Now, don't kid yourself. You're not going to be able to drag along your Teresa Wentzler piece with all of the blended flosses and such. You won't be able to get much stitching in at all if you've only got 15 minutes here and there. Perfect take-alongs are ornament-sized pieces you might be able to slip, complete with fabric, fibers and chart into a plastic zipper-lock bag (you decide what size your purse or bag can handle!)

Many designers sell charts that are about 1/4 the size of a standard-sized sheet of typing paper. Shepherd's Bush has a whole bunch of these (they're the $2 charts on my Shepherd's Bush page). Heart in Hand almost exclusively does these small designs (their Wee series -- also on my site). Just Nan has 50 cent and $2.50 charts that are small enough for take-alongs. The Artist's Collection has been doing an absolutely darling set of Santas all year -- the 12th and final will appear soon (you'll find these on my site as well). Bent Creek and Twisted Threads publish small charts. Lizzie Kate charts, although they're a little bigger, are simple enough in design that they'd make wonderful take-alongs...hey, you can find these tiny charts so readily now. They're perfect for take-alongs. How about those freebee charts you get from me with your orders? Many needlework stores give these out as well. Christmas ornaments and other small kits (which you purchase complete) also make great take-alongs.

Do you have a project that's been sitting, half finished, in a drawer forever? Put this in your bag as your take-along. That will FORCE you to work on it, as it will be your only option while you're waiting somewhere.

Charts to avoid? Well, only you can be the judge of that, but I'd recommend not to take along large fold-out charts like Lavender and Lace or Mirabilia (these charts are lovely, but all that wear and tear can really wear out your chart, and it's difficult to make a lot of progress in a short amount of time balancing your chart on your lap at the dentists'). Magazines and hardcover books are cumbersome, although most designers/publishers will allow you to make photocopies for your own personal use. (Remember, don't photocopy designs to give to friends -- that's a copyright infringement! One customer recently purchased a chart for a friend who'd been begging for a photocopy of the same one -- kudos! -- do your best to spread the word.) I wouldn't choose anything with a lot of beading (can you imagine dropping a packet of beads in the doctor's waiting room?), blending of fibers, or complicated instructions. You may also choose to avoid smaller count fabrics -- you never know what kind of lighting you're going to have to work under.

Now, if you're not one to carry a big bag or a purse, keep a take-along in your car (somewhere safe, of course, away from drive-thru sodas and busy kids/animals.) Stick another little project in your desk at work (for lunch and coffee breaks). Do you visit a friend regularly? Keep a project at your friend's house so you can sit and stitch together.

You can keep your chart neat by choosing a small one or by protecting it. You could have it laminated, or simply buy a plastic "slickie" -- a plastic sheet you can slip your chart into to keep it dry and in one piece. You'll find these plastic sheet covers at business supply stores with the three-ring binders. Some office supply stores also sell laminating kits -- sticky sheets you can place over paper to make it laminated.

Consider making yourself a little needlecase to take along. It doesn't have to be fancy. Buy some nice felt at your local craft store, and make a booklet for a few needles -- you could secure with a button, stem stitch on some flowers, or use some ribbon embroidery to decorate. Or buy some cute beads, buttons or charms to spruce it up. For your other tools, you might want to take a blunt-nosed scissors to protect yourself and your bag. Fiskars makes a really nice children's scissors with blunt ends and sharp blades. You can find them at many craft and discount stores (Target, K-Mart and such). If you need magnification, consider a pair of magnifying glasses to take along -- these you can find at many pharmacies. I'll go short of suggesting a miner's helmet with a light on the front to improve any lighting situation, but hey, be my guest! Ha ha!

Carrying your fibers and floss can be easy. Some ways of toting your floss include plastic baggies (the cheapest), small-sized floss caddies (these boxes will hold cards of floss you wrap yourself), or small plastic containers with lids. Be sure you have a little system of keeping your flosses organized, or you'll end up with a multi-colored bird's nest. I've even used 4 by 6 index cards -- punch holes or cut holes on the sides, secure your floss through those holes, and write the symbol and floss number next to each color. You could also pre-thread needles with the colors of floss you'll be using, that way you can get right down to work. Store these pre-threaded needles in your needlecase.

There are totebags, now, designed for stitchers and their projects. While most of these are very nice, I don't consider them entirely appropriate for this type of take-along project. They really are quite extensive, and I think are well-suited for seminars, conventions and vacations. You could purchase (or make) your own little fun draw-string bag for your take-alongs. Again, you can personalize this with needlework, charms, buttons, whatever!

The benefits of "taking it with you" are obvious: passing time with your needle, while finishing a gift for yourself or a friend. But you never know -- waiting somewhere while stitching, you may strike up a conversation with another stitcher in the room. If you belong to a local guild or needlework group, make sure you have brochures to hand out.

Well, usually I get notes from you all the first week of the month telling me how much I've motivated you with my newsletter. Darn it, I motivated myself sitting here typing this for you! Right now I'm going to go put together a project to take along with me wherever I go. (Of course, I have oodles of fun supplies and charts to choose from!) If you'd like a fun take-along, look through your stash, or stop by and pick out something fun. I love helping you put together new projects!

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com