Travel Wise Sewing
Each year I seem to be traveling more and more. To exciting and exotic new locations with the Australian Sewing Guild and from state to state teaching.
But all this has its darker side….WHAT TO PACK ????
Whether you’re planning a weekend down the coast or a month on the run the inevitable temptation is to take it all. Just in case!
But help is at hand with great patterns, travel friendly fabrics and a fabulous book called ‘Smart Packing for Today’s Traveller’ by Susan Foster. I’ve studied up, taken good advice on board and learned to cull to the basics and yet never be caught short.
Whatever the season the principles are basically the same because almost everywhere and everything is air-conditioned.
So following the basic capsule concept of wardrobe planning select your colour palette and then look at Susan Foster’s –
FIVE STEPS to Smart Packing
- PLAN where and when you will travel and the length of the trip so that weather, culture, and special events can be considered.
- SELECT the most appropriate and comfortable clothing, plus the best accessories and travel extras. Lay them out in an undisturbed area so you can edit or add as needed.
- EDIT so everything fits into the best bag for your trip.
- PACK all of the above using the most efficient packing techniques and tips.
- GO. Travel lightly and under your own power to any destination and be comfortable, well dressed and happy.
Remembering – Susan Foster’s Luggage Laws
- When you most need help with luggage, there is none.
- If you can’t lift and manoeuvre your gear by yourself after you’ve packed it all, edit the contents down to the amount you can manage alone.
- Two smaller bags are usually easier to manage than one large one.
Everything should pack effortlessly into one very manageable suitcase and an on-board pull-along. Luggage however IS NOT always as manageable or effortless on the way home….
So much fabric, so little space. But I suppose we can’t hold Susan Foster responsible for that!
Accessories
Travel light with accessories. Simple costume jewellery, the absolute minimum of shoes and a scarf or shawl to add interest, warmth and colour.
With the new wave of knitting mania in fashion today eliminate the need for a bulky overcoat by taking two weights of wraps. Pick fast, easy knits and add great textural interest as well as warmth. A heavier wrap will be fabulous in the plane when the temperature seems to plummet mid-flight and a light Pashmina can be folded into a long, narrow neck scarf or used as a large rectanglular shawl for evening.
Recommended Reading
SMART PACKING For Today’s Traveller By Susan Foster
The 26-chapter book is filled with tips, anecdotes and recommendations. In addition her website, www.smartpacking.com, offers updates.
Distributed in Australia by McCall’s’ Pattern Service (02 9793 1700) and in the United States of America by Palmer/Pletsch Publishing (1-800-728-3784)
If you have ever picked up a great Palmer/Pletsch book or pattern and wondered “what ever happened to Pletsch”? Well let me tell you...Susan Pletsch, now Susan Foster, is happily married to husband David and is still writing and sewing up a storm. Her latest book ‘Smart Packing' is an information packed, fun read that I enjoyed reading cover to cover. I hope you do too.
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