take it away

Today, I finally started packing for my imminent trip to market.  The clothes bit didn't take too long - 3 pairs of very similar jeans, 5 cardigans, a handful of tops and a pair of boots or thereabouts - The most important bit I have to consider is what I should take with me to pass the time for the 10 hour flight.  This involves taking lots of pretty stitched bags crammed with stitchy goodies, although no scissors and only short needles are allowed on the plane so you can see why this takes a bit of thinking and preperation beforehand.  

Thankfully I am travelling in the company of Katy and Lu on this trip and for some reason or other they have decided I am some kind of crochet whizz kid and asked me to teach them the art of the granny square, you can see a little yarn and a crochet hook peeking out of the pouch above right.  The cute little hexagon pouch is what I always use to house my camera when I'm out and about and I have Katy to thank for stitching up this little beauty for me.  On the bottom right you can see the clutch I made earlier this year and use all the time on account of it's many handy compartments inside, pattern can be found here.

I'm also taking this handy tote bag again too, theres lots of pockets inside and out and its just a handy size, I used the tote bag pattern from Cath Kidston's book 'Sew' to stitch this up.

These are a couple of handy pouches that will hold some embroidery and hexagon bitty bobs to keep me happily stitching between take off and landing.

I whipped up these cute drawstring bags the other day using Jeni's pattern which is very well explained and super easy to follow.  I need to make lots more of these, perhaps a little red one next?

I also had a go at making some handy needle book's, I made up my own pattern and included a zip pouch at the front to add even more stuff.

Very handy, inside...

and out!!

Comments

[Faith]

I love all your little pouches - and of course the fabric. :) I just made Jeni's little bag too and it is so cute. My daughter is using it to store her princesses and has been wearing it as a backpack. :)

[Yvonne @Nellies Niceties]

How very exciting for you Annela to be preparing for Quilt Market where your very own fabric will be appearing. :) I love all the little bags and your needle case is very clever. I am so looking forward to getting A walk in the woods when it's released! Safe journey and have a great time.

[Valerie]

Oh that's a long flight! Are you flying British Airways? They've had the best meals (not that I've flown abroad that often, but each time I was with BA I was well fed). Ten hours in a chair - the food has to be worth looking forward to!

[Kristen]

Love the needle case. I can see why you put those three together at the top. They are drool-worthy!

[Chiska]

I love the needle case--inside and out!

[Sandi K.]

Love the needle book! Wish you'd share a pattern for that one. Hope you have a safe flight!

[Janine Smith]

Your little bags are really cute! This line of fabrics is adorable.

[Jeni]

Eeek, they're all so cute! Of course I love your drawstring pouches, so glad you enjoyed making them! :)

Those needle books are ADORABLE! The foxes! The toadstools! Serious, serious, cuteness!

[Mary]

Love it all! Those little needle books are the bomb diggety. I really need something like that for when I take my stitching with me. Have fun in Houston, and send us lots of reports!

[Shasta Anderson]

I like your needle case. I don't fly, my husband and I always drive with our children to our vacation destination. Never thought about that you can't bring little sewing scissors on a plane. Have a safe flight!

[Allison]

Traveling in style! Such cute bags. So glad you're coming to Houston! It's a great city and very international. I'm trying to think up some restaurants...my husband and I love to eat at Vincent's on West Dallas when we go to Houston. It's Italian. And if you feel like eating a hot dog you should go to James Coney Island, a Houston original. Yummy hot dogs and there is one downtown, which is where you will be. So excited for you!

[Olivia Drake]

Ah Looks like you are ready to go. I am wondering what to take on flight to Tokyo-14 hours. And without scissors. I like all your little bags.

[Ute]

Love the travelling kit, Aneela! Bon voyage and enjoy Quilt Market!

[Joelle Lambert]

Looks like you need a suitcase just for your bags and pouches. How nice to be so organized. I spend much of my day looking for stuff that I have put "someplace". I need to organize like you.

[Kristy]

Everything is so cute! Love those needles books!!! :)

[Zoe]

Happy travels lovely one, xxx

[sukie]

Those needle books are so dang cute!

[Becky M]

Such adorable little pouches! I never really thought about the fact that you can't take scissors on the plane. Wondering what you could substitute to cut your threads. hmm...

[Wendy]

Who'd have thunk there would be so many ways to stitch up a bag?!?? Love this post! I used to always do counted cross stitch on planes until they stopped letting scissors on board. Now I just read!

[Tammy]

yes - what do you use to cut thread? Was wondering if you can bring on board little bably nail clippers?? The bigger ones usually have a slidie-out nail file on them but I would imagine the small ones could possibly be allowed????

You must be sooo excited!

[Mitzi]

I love your little bags and pouches. Beautiful.

[Terrie]

Loving allof your little bags and especially the little needlebooks, very handy !!!! I have never actually been on a ten hour flight, thats a long one !!!! But the excitement of where you are going must help a bit :) Have fun !!!!!!

[Sigrun]

The needle-cases are great!
And your new fabric is fabulous, I like it very much.
Have a fun trip!

[TiffanyTF]

I so need a needle book. eveything you need in one compact spot.

[Rae R]

Love all the pouches and needle case. Great ideas to have something to tuck in your purse while waiting at doctor/dentist or when waiting to pick up kids from school or sports.

[candy]

Like you I think I stress over what to take to work on rather than the clothing!! I always think I am going to get way more stitching done than I do so I over pack and the no scissors is a problem. Enjoy your trip.

[Heidi]

Oh what fun little projects! Have fun at Market!

[Heather]

It's all VERY cute! Have a fun time at market!

[Martina]

Lovely projects! Have a safe trip and fun!

[Brenna]

Love those little pouches! I need to make some of those for myself, so cute!

[Eva]

Argh, you are killing me with your travel cuties! :-) They're all fabulous, but the needle books are my favourites! So cute AND practical! Have a good trip!

[Ella]

I've travelled with nail clippers, wooden knitting needles, and tapestry needles for knitting before. I'm not sure what they'd do with real needles.

[Linda Cates]

Very cute!

[Kelsey]

That is too bad they won't let you travel with scissors. Within the US I know we are thankfully allowed those itty bitty embroidery scissors.

Those bags are all too cute!

[Amy]

holy wow! that's some wonderful productivity, Aneela! I get excited when I finish one tiny little thing, like a needlebook ;) I love all these little projects and I hope to try some. I have been thinking a lot about my "little apples" quilt. Some of the designs are too pretty to be cut up too much. I'd like to see big swaths of the kids and the clothes, but the apples are perfect for little cuts, maybe even 1/2" borders or strings. I do hope to have the quilt done by Christmas, that will be a miracle for me, but one has to have goals! Have fun at market! xo amy

[Heidi]

spectacular bags and pouches! I can't wait to see pictures of market! Have a great time!

[charlotte @ twelfthzodiac]

That little half dresden pouch is adorable!
Jeni's drawstring bag is on my list to try soon, good to hear I won't have any problems with it (not to say I thought I would!)
Love your little needle book too - I'd be interested to know if you've ever made a jewelry pouch? I can't find a pattern/idea that I like & think maybe your brain could come up with something spectacular!

[Rachel L]

Very cute. You will certainly have no excuses for being bored on your flight! I especially love the little needle books!

[Kristal]

There are those cute foxes again! And mushrooms! Can't wait!

[Annmarie]

Your bags & pouches are SEW cute and I can't wait to see that afghan you all crochet up! :) Have fun, fun, fun at Market!

[Jenny]

have fun Aneela at market!
lots of cute bags going with you!

[chelsea]

I love that little fox zip puch/needle case! Any chance you'll be making a pattern available?

[JenAC]

The Quilt Market looks like such a lot of fun. I haven't yet been to a sewing-type show, unless you count Knitting and Stitching at Ally Pally earlier this month... Hope you have a great time!

[Reene]

I love your needle-case pouch things :) Very clever. Have a fab time at market!!

[Angela]

Very cute stuff, love the zipper pocket on the needle books!!

[Cheryl - MA]

Have a blast at Market!!! Can't wait to see your pics when you come back. Dying to see the complete unveiling of all your little goodies!!! Safe travels!

[Marianne]

I love the foxes on front of the needle book.
Happy traveling!

[Kelly]

i love all of those sweet, cute little bags! you'll be one coordinated crafter on the plane!

[ina]

DANG!!! You're gonna have a lovely flight with all that fun and friends to boot! ;0

This would be me 3 rows back:

"Anyone willing to swap seats with me?? ANYONE??!!" I would be trying to swap my way closer to your row so I could learn to crochet too. ;0

Have an awesome trip! ;0

[Marcia K]

Really, NO scissors, not even a teensy one are allowed on the plane? WOW.. how about a nail clipper to clip your thread when doing hand stitching?? Atleast you can hand stitch something and clip your threads.

[Brooke]

I love the drawstring bag! I think I need to go make some of those now!

[Greg]

That fox fabric is so cute! I hope that you have a very productive market trip.

[Julianna]

I didn't realize that there are so many restriction while traveling by plane! I took only short flights, so there was no time for stitching or any other activities.
Good that you can bring something with you and that you're in such great company.

PS. I wish I could go to the market too!

[June S]

Oh I love the zipper needle books! It's funny we just packed for a trip and when I think about "what to do on the plane" it is always activites for two and five year olds... It will be nice one day when I can do some handcrafting on a plane!

[Himiko]

You could fill a big bag with all those little bags! But honestly, I have a tendency for small bags as well. And yours are really cute!

[Allison]

I feel your pain with the long flight. It takes me one long flight, two short ones, and a 1 1/2 hour car ride just to make it back home. But with a one year old, the days of packing pretty things to keep fidgeting fingers satisfied are on hold.

Love the Heather Ross fan bag. Enjoy your trip!

[Tamie]

I'm pretty sure that you can bring blunt scissors on the plane. You might want to check. I love all your pouches.

[SarahB]

What cute little bags! Those projects will certainly fill up some of the long flight time. Have fun at Market! :)

[Adele]

Those drawstring bags and the clutch is soooo cute! Ive said it before...now I'll say it again...little apples is my favourite collection of all time!

[Margaret]

I hope all of your cute little pouches fit into your super cute tote. :-)

[Ellyn]

I love all your little pouches! I always have a hard time choosing projects for a trip, even harder now with all the regulations. Can't wait to hear all about Market!

[Elisabeth]

Hope you have a great time at Market! I love all your little pouches, bags and totes. I wish I was as organised as that.
Happy crocheting to you, Katy and Lu.

[Justine]

Wow! What a fab array of bags and pouches! Love the needle case - may copy!
Have fun at market!

[Tami]

Sounds like a fun plane ride with lots of activities to keep you and your friends busy! Cannot wait to hear about quilt market...

[Helene]

gorgeous! love the needle book!

[Sharon Meek]

What lovely bags! Something for everyone and everything. Good luck on your trip!

[Cat]

The clothes part is always the quickest with packing isn't it? I so love all your little pouches and bags, particularly the half dresden, with Heather Ross Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty peeping out. The needle books with the zip front are genius, love them. Here's to a fabulous time in Houston with your gorgeous goodies, fabrics + friends.

[Wendy D. P.]

Those little foxes are too adorable! I can't wait for a walk in the woods to come out! Good luck at market!

[Kylie]

Such a great collection of yummy little packages! I love your needle books, especially the inside of that blue one with the cute toadstools!
Have a fantastic, stitchy flight and a great trip away :)

[hannah]

i, like quite a few other people im sure, love the little foxes in your new line! And the little rising sun pouch is charming. Happy flying and stitching!

[madebymum]

love all the little pouches and bags

[Archie the wonder dog]

You're going to have such a fun flight and all the passengers will be craning their necks to see what all the fun is about! Imagine their surprise when they realise it's crochet!!

[Pennie]

Really cute and useful little bags... But judy need to check with so many projects - you did say 10 hour flight? This lot'd keep me busy for 10 days! Have a good trip

[Katy]

Well the good news is that, unless the airline itself has specifically forbidden scissors, UK government restrictions allow ones with blades shorter than 6cm see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Foreigntravel/AirTravel/DG_176922

Print it out and take it with you to the airport (they suggest contacting the airport/airline first to check)

[Flying Blind]

Man, you are sounding so much more relaxed this time! Have fun x

[Viv]

Gorgeous needle book, looks like it can hold all sorts of goodies! Are you able to take a small thread cutter instead of scissors?

[Rie]

In the first photo - adore the little hexy's... the best use of hexy's I've seen yet!
Have a fun flight, you can buy little travel scissors that aren't scissors - ok I'm not describing them very well... my local fabric quilting store had some for sale.. still not describing it very well.. sory!!

[Jodi G.]

Oh going to market. Be careful to not overpack. I always seem to and have tried againg and again to keep it down to the bare essentials. Your little bags are sooo cute! They are just right for your projects. I love taking my hexies to work on when I'm flying or laying over. Have a safe trip and fun at market.

[Jennifer Gail]

I love em.Have fun:)

[Binks]

Those needle books are adorable! I would love to stitch one up for myself. And of course, the fabric is way too awesome. ...envy...
Have a safe trip.

[Sara]

the needle book with zip pouch how sweet!!!

[Wendy]

I envy you! Going to market was always a favorite time for me. Love your little bags, pouches and sewing items. Have fun!

[kate kmdegroot]

ack! your little pouch collection is too much! i especially love the heather ross peiced one. to cute!!!

[Kelly Rodgers]

Your fabrics are so pretty. I love the drawstring bags. Very cute!

[Allison C]

Love the little pouches! I haven't made a single pouch YET, but plan on it soon. Thanks for supplying lots of links for tutorials!

[Shawna G.]

Your little project and hand bags are so cute. I like that you added a zip pouch on your needle cases. How clever! I'll have to keep that in mind when I make one. I can only imagine all the fun you will have at market. Be sure to send pictures!!

[Jennie]

Love the little bags especially!

I usually rely on Ziplock bags to keep my projects separate. You've inspired me to stitch up some pretty ones for my next trip. And a few for my purse, too.

[Mary ann]

Quick tip...no scissors but you can take dental floss and the cutting edge is perfect! looking forward to all you have to say and show on your return. And i so love all these bags, adorable and practical too!

[poppyinpink]

Your collection of pouches needle-books and purses are so very cute..and so extensive too. You could sew forever out of a few of those and perhaps create a few more while using them on your flight, bon voyage!!

[daisy]

wow - you'll be able to take heaps of projects in these fab bags - I'm sure it will be a fun flight :)

[Kate R]

Love this! I'm traveling soon too and thinking I need to make a prettier bag for my stitching than the plastic ziploc I took last time! Also, just to let you know, I actually do take scissors on planes. They are the ones that come with sewing kits (a sewing kit I picked up in a hotel). As long as they're small and have a rounded, instead of a pointed, end, they are allowed on planes. Of course, I won't be using them for every day sewing, but for a few hours, they're much better than nothing!

[Tina]

I love these bags! What a great idea for all of your take-a-longs on a long plane trip! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful ideas!
P.S. have a great trip!

[Debra.]

I am simply amazed at how many bits you can put together to take on the adventure to market!! I am especially taken with the bags from Jeni...saw them on her web-site and loved them there, too. I am finally stitching up the layer cake of "Sherbert Pips" purchased this summer. It has taken me these months of looking at the fabric on the bench in my sewing room and trying to decide exactly what to make with the layers!! I finally found the right pattern and cut out all the parts Saturday and am half-way done!!! I hope to have a photo to show soon. Thank you!! Thank you!! Am now anxiously awaiting the "fox in the woods" fabrics!!!
Safe travels to Market!!

[Stephanie]

Too cute bags! Especially the needle bags! I want some <3

Have a fun and safe trip :D

[Marcia W.]

Have a wonderful trip with productive stitching. The bags are lovely (especially in your fabrics).

[Karen J Moseley]

I love the "handy tote bag"! And, yes, you should make another bag in red! Have Fun!

[robin]

Cute needle book!

[Jude]

Super cute ideas...love the goldish colored zippers!

[KylieC]

I think I love all of those littke pouches. All useful for different things. Should make some similar. Thanks for the ideas - always good.

[Hueisei]

Love your needle case and also the hexies pouch.. So cute :)