Sewers (Needle & Thread Type)

[GMandJM]

I was recently very impressed that a nice neighboring camper had a sewing machine in her RV. Previously, I'd met only one other camper who brought a machine on the road.

Since then I started asking around and found others who also bring their machines with them.

So I'm wondering: How many of you travel with sewing machines? If your bring one, what do you sew? (Machine quilting? Crafts? Pet clothes?) Or does your machine just end up collecting dust and taking up space (as I suspect mine would)?

Also, if you have a machine in your RV, what kind/brand do you have?

Thanks in advance for any/all courteous replies to this very nosey question. 🙂

-jhalf

[Go_Dogs]

I have a portable antique machine. It is nonelectric but not a treadle-there is a knob on the hand wheel and you crank it. Now, it takes some getting used to. Of course, it's just straight stitch and you have to coordinate your sewing, as you can only use your left hand to guide the fabric. Your right hand is cranking the wheel! It's very nice to sit at a picnic table and sew without a cord! I got it on EBay, it's built to last!

[Dustytuu]

I have a Kenmore sewing machine. I use it for mending and I also make rugs by sewing strips of cloth together and crocheting into rugs. Sometime I make them to sell, when I make too many.

[RoadLife]

I bring my trusty brother sewing machine. I've made curtains, throws, and two quilts (the tops) on our trips. Also a few pot holders/ hot pads for the kitchen.

[Dufus]

My wife has a Bernina quilter with cabinet and all accessories. We took out the dining table/chairs and put it there. Works very well. We eat off TV trays or outside on pick nick table if nice.

[Kittykath]

I have my Singer One in a case with wheels. Sewing is one of my favorite hobbies on Friday afternoons before the campers start coming in. I sew fleece slippers and sell them on Etsy. I carry my pattern book and a computer with a small printer to print shipping labels. One of my camping friends creates jewelry at her picnic table also to sell online.

[SomedayisNow]

an Elna from the 1940's travels in it's case in the HDT under the bunk and a Sears Kenmore from the 1980's travels in the laundry cabinet. Used the Elna to do awning repairs but can not keep belts on it probably due heat while stored in the HDT. Will be getting rid of it this summer. It has earned its retirement. Awning repairs will go to a car upholstery shop if needed in future. The Sears will also be retired this year as I look for a smaller machine that just does straight stitching. Just do not do all the fancy sewing I used to do. Mending only now, no little dresses with ruffles & embroidery. Do handwork for any fancy trims now. Serger went 4 years ago, have not missed it.

[galtgirl]

When we were living in our 5th wheel fulltime I took my sewing machine with me. I put all my sewing supplies in a large tackle box. I actually bought a new machine while we were in the RV...a Janome which I still have and use a lot. I plan to take it with me when we return to fulltiming next year.
I used it for all kinds of projects: I love to do sewing crafts and make tote bags, purses, zippered pouches etc for my granddaughters. I make dog clothes (my girls get a new dress every holiday; tablecloths for each season (we replaced our table with a round drop leaf table) as well as for repairs etc. It is kept under our bed and doesn't take up much room. I have a small ironing board and iron too, used mainly when I'm crafting.
Sometimes I would sew outside on the patio with a folding table we keep in the basement, and other times I'd use the dining room table.
If you enjoy sewing I would definitely take it with you.

[magnusfide]

GMandJM wrote:
Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I had no idea so many people travelled with sewing machines. That's so cool!

Didn't see this thread until now. When herself goes to quilting workshops or if we're on the road more than a month, her vintage Featherweight goes with us.

[GMandJM]

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. I had no idea so many people travelled with sewing machines. That's so cool!

[bigwheelsturnin]

i carried the sewing machine for a few years...worked outside in the popup..large table...also inside..but large projects became unmanageable....
there's one quilt i need to finish tho...then..no more..

[craftyfox]

I never leave home in the rig w/o my sewing machine. We don't full time, usually 6 months at a time. When we first started I had a Kenmore machine in a free standing cabinet but eventualy downsized to a lighter portable Brother. Did a lot of crafts but now it's mainly mending and what ever else I might need it for but would be panicky if it wasn't with me. We have a booth dinette and one side is my sewing and craft storage area. If hubby can find room for his golf clubs, cart, and fishing crap, I get room for my "stuff".

[dbbls]

We travel with a small portable Sears machine which we use for mending etc. It doesn't weigh much and we have the room for it. It doesn't get used often but it sure is handy when we do need it.

[dahkota]

When we packed up our rig for fulltiming, I had to decide between a crock pot and a sewing machine. For now, the crock pot won. If we ever get a bigger rig, I'm pulling the sewing machine out of storage.

[Trackrig]

DW bought a new light weight one for about $100 that is used for mostly clothes mending and other odds and ends such as bicycle seat covers.

Bill