First in a series of articles about stitching and other creative arts during RV travel.
By Diane L. Murtha, F465708
August 2022
To paraphrase Willie Nelson, “I can’t wait to [quilt] on the road again.” Do you quilt or craft on the road? I do, and I am not alone. RV Quilters, a Facebook group, boasts over 30,000 members who enjoy quilting while in their travel trailers, fifth-wheels, or motorized RVs.
Joy Anderson founded the group in 2015 when she started RVing full-time and wanted to find fellow RV quilters. “I never imagined it would grow to this size! I wanted a way to connect with other people that quilt and craft in their RVs. The comradery and friendships that have grown across the country from this Facebook group have been utterly amazing,” she said. And then there are the knitters, crocheters, beaders, cross-stitchers, and painters. You name the hobby, and it likely can be done along your RV travel journey. This article focuses primarily on quilting, but future pieces will address other crafting aspects as well.
Experience The Fun
Combining travel, outdoor activities, and adventures with our beloved hobbies enables us to enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s basically a retreat for one, with fewer distractions than at home and a relaxed schedule. You are on vacation, but you can still craft and quilt. You can feed your creative passion wherever you go.
My mobile “sewing room” features a 180-degree view that changes with my locale. That ranges anywhere from palm trees to lake scenery and even to mountain vistas. How great is that? Not only do you have a serene natural setting, but you also can watch and listen to the birds and other wildlife. Some RVers find that the extra relaxation they feel from quilting in this natural “happy place” increases their creativity.
Ever sew or craft outside? An extension cord, tablecloth, and picnic table can transport your crafting space to the great outdoors. Picture stitching with the sunshine on your shoulders and attracting every passerby. It’s a great conversation starter and an easy way to meet other quilters or crafters in the campground. If you really need to spread out, you may be able to use an RV resort’s craft room or clubhouse space to sandwich full-size quilts or cut yardage. Some RV resorts even offer dedicated times for quilting and crafting, along with organized activities.
FMCA recognizes traveling quilters as well by scheduling quilting and crafting seminars at rallies and conventions. In fact, I’m presenting four craft seminars at the association’s 105th International Convention & RV Expo in Lincoln, Nebraska, in late August. FMCA also invites convention attendees to bring premade items to these events, which are displayed in the Quilts For Kids exhibit and donated to a local charity afterward.
Do You Need Anything Special?
Diane’s Bernina Aurora 440 QE sewing machine is designed for quilting and free-motion stitching.
Based on the limited space within an RV, it does take a little forethought to bring your hobby supplies along. First, preparing materials for each project is key. I like to precut my fabrics and pack the pattern, matching thread, and anything else I need for a project in a dedicated bag or box.
Second, being organized is a must. Many retreat checklists are available (search online for “quilt retreat checklist” or similar words); use one of them as a general guide to pack your RV. Like a quilting retreat, I take all the basic sewing supplies I’ll need. The difference is, in the RV I want all of those little items to stay put while we rumble down the road, so I use a small, four-drawer plastic storage container to hold all my necessary tools. The clear plastic allows me to see and find things easily.
Other necessities include my Singer Featherweight sewing machine, which stays in the RV during camping season. If I’m going to be quilting, then my Bernina 440 QE machine joins the travel adventures. I also bring a travel iron, a wool pressing pad, a small cutting mat, an Ott-lite lamp, a 12-inch-by-12-inch acrylic ruler, and a small adjustable folding table. I pack additional rulers and specialty tools as needed for a project.
Anyone who travels in an RV gets incredibly good at finding spaces to put things. Store batting and project backing in the “basement” storage area, or stash project bags under the bed. Some people even use the shower stall for storage. In our RV, the upper bunk holds two shopping-size bags with fabric kits and my plastic storage container. The space under the lower bunk is great for my ironing board, folding table, rulers, and cutting mat.
Other Tips
Paper piecing — a method to stabilize fabric patches — is a great mobile project. It’s easy to start and stop. Because everything is numbered, you always know where to pick up and continue. English paper piecing, which involves all hand sewing, is another favorite project. While my husband is driving down the road, I can baste dozens of hexies (hexagon quilt pieces) with a small plastic box or tray on my lap. After dinner, using a small cutting mat, I can cut more hexies at the dinette table and be ready to baste another pile the next day.
Here’s my favorite tip from a fellow RV Quilters group member: Take half the fabric and twice the money! Buy fabric on the road as you use it up. As added bonuses, your projects are now full of travel memories, and you can discover great new quilt stores along the way.
If you haven’t already incorporated your crafting hobby into your outdoor living, I encourage you to give it a try!
Diane L. Murtha is a quilter, fiber artist, lecturer, and instructor. Quilting for over 30 years, she gravitated to art quilts 10 years ago and discovered she loves challenges. Her quilts are included in books, magazines, juried exhibits, and international shows. Learn more at www.dianeLmurtha.com, follow her on Instagram @dianelmurtha, or email dlmurtha2018@gmail.com for more information.