Packing Your Sewing Supplies

Packing your sewing supplies

One week to go. Before your favorite tools go in the suitcase, read this — a few minutes now beats a conversation with security at the pier.

Read this first: sharps are the cruise line's call, not ours

Rotary cutters, scissors, seam rippers, pins — the tools that make quilting possible are exactly the ones cruise lines have rules about. Those rules are set by the cruise line, they differ by ship and itinerary, and they change. We will not guess at them for you and you should not guess either.

So do this: before you pack anything with a blade or a point, check your cruise line's current prohibited-items list — or simply call us. We do this trip constantly and we would far rather spend five minutes on the phone with you than watch a favorite pair of shears get confiscated.

What we bring

Your quilt kit and pattern, your class and your teacher, and the sewing machines in our onboard sewing room. You do not need to bring a machine.

What quilters usually want with them

Your own hands know your own tools. The things people are most glad they packed:

  • Thread you love, and a few spare needles
  • Your thimble
  • A small pair of snips or scissors (check the rules first — see above)
  • Seam ripper (same)
  • Pins or clips, and a small pincushion
  • Reading glasses — and a backup pair
  • A small notebook, and a pen that is not going to quit on you

Label anything you would be sad to lose. Sewing rooms at sea are busy, happy, slightly chaotic places.

And for you

  • A sweater or wrap — sewing rooms and dining rooms both run cold
  • Comfortable shoes you can stand in
  • Any medication in its original bottle, in your carry-on
  • Your travel documents — see the 30-day checklist

When in doubt, call. Truly.

If you are standing over an open suitcase wondering whether something can come — (903) 760-7397 or cruises@stitchinheaven.com. That is what we are here for.

See you at the welcome meeting. Bring your excitement — we have got the rest covered.