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You know how I talk ALL THE TIME about how much I love handwork because it’s so portable?
Would you like to see just what I keep in my handwork bag? I’ll show you what tools are inside and how I keep everything organized so I can pull out my work whenever – and wherever – I have a few minutes to stitch.
All right then!
I’m currently working on two projects – hand quilting the Controlled Chaos quilt (not portable – I do this on the sofa)
. . . and this little bit of thread therapy.
My Handwork Bag
First let’s talk about the bag.
I made it using the largest size option of the Stitch & Stash Project Bag (pattern from Betz White) with an added kitty applique from my Cats Quilt Pattern. You can read more about the bag and how I made it here.
The quilt won’t fit in it 🙂 but the 7 inch hoop does. I work on both projects on the sofa – but I also carry the hoop with me for random moments of handwork.
Here’s what’s in the bag with that hoop. . .
I’m using the Tutti Frutti embroidery thread bundle, so I pulled all of those colors off of my main embroidery ring and keep them together using a simple binder ring – available at any office supply store. (Here’s more info about how I organize my embroidery thread.) The last item in the bag is an Altoids-sized tool tin.
My Handwork Tool Tin
I love having a metal tin so I can store sharp objects inside without fear of them poking me or poking through my bag. Here’s what’s inside the tin. . .
- A seam ripper because I’m human
- A thimble just in case
- My teeny tiny scissors
- Sewing Clips are wonderful and you never know when you’ll need an extra set of hands
- The two spools of Sulky Petites thread are the quilting colors for the current block of Controlled Chaos that I’m quilting
- a felt circle holding a few extra needles in different sizes
- a felt circle holding a few pins – just in case
- Thread Magic – because it is awesome
My bag is always packed and sitting at my sofa spot, ready to grab and take along in case I’m going anywhere I might have a few extra minutes for some handwork.
Happy stitching!