Checklist for Quilting Class
 

I'm excited to start my first quilting class ever this Thursday! Wondering if those of you with experience would advise me on what to take to it, especially things I might not think of.

Other than the items on the class supply list, I take extra machine needles, scraps for leaders, and I make up "business cards" on my computer. You make new friends and this is a handy way to share names/emails. I also take mints, water and some paper towels. I put my water in an insulated thermos so it doesn't "sweat" on anything. Remember to mark your name on your supplies, we all use the same items and they get mixed up sometimes and the "gremlins" hide them. Bring a check list of the items you bring, to make sure you didn't leave something, or take something in error. Enjoy your class!!!

It really depends on what will be done in the class. The teacher should have given you a list. Often things like cutting mats and irons are provided in the classroom, but not always. If you start sewing on your first class then you need to make sure your sewing machine is in good working order, that you know how to use it, and don't forget things like the bobbin holder, bobbins, electrical cord, extra needles, and the right sewing machine foot. (1/4 inch foot if you have it) Bring the instruction book for the sewing machine "just in case." It's a good idea to have several bobbins already wound with a neutral color. Other supplies - thread, rotary cutter, ruler(s), pattern if the teacher has required one, straight pins, paper and pencil for taking notes... Edited to add - don't forget the foot control for your machine!!! That's easy to leave behind.

My first ever quilt class and hour and half away from home, I forgot my power cord and foot petal to my machine. :p I was so careful trying to pack everything I needed. The shop owner had a loaner machine I could use. Now I take an extra machine just in case someone needs it. My extra machine has saved the day of many class members.

nhweaver... i like your checklist idea... probably a lifesaver

Like dunster said, the shop should have given you a list of what to bring for the class. I would suggest you call and ask if you have time before your class.

I have a clear plastic makeup tote where I keep my supplies for classes and traveling to sew with others. I do keep a checklist in it also. It includes: needles in a variety of sizes; rotary cutters of different sizes and blades; scissors; painters' tape; pencils to mark fabric; pins; seam gauge; a small 6" ruler; and reading glasses. On the checklist is also what else I might need to take: DSM with cord and foot pedal; seat cushion; rulers; spiral bound notepaper and pen; washed and pressed fabric and pattern. My travel/class checklist is on a brightly colored 3x5 card, so I can easily find it.

You may want to put a reminder on your DSM travel case about the power cord and the foot pedal. I often take my own small surge protector extension cord too.

When going to a class I add the class list.

Since it has gotten more difficult for me to cut fabric I often ask the teacher for cutting instructions so I can do that at home and keep up with others in a class situation.

Seam ripper, small scissors, tiny iron

Oh, they gave me a class supplies list that includes the obvious: fabric, scisscos, pins, machine, and stuff for the project itself, but the kinds of things you all are adding would be additional things I appreciate knowing.

My teacher is very good & I have not needed anything that was not on her list.

If you have a small cutting mat you could place beside you for trimming blocks that is helpful. Don't forget the seam ripper. A small bag for threads and clippings is handy.

Robbins I forgot them but shop had some prewounds

The check list idea is a really good one. At my first class, I got there with my power cord and foot pedal, but I left them back the next day to get them!! I felt really stupid.

Dina

Everyone has given you excellent suggestions. The only other item I take sometimes is a small gooseneck lamp. I really like to be able to see what I'm stitching and if your in a back room for the class sometimes the lighting isn't the best. Have fun!

post it notes and blue masking tape. sometimes you do not finish and you can make a note right on your project. blue tape to mark my rulers where I need to make multiple cuts of the same size.

Oh, and enjoy your class. they are always fun. everyone eager to learn and share their experiences. the comaraderie you develope will be great.
I am going to my first retreat the beginning of december and I am soooo excited to go. the hostess .will be Eleanor Burns. How cool is that!

band aids and hand wipes - better to have and not need, than to need and not have

labeling all of one's own things is an excellent idea - just in case someone borrows an item - there is no issue about whose it is if the item isn't returned immediately!

Labeling is a very good idea. At one of our last classes a cherished pair of scissors must have gone home with somebody else & the girl never recovered them.

If you are sewing in the class I often wind several bobbins. That way if something happens and one does not work you have extras. The you are set to finish up when you get home!

I like it so much better when the supplies needed are shown in list form instead of paragraph form.

When in list form, I can more easily check off each item as I gather it - and/or write a note to myself about the item.

Nail polish or paint on scissors or rotary cutters - white not particularly attractive - is an effective way or marking items.

I wonder if one could make a mini-stencil with one's name ?

I bring my sewing machine manual. It never fails that a machine that purrs at home growls during class. :)

Never forget Chocolate! And I bring gallon zip locs. The chocolate is for new friends and the zip locs are for little pieces that may not get completed by the end of class.

I usually mark my tools with the address labels that come "free" in the mail from charities. I leave heirloom tools, or anything that is very precious to me (my dgm's sterling thimble) at home. I also like to tape a brown paper lunch sack next to me for all the snipples. Enjoy your class! It's fun to sew with others.