I travel 250 miles to take care of my mom for two weeks every month. I take projects in the large blue ziplock bags with handles. I include thread, pattern, fabrics etc. For winter I have a quilt I am doing lap quilting on. For summer I have a top that I am hand piecing. I take my sewing machine and have a nice bag that holds a mat and rulers and other quilting supplies.
The handwork I can visit with mom and do something. When she naps and goes to bed early I do projects on the machine.
Sometimes I get a lot done others times I don't even get to use my machine. Depends on how she is doing.