In my introduction to Train x Stitch, I wrote about how it started as stitching while commuting. Although the regularity of commuting has changed, scheduling and essentials have solidified.
When 10-25% of a day’s awake hours are spent on a train commuting, creating positive value was and is essential.
Planning creates value
- Disconnected activities are healthy, and the train is a disconnected space. Use digital devices offline and disconnect from urgent.
- Creative energy can form on a train, like working from a cafe or walking.
- Go out for multiple activities and travel once, not multiple times out and back again. This creates a solid block of travel to utilise.
Travel light and flexibly with essentials
My travel essentials are my mobile studio and office. I like to have essentials with me but be as light as possible. These alone can set the mood for the day. Everything feels slower when leaving home over loaded with items to get through the day.
Moving to, from, and between trains is easier when you travel light. This is especially important when a trip from home to Sydney involves at least two hours and two trains.
Agility allows for the contemporary flexibility needed in plans. I sometimes pack a laptop and Kindle; they can also be useful when plans change.
Click on the ▶️next to each heading to expand details.
PRE-PACKED GO BAG
This bag, measuring 20x11x8cm is repurposed NSW TrainLink sleeper travel gift.
- Charging set: tech doesn’t last long even when using flight mode
- Mini toiletries set to refresh
- Notebook and pen for ideas
- Folding bag: the day you don’t pack it is when you do unplanned shopping
- Sunglasses: forgotten pre-dawn but thankful at the destination
GLASSES & HEADSET IN ONE
I bought to film myself cross-stitching on a train, and they have proven to be much more.
- I need glasses to cross stitch, referring to them as this, not reading glasses
- They’re a space saver as I no longer need big headphones or small painful earplugs
- Downloaded podcasts mean you’re learning while stitching, although diesel trains can be too noisy.
STUDIO STITCHING KIT
Part of planning is packing one or two art projects to progress on that adventure.
- I have a few of these bags ready to go – filled with a project, thread, needle, frame, and scissors
- They fit my laptop and smaller bags, so I can take them on a variety of trips and can also stitch when plans change
- As I have easy and hard projects on the go, it means I can match my mood
PORTFOLIO CARDS
Visual art is best explained visually and these are a great research and engagement tool.
- Business cards with a portfolio of artwork have been great for showing people I meet on the train what I do
- You can’t always show your Instagram or Facebook account in transit as there isn’t connectivity
REFRESHMENTS
When you leave early for a long trip, you need a to-go breakfast.
- Make coffee the night before, and store it ready in the fridge
- My ideal snack is a banana, needing no preparation or packaging
- The starts are early, but the trains are heated, so this is fine all year
WEAR MY ART
These tops are not just for me; you can buy and wear them too!
- Their versatility is key for me, with use only lower in peak Summer and Winter
- When you go out for multiple activities, you need to dress up and down, and these do that
