I am fortunate enough to belong to a wonderful group of women that has been retreating together for years. We're a small group (6 in all), and we've been able to retreat in each others homes several times a year. Just have to chase the hubby out for the weekend!
I also used to go to a weekly working bee meeting, so I've done a lot of sewing away from home!
I bought a cheap toolbox from walmart that I keep filled with the small necessities for a retreat:
rippers
wooden iron
pens
pencils
paper scissors
fabric scissors
sharpie for writing on fabric
notepad
several spools of thread in neutral colors
pre-wound bobbins in neutral colors
rotary cutter
replacement blades
container for old blades
pins
pin cushion
medicine bottle for broken, bent pins & needles
replacement sewing machine needles
rubber bands
stain removal pen
metal tape measure
1x6 ruler
nail clippers
bandaids
chapstick
travel toothbrush & toothpaste
bodkin
nail file
tweezers
point turner
small screwdriver
masking tape
regular tape
Before I leave, I will add my phone charger so I know where to find it. I know I take more than I need, but there have been times that someone has needed every thing in my toolbox. I have duplicates of everything so I don't have to raid my toolbox for everyday needs.
Having this all put together sure helps someone whose memory is slipping!