SEVEN TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO SEW

Travelling is a lot of fun, but it does require a lot of planning. Having all the things you might need on your trip directly conflicts with having luggage that meets the weight criteria. As someone who breaks out into a cold sweat when it comes to packing, I've put a lot of thought into some handy handmade projects that will work hard for their space in your case. Enjoy this round up of seven travel essentials to sew...

The Day Bag: Christine Haynes Paquette Bag

Having a bag that is small enough to carry around, but is big enough for your sightseeing essentials is an important item to pack. Paquette is my top choice. The clean lines have zero bells and whistles, giving you only what you need: a perfect medium-sized, fully lined bag with a zipper closure. 

Paquette gets its volume from four darts at the front and four darts at the back. The strap is attached with O-rings and swivel hooks, so you can make multiple straps and swap them out based on your outfit styling. You could even leave the strap off to emulate an evening clutch for dinners under the stars.

The Travel Set: Tessuti Fabrics Avoca Top and Avalon Pants

Whether you are travelling to your destination via car, train, boat or plane, having the right outfit on can make all the different to your comfort level. Ultimately, comfort is the number one aim, but we want to look chic while we travel, right?! 

I would recommend going for comforting knit fabrics. They don't crease, are easy to wash, and allow for moving around to get comfy and stretch, so are ideal for long periods of sitting. My pick is this set from Tessuti. The Avoca Top has a chic high boat neckline and features grown on sleeves so has minimal seams. Th Avalon Pants are a smart take on comfortable knit pants. They have no side seams so will be ridiculously comfortable to travel in.

The Comforting Cardi: Allie Olson Neffy Cardigan

A cosy, comforting chuck-on cardigan is a very useful thing to have in your travel bag. I chose Neffy as its the kind of layer you can throw over your bag or arm, carrying it around wherever you go so it's there when you need it. It has a stylish, waterfall shape that is easy fitting and mimics the feel of a blanket. You will be glad you took Neffy on your travels!

The Organiser: Lou Orth Gemini Pouch

Keeping your bits and bobs straight is important when you are travelling, and this clever pouch is a great solution. The Gemini Pouch is a fun to make double-zip compartment pouch with an added slip pocket in the middle. It is perfect for organising and storing a whole range of items, from makeup and toiletries to sewing tools and supplies. If you like to craft on the road, you need a Gemini at your side!

Pack-A-Jacket: Friday Pattern Company Pogonip Pullover

When you are out and about seeing the sights, it can be useful to have a jacket. As someone who rarely leaves the house without one, a pack-a-jacket is a great solution. The Pogonip Pullover is designed for woven or stable knit fabrics and can fold down into an option pocket with strap. You have never sewn anything quite like it!

The 'I Made It' Cap: Fibre Mood Minu Cap

Caps are one of the coolest ways to keep the sun off your face. They are much easier to fold down and chuck into a bag than a sun hat and they work for any season. Bet you didn't think you could sew your own cap? Try a cool and edgy look with denim, get creative with playful patches, or keep it simple and timeless in a plain fabric.

The Laundry Bag: Merchant & Mills FREE Drawstring Bag

What do you do with your dirty laundry on your travels? I often forget to take a solution with me when I go away, and this free project is the answer. This free project gives you the instructions for making a drawstring bag with a contrast cord channel. It also gives you a template to add 'Stuff' embroidery to make your extra special. You could even make extra bags so you can put shoes inside so they don't dirty your case. It's a must-pack!

I hope that's given you some ideas for handy travel makes!