to pack a tote bag FULL of books for a 4-7 day trip. Options are good to have. I love the ladybug and your stitching is just so pretty. Curious to see the new project. And that baby sweater!! Maybe I should knit one?
I would vote for the ladybug but it’s your project. It’s important to have the right projects with you. I generally over pack projects for road trips. Generally for flights east, I cast on a new pair of socks. I’ve got to have something there that I can pick up and put down when the grandchildren want to play. I generally keep a small bag with a wash cloth either in the car or on the kitchen desk near the door to the garage.