Bon Voyage by Gail Doane

Many of us love to travel. Many of us also love to stitch while we travel. As stitchers we’re fortunate that our chosen artistic pursuit is a portable one as trying to paint, garden or cook whilst aboard a plane, train or automobile can prove to be rather challenging!

In fact, over the years we’ve discovered that one of the great joys of stitching whilst travelling, is the wonderful conversation starter it can become.

So, when a fellow traveller’s curiosity compels them to enquire as to what magical artform you are engaged in, it’s a fantastic invitation to share, not only our passion for needlework, but also our life stories.

One highly esteemed needlework designer who has experienced both a lot of travel herself and enjoyed a lot of conversations instigated by her passion for stitching, is Gail Doane.

In what can only be described as the perfect combination of both the ultimate travel companion and a compelling conversation starter, our feature project for this week is Bon Voyage by Gail Doane from Inspirations magazine issue #122.

This ultra-handy needlework tote measuring 40cm x 46cm wide (16″ x 18″) when closed and omitting the handles, is embellished with gorgeous, embroidered flowers and trimmed with vibrant floral fabric, making it as pretty as it is practical.

As a designer Gail’s expertise covers a diverse range of project types and techniques, from embroidery to smocking, garment and dress making through to quilting, so when she creates a travel tote, it must be both universal in its application and highly adaptable.

And that is exactly what Bon Voyage is. Zipped pockets aplenty, including housing for a needlebook, scissor sheath, ruler and even pen holders, everything you need to ensure you’re all kitted out while on the go.

Bon Voyage even includes the provision to house a 28cm (11”) Cut n Press to take with you, that if you’ve never thought of including one in your travels, makes an excellent firm and stable surface for you to work on if required.

Secured with nine self-cover buttons and with large fabric handles to make carrying a breeze, now you can travel in style, and with confidence that your embroidery, quilting, smocking or any needlework project you like, is safe and secure.

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

*Instructions – As this kit does not include instructions, for step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to Inspirations magazine issue 122 or the Bon Voyage digital pattern, both purchased separately.