Last week I promised I'd show you what I take when I'm travelling to english paper piece with.
Many people are wary about taking scissors and needles on a plane because of the heightened security restrictions these days, but as long as you know what you can take and what you can't you'll soon be happily stitching away in the mile high sewing club!
Scissors - you can see from the photo mine have a very short blade. From handle to tip they're about 2" (the cutting part actually measures about 1/2"). These particular scissors are called little gems and they're 100% safe for flight. They're also very sharp - they do cut thread with no problems at all, despite their tiny size!
The TSA states that scissors with a blades less than 4" are allowed but British flights are sometimes stricter, and I've been told different things by different security staff when I've flown, so in my opinion - get the smallest you can possibly find. Nail scissors are ok too.
If you're still not sure then pack a thread cutter - it's a concealed blade that is completely safe for flights and can picked up quite cheaply (mine is the red plastic thing in the picture and cost £1 from a quilt show). Clover make a lovely one that can worn as a pendant, it's more expensive but does look nice (and it works really well).
Needles - these are fine for flying. You can take as many as you like to be quite honest! I think you might get some issues if you were taking super long thick needles, but regular hand sewing needles are no problem.
I then take a glue stick for help when I baste my hexagons, and some thread. I try to pack as light as possible and take 2 little sewing kits with me (both were made by a friend of mine and I've used them so much!) One is especially for my papers and fabrics and one is for my tools. You should be realistic - on a flight how much sewing will you actually do? Don't pack a massive bag full of bits, take enough to keep you busy, possibly a little too much, but don't go silly. I have packed enough to make five full double ringed flowers. It might take me the outward and return journey to make those, because at some point I'll have a nap, watch a film and read a book or magazine. Space is tight on a plane, and you can always pack extra in your suitcase for whilst you're away and the return trip.
Last week I promised I'd show you what I take when I'm travelling to english paper piece with.
Many people are wary about taking scissors and needles on a plane because of the heightened security restrictions these days, but as long as you know what you can take and what you can't you'll soon be happily stitching away in the mile high sewing club!
Scissors - you can see from the photo mine have a very short blade. From handle to tip they're about 2" (the cutting part actually measures about 1/2"). These particular scissors are called little gems and they're 100% safe for flight. They're also very sharp - they do cut thread with no problems at all, despite their tiny size!
The TSA states that scissors with a blades less than 4" are allowed but British flights are sometimes stricter, and I've been told different things by different security staff when I've flown, so in my opinion - get the smallest you can possibly find. Nail scissors are ok too.
If you're still not sure then pack a thread cutter - it's a concealed blade that is completely safe for flights and can picked up quite cheaply (mine is the red plastic thing in the picture and cost £1 from a quilt show). Clover make a lovely one that can worn as a pendant, it's more expensive but does look nice (and it works really well).
Needles - these are fine for flying. You can take as many as you like to be quite honest! I think you might get some issues if you were taking super long thick needles, but regular hand sewing needles are no problem.
I then take a glue stick for help when I baste my hexagons, and some thread. I try to pack as light as possible and take 2 little sewing kits with me (both were made by a friend of mine and I've used them so much!) One is especially for my papers and fabrics and one is for my tools. You should be realistic - on a flight how much sewing will you actually do? Don't pack a massive bag full of bits, take enough to keep you busy, possibly a little too much, but don't go silly. I have packed enough to make five full double ringed flowers. It might take me the outward and return journey to make those, because at some point I'll have a nap, watch a film and read a book or magazine. Space is tight on a plane, and you can always pack extra in your suitcase for whilst you're away and the return trip.
