Sewing in an RV, Mobile Fashion Workspace

When we decided that RVing was for us, a major concern for me was the lack of space. I was used to really spreading out in order to run my fashion business. Some major worries for me included damaging my machines during travel, access to electricity, and having enough space to construct both small items & garments from start to finish.
In this video, I talk a little about what the set up for sewing in an RV entails, and construct a neck gaiter as an example of the process.
Just a heads up that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you. I may earn a few doubloons if you make a purchase through one of the links below. Thanks for the support!
This is a newer version of the sewing machine I bring with me on the road:
amzn.to/3HX3GgE
The serger that I used is an older model, but you can shop the newer model:
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My hobby table cover:
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or
www.joann.com/...
Pellon Natural Cotton Batting:
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What are you guys working on right now?
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Hi guys! I am a fashion designer with a line of womenswear, Lawren Michele. I love sharing my experiences, some of my favorite sewing/designing tips & tricks, and traveling to fun places. Recently, we also purchased and rehabbed a Class C RV, so I'll be sharing what it's like to work on the road. Feel free to follow me on other platforms to follow my adventures!
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT ME:
www.LawrenCappelletti.com
Instagram: / lawrencappe...​
Twitter: / lawrencapp​
FOR MORE ON MY BRAND:
www.LawrenMichele.com
Instagram: / ​
Twitter: / lawren_michele​
Facebook: / lawrenmichele

[@lawrencappelletti]

What are you guys working on right now?

[@vivianarubino8345]

I just start some slow stitch is totally addictive and creative experience ....

[@lawrencappelletti]

It is! Once you start you'll never want to stop!

[@stitchthisditchthat259]

Gym equipment is all I do really

[@rvlivinforlife]

Yes, small spaces can work! Just takes a little creativity. We have been fulltime RV for 7 years now. I am a huge sewist. I have 2 embroidery machines, a serger, 2 sewing machines and an industrial. All are in our RV and all get used almost on the daily. My machines are stored under the over hang of our bed and on our dresser. My husband is very supportive as long as I keep things well organized. We also still travel with 2 vehicles, so I use my SUV for extra storage space with totes filled with sewing supplies and fabrics as well. We are thinking about purchasing a little bigger RV next year,(5th wheel) We are currently in a 38' 2018 bumper pull. So looking at one with a very roomy bunk room or a toy hauler so I can convert the garage area into my sewing studio. OR another idea is just remodel the inside of my 16' vintage trailer to my sewing studio and travel with both RVs, as I would like to use my vintage trainer as part of my vendor space at crafting events. Ugh, so many decisions! It's a lot of work getting things out and putting things away often, but hey, it's great excersise and I am still able to make a living and enjoy what I love....Sewing, Embroidery and RV living! ❤🙂

[@biaasen]

If only I can see it to get some inspo. Having all those machines in that space must be 🤯 to see. Great work.

[@lisegarner4567]

HI Lawren, thanks for your calm teaching technique. With everyone yelling at us these days, it is very welcome. I am a tiny woman in a tiny condo, so your ways are easily adaptable. I have a question about where you find supplies. Are you able to order things remotely, or do you forage for materials locally where ever you happen to be?

[@sandrajones3410]

I have been full time RVing for about 6 years but only with my sewing machine. I would love a video about how you store all your machines when not in use. I have plenty of sewing, cutting & ironing but storing my serger and other machines to take with us is a problem. we have too many other toys to carry with us.

[@ireneandrade7684]

Please make more videos (short are ok). I bought a class b (camper van) and I’m learning to sew. Far from a beginner still but this helps and motivates too

[@nmjerry]

I have a 1000 whr lithium battery power station. It can run a sewing machine for hours, more than a work day.

[@vivianarubino8345]

So nice I was waiting to watch someone sewing in the rv .... I wish I can do the same one day

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it & I'm sure one day you'll have the opportunity! 😄👗

[@CS-uc2oh]

If you have a solar setup, you can boondock and run your sewing machine without a generator; which is what I do. And I leave my sewing machine in the box with the styrofoam too.

[@Duanita]

❤ RV sewing looks so cool

[@Jenjane55]

So glad someone beside myself sews clothing in their RV. In 2017 I cut out an entire victorian bodice pattern using the kitchen table in my fifth wheel. Thank you for this video.

[@blossom1643]

Good Video!! I’m thinking about getting a 30’ camper for a ‘craft shed’ . You sure make it look Easy! Lookin forward to more v’s from you!!✌️

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thanks so much Blossom! OMG that sounds so fun!! 😍

[@suzannemortimer9752]

When we lived on a narrowboat on England’s canals, I used to mak, and sell, large reversible bags. I cut out the fabric on the narrow aisle floor and sewed standing up at a kitchen worktop on my vintage hand cranked Singer….. those were the days 😊 A friend of mine currently runs her weaving business from her narrowboat.

[@lawrencappelletti]

That sounds like an absolute dream! 😍

[@angiesfabrications]

What about using a heat press in the RV?

[@lawrencappelletti]

So I want to say yes, but it really depends on your particular power situation. Our RV has 30 amps which means I have access to 3600 watts. I'm not sure what sort of heat press you have but I think the Cricut one is like 1500 ish? That's about what my microwave/convection oven is. In that case you'd be totally fine, but I would be cautious about running the heat press at the same time as, say, your microwave and a space heater.

[@e.jenkins4557]

How innovative

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thank you for watching! 😄

[@MadeByGod1973]

Good to see that I am not the only one sewing in their RV and live in it full time.

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thank you for watching! Happy sewing! :)

[@vmadar62]

Hi Lawren ! I just found your channel. THANK YOU !!! for making it. We are looking at going full time in our RV my problem with it was my sewing. After seeing your video well that did it. Again THANK YOU

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thank YOU for watching! I think it feels like a bigger undertaking than it actually is haha. It’s totally worth it to make a little space for you to enjoy your sewing!

[@MsJustice007]

Thank you for this video! I was looking for a van sewing space to see if it’s possible. I guess it could be but with maybe a few small projects at a time. Right now I’m dreaming, but it’s a start :) I am in a hurry, but I’ll check out your other videos later and so on. It’s so interesting to watch others sew. Thanks! Susan near Chicago

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thanks for watching Susan!! I think anything is possible if we can get a little creative!

[@tawniewolf3325]

I got a new loom so I've been playing on it!! I recently found your channel and while this is only the 2nd one I've seen I'm going to share with friends that sew! Looking forward to seeing more!!

[@lawrencappelletti]

Thanks so much Tawnie! That sounds so fun; I took a weaving class in college with a floor loom and LOVED it! I've seriously been considering a tabletop one to take on the road with me! 😄

[@suzannemortimer9752]

Yes you should get a loom. A Saori loom will fold up. In UK plenty of people sew, weave and spin on their narrowboats.