Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Okay, I know there are no dumb questions so am asking .... for future reference and planning.
I want to pursue sewing and selling (home decor, quilts, etc.) as my main means of income when on the road but is there really room for it all? How do you do that? Can I set up an area without giving up too much living space? How do you decide what to take when you have so much?
If there are any sewers out there, what do you do? Of course, as I'll be selling my items on Etsy, I need my sewing machine, fabric and trims, computer/printer, packaging items to ship, postage scale, ..... Good Grief!! I don't have to give this up, do I??????
We may have to look at finding a TT that we can just add our own furniture and customize our space to fit in a working space for me, on the cheap, of course. I'm a very frugal, make do with what you've got, type of gal, so that should be no problem, I wouldn't think. ??
Thanks so much! My brain is spinning out of control with this rv'ing dream and all the little details to make it happen. Cindy 'RV wannabe'
I have seen some two bedroom campers that just may work for you. The "other" bedrood-den type room could be dedicated to your crafting. Your items would be out of sight but still ready to go when the urge to work hits you.
Perfect! As you can probably tell, I know nothing about RVs but am chomping at the bit to go check some out!! I've looked at some pictures online of other people's digs and hadn't seen any with extra space for hobby/work other than a computer nook but you give me HOPE and a big WHEW!
Another problem: Hopefully, that URGE to WORK will still be there once we're 'on the road'... he he
I appreciate your reply, Bob! Have a great day! BTW: Up North, Minnesota's weather is PERFECT today - Cool and Sunny!
You could also look at a "toy" hauler, some people turn the area for the "toys" into offices, workshops, etc. It gives you an opportunity to turn the area into exactly what you need.
I sew as a hobby. I make quilts and purses. My machine is portable with a carrying case. I store it in a cabinet when not in use. I have a collapsible table I use when sewing. Sometimes, I leave it out for several days and put it in a corner when not sewing. It does clutter the camper, but I enjoy my hobby so I'm willing to put up with a little mess.
What I have found works well, is to plan a few projects. I cut all pieces and prepare for sewing. Once I have everything ready to go, I pull out the machine and leave it out while I'm sewing. If I'm not going to use it for a while, I put it away again.
I'm curious how Etsy works for you. So far, I've just given my projects as gifts or to charity. I'm looking for a way to generate some income while fulltiming. What do you sell, and how well do your items sell?
I liked the idea of getting a camper with 2 bedrooms. We were at a dealer this week getting some warranty work done, and I saw several models of 5th wheels with the extra room in it.
Good luck fulfilling your dreams!!!
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Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Wow...What a Ride! 2012 GMC 2500HD Diesel 2014 Jayco Pinnacle 36REQS http://rvkhroniclesofkevelyn.blogspot.com/
My sewing is strictly a hobby, but as suggested above, I get everything all cut out and organized before the machine comes out of basement storage. We carry a card table and have an adjustable table and full size ironing board that I can set up, without using the dining table, in our "Class A" to work...a little crowded, but it works. I have a friend who removed her booth dinette and created workspace there and they eat on TV trays. I also have many friends who sew and quilt outside on their patio in good weather. Most RV parks have a clubhouse with space and tables that you are able to use as long as it doesn't conflict with other activities. Most "snowbird" parks have active quilting groups and often a dedicated sewing/quilting room.
Perfect! I searched and was hoping to find those who travel with sewing machine. I'd like to know what sewing machines folks are using. My current machine is an old Singer. It's a good machine, but very heavy. Went to a couple of stores today looking at new sewing machines.... So what sewing machine would you recommend? Needs to be lightweight and portable to take in our 5th Wheel. Mainly I want to sew quilts and small gift items for family. I also like photography and enjoy reading tips from those of you who do digital photography.
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***Brian'n'Tricia*** aka 'NWlambear' 2008 FORD F250 XLT SUPER DUTY SUPER CAB DIESEL TOWING PKG 2010 KEYSTONE 'COUGAR' 292RKS http://homesweethomerv.blogspot.com. http://www.facebook.com/home.php
Not a quilter here but I think where there is a will, there is a way. At rv park in Brainerd MN this summer there was a 5th wheel beside us and she was right by one of the windows sewing away.........last winter when we were snowbirding I saw little wagons(like the kids' red ones and those plastic green ones)filled with sewing machines etc, going by quite often as the quilters all went to the clubhouse for class.......sounds like fun.
Cindy, You may find this interesting http://www.hummingbirdquilter.com/category/rv-quilting We are planning on traveling with a much smaller version of DW's craft room. Probably will remove the couch to make room for a sewing table that will have storage containers under it. DW has a Viking Designer and loves to spend hours making thread dust. This keeps her busy while I make sawdust.
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Jerry & Carol Pearson (+ fur babies) FullTime since 2012 04 Winnebago Adventure, 06 Grand Marquis www.waggintailsrv.com
You may find this interesting http://www.hummingbirdquilter.com/category/rv-quilting We are planning on traveling with a much smaller version of DW's craft room. Probably will remove the couch to make room for a sewing table that will have storage containers under it. DW has a Viking Designer and loves to spend hours making thread dust. This keeps her busy while I make sawdust.
WOW.....the hummingbirdquilter site was amazing! Thank you so much for the web address. And thanks for mentioning what machine your DW uses. I'll have to check out the Viking Designer. I found a sewing macine store here in Bellingham, WA who will take my old Singer in as trade. It's been a really good machine...made lots of stuff with it over the years, but it is really heavy...and not sometimg I would want to take along in the 5th Wheel. ~Tricia
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***Brian'n'Tricia*** aka 'NWlambear' 2008 FORD F250 XLT SUPER DUTY SUPER CAB DIESEL TOWING PKG 2010 KEYSTONE 'COUGAR' 292RKS http://homesweethomerv.blogspot.com. http://www.facebook.com/home.php
My sewing is strictly a hobby, but as suggested above, I get everything all cut out and organized before the machine comes out of basement storage. We carry a card table and have an adjustable table and full size ironing board that I can set up, without using the dining table, in our "Class A" to work...a little crowded, but it works. I have a friend who removed her booth dinette and created workspace there and they eat on TV trays. I also have many friends who sew and quilt outside on their patio in good weather. Most RV parks have a clubhouse with space and tables that you are able to use as long as it doesn't conflict with other activities. Most "snowbird" parks have active quilting groups and often a dedicated sewing/quilting room.
Mary
Mary - What sewing machine do you use (make, model, etc.) I need to buy a new one after the first of the year. Thanks for posting! ~Tricia
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***Brian'n'Tricia*** aka 'NWlambear' 2008 FORD F250 XLT SUPER DUTY SUPER CAB DIESEL TOWING PKG 2010 KEYSTONE 'COUGAR' 292RKS http://homesweethomerv.blogspot.com. http://www.facebook.com/home.php
I sew as a hobby. I make quilts and purses. My machine is portable with a carrying case. I store it in a cabinet when not in use. I have a collapsible table I use when sewing. Sometimes, I leave it out for several days and put it in a corner when not sewing. It does clutter the camper, but I enjoy my hobby so I'm willing to put up with a little mess.
What I have found works well, is to plan a few projects. I cut all pieces and prepare for sewing. Once I have everything ready to go, I pull out the machine and leave it out while I'm sewing. If I'm not going to use it for a while, I put it away again.
I'm curious how Etsy works for you. So far, I've just given my projects as gifts or to charity. I'm looking for a way to generate some income while fulltiming. What do you sell, and how well do your items sell?
I liked the idea of getting a camper with 2 bedrooms. We were at a dealer this week getting some warranty work done, and I saw several models of 5th wheels with the extra room in it.
Good luck fulfilling your dreams!!!
Sorry folks....I may not be doing my responses correctly. If so...please let me know how I answer individual posts...thanks!
BUT...wanted to acknowledge those sending advice, suggestions, etc. What sewing machine (brand, make, model, etc) do you use in your RV? Thanks! ~Tricia
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***Brian'n'Tricia*** aka 'NWlambear' 2008 FORD F250 XLT SUPER DUTY SUPER CAB DIESEL TOWING PKG 2010 KEYSTONE 'COUGAR' 292RKS http://homesweethomerv.blogspot.com. http://www.facebook.com/home.php