Holiday sewing

I like to take plenty of books and some sewing when I go away, as there are always times when they come in handy. Waiting at the airport, during the plane journey, that gap between the day's activities and the evening ones, or just relaxing in the shade are all times when I read or sew. The snag is the scissor situation when flying. Although I read that scissors with blades of less than 4" are permitted in plane cabins, since my best Fiskars embroidery scissors disappeared into a bin at check-in, I've not dared test the rule. This means prepreparing anything wanted on the journey. This time, I felt a few 'Dear Jane' blocks would be ideal.

While these blocks are relatively straightforward, especially the one on the right, it's the placing of the applique which is tricky. Since the blocks are so small, a fraction of an inch one way or the other makes a big difference.

Here are the 12 blocks I've done so far. Each one is such a challenge that I'm really enjoying them all. For someone with a short attention span, they're ideal, although I have to admit, my stitch-unpicker has had lots more use than usual!