Packing a hard-bristled brush 1

Once in a while, we who travel come into a packing dilemma and have to either give up the item or become creative.
For me, that was this hairbrush.

So now you’re either thinking:
A) I’m silly
or
B) Yes, what do you do about something like this!

If you’re a B-person, whether for a brush or anything else, may my solution inspire.

The issues:

The too-large case

• • It has too long a handle so it didn’t fit in a fabric pencil case, makeup case, etc.
  • The spikes grip everything they touch, eating clothes and everything else — including any typical fabric they’re wrapped in.
  • It takes too much precious room.

At first, I lived without the brush. On one trip while staying put for a while, I bought a cheap substitute that wasn’t at all good. On another trip I brought it with me, squeezing it into this large not-very-flexible makeup-type of bag. The bristles didn’t poke through but the edges of that bag were harsh on anything around them and caused damage. I had to carry this case in my day-pack rather than with my clothing. I lost a lot of room using that container. 

Solution part 1

I finally realized I could shorten the handle! It was a simple job; the last part was empty plastic.
Now there was a chance it would fit into a commercial bag.
As a bonus, I found the brush easier to use!

Solution part 2

I made my own sleeve for it comprised of the perfect fabric: strong enough to contain the harsh bristles yet soft and flexible so it wouldn’t destroy anything surrounding the case, supple enough to squeeze into a smaller space.

• I found this perfect fabric in a proper fabric shop in a bin of extra pieces for under $2.
• I folded it in half, traced the brush, then allowing enough room, I sewed just one seam. I kept a large margin inside. To allow the round seam, I cut Vs into that margin. I also trimmed it more at the curve. This is not a fabric that unravels. You can see how I cut the end I slip it into.
  I was lucky enough to have a sewing machine but would have hand-sewn this if not.
• Finally, I found a sturdy snap, made by Dritz, and installed it using the accompanying tool and small pliers.

Dritz snap kit

I love this soft-feeling brush case. I actually enjoy holding it. Because it’s soft and protects against any bristles, I can now tuck my brush into any nook or cranny of my backpack. Taking my favorite brush is finally easily doable.

I can, and have, lived without this brush. Not having it wasn’t the end of the world. But there are times, even as I travel, that I want to have my LA pre-travel smooth, polished look (weather permitting). So I found the way.

I hope this inspires you to find the way to bring that item you really, really, really want.

PS: You can read about my past brush decisions and thoughts in these posts:
Rethink your hairbrush for travel? Maybe!
Hair for the traveler