I would also suggest a nice Journal to keep notes on where fabric (etc) was purchased & to make notes on project ideas or inspirations.

When travelling, space is usually at a premium and this kit fits in a corner nicely and it goes through airport security with no problems

If you’re living in Seoul, you can for sure find needlepoint/cross stitch supplies and kits, but it’s going to be a project. The best solution would probably be to show a Korean-speaking coworker a picture of cross-stitch, explain that it’s for your girlfriend, and ask if they could help you find a store. They’re definitely around, but you kind of have to stumble onto them.

There’s also a knitting supply store near the north end of Insa-dong, which sells lots of North American made yarns.

Of course, the option with the best selection (which might be a bit overwhelming for your girlfriend) is to take your girlfriend to Dongdaemun market. This page put together by the Seoul Stitch’N'Bitch group should help you track most things down.

A nice pair of thread scissors (or thread snips or folding scissors), a needle case (anything tublar with a stopper would work, or a little fabric book to pin them into), possibly a thimble (you may need to get her to try them on for size), and a retracting tape measure or one with a little popper to keep it rolled up.

Add a nice tin or bag and you’ve got the beginning of a sewing kit that will last longer than the trip.

http://www.iris-folding.com/freepatterns.html

Hi

Sounds like she wants to buy the fabric to work with while travelling, so I’d stick to a kit of basics to get her through. If you’re travelling by plane, just remember there may be restrictions for carrying needles/scissors in check-in luggage only. I’d try a kit along these lines:

Black all-purpose (sewing) thread
White all-purpose (sewing) thread
Embroidery/hand-sewing needles
Embroidery scissors (these are small with a pointy end)
Embroidery floss (DMC) in a range of colours
Embroidery hoop (these come in different sizes and can be made from wood or plastic. A plastic hoop, in a mid-size (I’m thinking around 15cm diameter) should do the trick)
Pins (I think you can get shorter pins which are good for hand-applique-type projects)

And, a bag to carry it all in.

Other ideas…
Beads she can sew onto projects.
Felt (a type of thick fabric, usually made from wool. You can buy it in small squares and is good for hand-applique work as it doesn’t fray).
Larger shearing scissors for cutting out large pieces of fabric.
Ruler/measuring tape (seamstress measuring tape, not the type you use in wood-work).
Interfacing (to place behind fabric to stiffen it for embroidery).
Aida (this is a special type of fabric with a grid shape to it, with large holes for doing cross-stitch/tapestry).

For knitting, she just needs wool, knitting needles and a pattern. But, you use different sized needles and different weight wool for different projects, so unless you know exactly what she has in mind I’d just stick to a wee sewing/embroidery pack.

Hope this helps
Stephanie :o)

Does anyone else have any good iris folding resources to share?