How to Needlepoint on Your Daily Commute

Do you spend 30 minutes or more on the bus, train or plane getting to work each day? If so, try stitching a needlepoint project. I travel a lot in my profession—mostly by train and airplane. Needlepoint is my favorite way to spend the time it takes to get to my destination. While fellow passengers bring newspapers, I usually carry a simple project or two for relaxation and as an antidote to the stress of a busy meeting schedule. You too can experience the pleasures of needlepoint on your daily commute. Use these tips and strategies to turn your commute into a stitching journey.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Non-driving daily commute
• CD or mp3 player with headphones
• Classical or soothing music
• Needlepoint project
• Assorted needlepoint supplies

1. Choose small projects that do not need lots of materials and supplies. Holiday ornaments, coasters, wallet inserts, or any project that has a design of 8 inches or less.
2. Select simple stitches and use color to enhance and decorate the canvas. Save the fancy stitches and techniques for larger designs that are not portable.
3. Assemble your materials/supplies and prepare your canvas ahead of time. Stretch and mount your canvas on an appropriate frame or bars. Select your threads and metallics.
4. Only bring the essentials--prepared canvas, needles, threads, scissors and reading glasses for magnification. Place them in a plastic zip bag or fancy needlepoint carry-all. I prefer to use the Hefty Jumbo Zip bags that are large enough to hold framed canvas and all supplies.
5. If traveling by rail, choose a seat in an area with as much overhead light as possible. If on an airplane, try not to get a middle seat and check to see that your overhead light works. Be careful not to intrude into a fellow passenger’s space while stitching.
6. While stitching, listen to classical or soothing music using earphones and an mp3 player. This always reduces anxiety and prepares me for the things I will have to do upon arrival. Usually I can complete two small projects on a round-trip flight and one on a round-trip train ride.
7. Enjoy your stitching. If at any time it becomes stressful, repack it into your briefcase or purse, keep the headphones on and just relax and get some much needed rest.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make needlepointed ornaments or small presents for family and friends on your daily commute. I completed 20 holiday ornaments in a 12 months of commuting to and from client visits.
• This can become habit forming and a delightful break from a boring train or airplane ride.
• Don't take embroidery scissors on an airplane. Instead purchase a cutting tool that has been made just for needlepointers who commute by air. Clover makes one that you can wear as a necklace.