Yikes! Any sewers out there that travel with a sewing machine and the stuff?
cabingramma said
01:38 PM Aug 26, 2010
Okay, I know there are no dumb questions so am asking .... for future reference and planning.
I want to pursue sewing and selling (home decor, quilts, etc.) as my main means of income when on the road but is there really room for it all? How do you do that? Can I set up an area without giving up too much living space? How do you decide what to take when you have so much?
If there are any sewers out there, what do you do? Of course, as I'll be selling my items on Etsy, I need my sewing machine, fabric and trims, computer/printer, packaging items to ship, postage scale, ..... Good Grief!! I don't have to give this up, do I??????
We may have to look at finding a TT that we can just add our own furniture and customize our space to fit in a working space for me, on the cheap, of course. I'm a very frugal, make do with what you've got, type of gal, so that should be no problem, I wouldn't think. ??
Thanks so much! My brain is spinning out of control with this rv'ing dream and all the little details to make it happen. Cindy 'RV wannabe'
mktobob said
03:27 PM Aug 26, 2010
I have seen some two bedroom campers that just may work for you. The "other" bedrood-den type room could be dedicated to your crafting. Your items would be out of sight but still ready to go when the urge to work hits you.
cabingramma said
03:48 PM Aug 26, 2010
Perfect! As you can probably tell, I know nothing about RVs but am chomping at the bit to go check some out!! I've looked at some pictures online of other people's digs and hadn't seen any with extra space for hobby/work other than a computer nook but you give me HOPE and a big WHEW!
Another problem: Hopefully, that URGE to WORK will still be there once we're 'on the road'... he he
I appreciate your reply, Bob! Have a great day! BTW: Up North, Minnesota's weather is PERFECT today - Cool and Sunny!
Cindy RV wannabe
Mallo said
03:55 PM Aug 26, 2010
We have a good solid 34 foot fifth wheel and the Brideandjoy quilts in it but mostly for her enjoyment.
I'll point her to this thread and she may have some advice for you.
Mallo
n_jkonz said
04:39 PM Aug 26, 2010
You could also look at a "toy" hauler, some people turn the area for the "toys" into offices, workshops, etc. It gives you an opportunity to turn the area into exactly what you need.
Nancy
K & E said
05:30 PM Aug 26, 2010
I sew as a hobby. I make quilts and purses. My machine is portable with a carrying case. I store it in a cabinet when not in use. I have a collapsible table I use when sewing. Sometimes, I leave it out for several days and put it in a corner when not sewing. It does clutter the camper, but I enjoy my hobby so I'm willing to put up with a little mess.
What I have found works well, is to plan a few projects. I cut all pieces and prepare for sewing. Once I have everything ready to go, I pull out the machine and leave it out while I'm sewing. If I'm not going to use it for a while, I put it away again.
I'm curious how Etsy works for you. So far, I've just given my projects as gifts or to charity. I'm looking for a way to generate some income while fulltiming. What do you sell, and how well do your items sell?
I liked the idea of getting a camper with 2 bedrooms. We were at a dealer this week getting some warranty work done, and I saw several models of 5th wheels with the extra room in it.
Good luck fulfilling your dreams!!!
mcw50 said
06:47 PM Aug 26, 2010
My sewing is strictly a hobby, but as suggested above, I get everything all cut out and organized before the machine comes out of basement storage. We carry a card table and have an adjustable table and full size ironing board that I can set up, without using the dining table, in our "Class A" to work...a little crowded, but it works. I have a friend who removed her booth dinette and created workspace there and they eat on TV trays. I also have many friends who sew and quilt outside on their patio in good weather. Most RV parks have a clubhouse with space and tables that you are able to use as long as it doesn't conflict with other activities. Most "snowbird" parks have active quilting groups and often a dedicated sewing/quilting room.
Mary
nwlambear said
05:40 PM Oct 9, 2010
Perfect! I searched and was hoping to find those who travel with sewing machine. I'd like to know what sewing machines folks are using. My current machine is an old Singer. It's a good machine, but very heavy. Went to a couple of stores today looking at new sewing machines.... So what sewing machine would you recommend? Needs to be lightweight and portable to take in our 5th Wheel. Mainly I want to sew quilts and small gift items for family. I also like photography and enjoy reading tips from those of you who do digital photography.
janni said
06:50 PM Oct 9, 2010
Not a quilter here but I think where there is a will, there is a way. At rv park in Brainerd MN this summer there was a 5th wheel beside us and she was right by one of the windows sewing away.........last winter when we were snowbirding I saw little wagons(like the kids' red ones and those plastic green ones)filled with sewing machines etc, going by quite often as the quilters all went to the clubhouse for class.......sounds like fun.
Waggin Tails said
06:59 AM Oct 10, 2010
Cindy,
You may find this interesting
http://www.hummingbirdquilter.com/category/rv-quilting
We are planning on traveling with a much smaller version of DW's craft room. Probably will remove the couch to make room for a sewing table that will have storage containers under it. DW has a Viking Designer and loves to spend hours making thread dust. This keeps her busy while I make sawdust.
pwdestiny said
11:39 AM Oct 10, 2010
Check out http://fabgrandma.com/. She has a great site, she has pictures of beautiful items that she makes in her RV. She also sell her items on Etsy.
nwlambear said
12:04 PM Oct 10, 2010
Mallo wrote:
We have a good solid 34 foot fifth wheel and the Brideandjoy quilts in it but mostly for her enjoyment.
I'll point her to this thread and she may have some advice for you.
Mallo
Thanks Mallo.....Have your wife drop me a line. I'm particularly interested in findin gout what sewing machines people are using in their RV's ~Tricia
nwlambear said
12:06 PM Oct 10, 2010
pwdestiny wrote:
Check out http://fabgrandma.com/. She has a great site, she has pictures of beautiful items that she makes in her RV. She also sell her items on Etsy.
Thanks for the http://fabgradma.com/ site. Will definitely check it out. ~Tricia
nwlambear said
12:14 PM Oct 10, 2010
Waggin Tails wrote:
You may find this interesting http://www.hummingbirdquilter.com/category/rv-quilting We are planning on traveling with a much smaller version of DW's craft room. Probably will remove the couch to make room for a sewing table that will have storage containers under it. DW has a Viking Designer and loves to spend hours making thread dust. This keeps her busy while I make sawdust.
WOW.....the hummingbirdquilter site was amazing! Thank you so much for the web address. And thanks for mentioning what machine your DW uses. I'll have to check out the Viking Designer. I found a sewing macine store here in Bellingham, WA who will take my old Singer in as trade. It's been a really good machine...made lots of stuff with it over the years, but it is really heavy...and not sometimg I would want to take along in the 5th Wheel. ~Tricia
nwlambear said
12:17 PM Oct 10, 2010
mcw50 wrote:
My sewing is strictly a hobby, but as suggested above, I get everything all cut out and organized before the machine comes out of basement storage. We carry a card table and have an adjustable table and full size ironing board that I can set up, without using the dining table, in our "Class A" to work...a little crowded, but it works. I have a friend who removed her booth dinette and created workspace there and they eat on TV trays. I also have many friends who sew and quilt outside on their patio in good weather. Most RV parks have a clubhouse with space and tables that you are able to use as long as it doesn't conflict with other activities. Most "snowbird" parks have active quilting groups and often a dedicated sewing/quilting room.
Mary
Mary - What sewing machine do you use (make, model, etc.) I need to buy a new one after the first of the year. Thanks for posting! ~Tricia
nwlambear said
12:23 PM Oct 10, 2010
K & E wrote:
I sew as a hobby. I make quilts and purses. My machine is portable with a carrying case. I store it in a cabinet when not in use. I have a collapsible table I use when sewing. Sometimes, I leave it out for several days and put it in a corner when not sewing. It does clutter the camper, but I enjoy my hobby so I'm willing to put up with a little mess.
What I have found works well, is to plan a few projects. I cut all pieces and prepare for sewing. Once I have everything ready to go, I pull out the machine and leave it out while I'm sewing. If I'm not going to use it for a while, I put it away again.
I'm curious how Etsy works for you. So far, I've just given my projects as gifts or to charity. I'm looking for a way to generate some income while fulltiming. What do you sell, and how well do your items sell?
I liked the idea of getting a camper with 2 bedrooms. We were at a dealer this week getting some warranty work done, and I saw several models of 5th wheels with the extra room in it.
Good luck fulfilling your dreams!!!
Sorry folks....I may not be doing my responses correctly. If so...please let me know how I answer individual posts...thanks!
BUT...wanted to acknowledge those sending advice, suggestions, etc. What sewing machine (brand, make, model, etc) do you use in your RV? Thanks! ~Tricia
I want to pursue sewing and selling (home decor, quilts, etc.) as my main means of income when on the road but is there really room for it all? How do you do that? Can I set up an area without giving up too much living space? How do you decide what to take when you have so much?
If there are any sewers out there, what do you do?
Of course, as I'll be selling my items on Etsy, I need my sewing machine, fabric and trims, computer/printer, packaging items to ship, postage scale, ..... Good Grief!! I don't have to give this up, do I??????
We may have to look at finding a TT that we can just add our own furniture and customize our space to fit in a working space for me, on the cheap, of course. I'm a very frugal, make do with what you've got, type of gal, so that should be no problem, I wouldn't think. ??
Thanks so much! My brain is spinning out of control with this rv'ing dream and all the little details to make it happen.
Cindy
'RV wannabe'
Another problem: Hopefully, that URGE to WORK will still be there once we're 'on the road'... he he
I appreciate your reply, Bob!
Have a great day!
BTW: Up North, Minnesota's weather is PERFECT today - Cool and Sunny!
Cindy
RV wannabe
I'll point her to this thread and she may have some advice for you.
Mallo
Nancy
What I have found works well, is to plan a few projects. I cut all pieces and prepare for sewing. Once I have everything ready to go, I pull out the machine and leave it out while I'm sewing. If I'm not going to use it for a while, I put it away again.
I'm curious how Etsy works for you. So far, I've just given my projects as gifts or to charity. I'm looking for a way to generate some income while fulltiming. What do you sell, and how well do your items sell?
I liked the idea of getting a camper with 2 bedrooms. We were at a dealer this week getting some warranty work done, and I saw several models of 5th wheels with the extra room in it.
Good luck fulfilling your dreams!!!
Mary
BUT...wanted to acknowledge those sending advice, suggestions, etc. What sewing machine (brand, make, model, etc) do you use in your RV? Thanks! ~Tricia