I have started a list:

once we get more ideas I will make a list of them in alphabetical order for a check off sheet on my pages to share with all of you


***be sure to have some way to mark your tools with your name, address label, cool bead chains for your scissors, etc.) so you don't loose your items, easy to get mixed up if you share with others ***

Bag to carry your projects in
Rotary Ruler (or your favorite longer size)
Rotary Rulers
Cutting Mat
Extra Sewing Machine Needles
(Universal will be fine)
Fabric Scissors
Rotary Cutter
** be sure to have extra blades with you for Rotary Cutter)
Seam Ripper (sorry - that might be needed)
Sewing Machine Attachments
Sewing Machine Power Cord (you would be surprised at
the number of ladies that leave home without it!!)
Sewing Machine you are familiar with and instruction manual (just in case)
Snips
Starch or Sizing
Straight Pins
Wash-out marker
Extension Cord
Iron
Ironing Board
Fabrics
Patterns
Quilt Books
Quilt Magazines
Pincushion
Light
Big Zip Lock Bags (a nice way to organize your project) projects!!!
Notebook and pencil to take notes

(For a Retreat: clothes, personal items
clothes
toothpaste and toothbrush
jacket
underwear
bra
socks
shoes

Be sure to take money and credit cards so you can buy yourself some gifts, you deserve it!

YES I have to make list these days before I go anywhere. Then pack everythig on the list and mark it off as it goes into suitcase, box, or car as needed. And I still will forget something so add that to the next list when I get home. I keep a master of my list on my pc so I can up date as needed. Even have one for cloths to pack by season and leanth of stay. I know if my head weren'y firmly atached I forget it too! OH YEAH must add pattern and fabric to that list!

Oh my Crafty but you are too organized. LOL. I actually have a Retreat Supplies on wheels ready to go, for classes too. I used to make a list but over the years I have bought double of evrything I Need so I don't have to dig and prepare. That's a great list. I espcially like the retreats to have a store on site like Stitchin Heaven and Compass Centre. We must have been good girl scouts. *H*U*G*S*

please share you list with us

Here's mine: Of course I alter it as I find mnre needs.
Best press - large bottles
Extra bobbin holders already filled with colors
My sewing needle case with all the different sizes and types
Multi- extension round cord - has 6 plugs
Omni grid cutting/ironing set
My machine skirt with pockets and such by F & P
My thread catcher and a little pop up trash bin
Fabric markers
Seam rippers ( I call it my reverser)
Stiletto
A box of different colored threads
My std. rulers
pincushion
Brother Quilters Sewing machine
Collectors can of pins
safety pins/ quik clips
Rulers in each of the sizes I have
Glue sticks ( important)
Rotray cutters and lots of extra blades ( 2 sizes)
Cutting board
Quilting journal for nwe notes of things I learn.

That's my std already in teh traveling case. Then I can always add for special projects.

All ready to go and don't have to pack and unpack. And of course my camera

I should try that next time I go to sewing group. I always take too much, or forget the most important tool, or how about the pattern!

Craftybear; I don't go anywhere without my camera! Do you take one with you to retreats?

I am a list maker for any trip/activity. I keep a small bag with essentials that never changes and gets updated and stays ready to pack...batteries, band aids, small flashlight, safety pins, tape, hand soap, tylenol, pens..that kind of stuff.

Yes, I make a list. That is easy to do as I have a card printed out with what I take to local 1 day sew-ins. I also have a basic packing list for my suitcase as I do like to be prepared, like when my daughter needed another surgery. These make my life easier and less stressful.

I always take my own power strip in case of power failure and to prevent my machine from having problems if there is a power surge or whatever.

I do NOT take an ironing board or iron on retreats as the ones I go to specifically say not to due to the power overload. Once someone thought she was above it all and took her own and crowded out others then put it on the rug and burnt the rug!

I take what I need an maybe a bit extra but am careful to keep it such that I don't overflow into someone else's personal space. There are those that take huge tool chests and those that take their own tables. Our facilities just don't have that kind of space and I think it is extremely thoughtless of them to do so.

Do you think I have some prejudices?

ali

ali

You guys are so great! I am going to a retreat in April and will definitely have a list in hand. Last year I kind of stood in the middle of my sewing room looking around for different items. This year I will be so prepared!

THIS IS MY BASIC SEWING TRIP LIST THINGS LIKE ASPERIN COMFEY CLOTHS EASY OFF SCHOES ARE ALL ON MY SUITCASE LIST.

SEWING MACHINE
SEWING FEET AN ATTACHMENTS
EX BOBBINS
EX NEEDLES
BOBBIN WINDER W/ EX BATTERIES
LITE W/ EX BULB
SNIPS, THREAD BAG FOR MACHINE
PINS AN MAG
HAND NEEDLES, THREADER
THIMBLE
FIRST AID KIT
SM RULER OR TAPE
JACK (seam ripper)
SHARPS DISCARD CAN (for needles, pins, rotary blades )
OWNERS MANUAL
POWER CORD
MULTI HEAD EX CORD
PAINTER TAPE (secure cords to floor, they will trip me!)
NON SKID PAD FOR FOOT PEDAL
MACHINE OIL
CLEANING BRUSHES AND CLOTHS
IRON AND SMALL BOARD IF ALLOWED
PRESSING CLOTH
DISTILED WATER SPRAY BOTTLE (I do not use steam iron)
SPRAY STARCH
SNIPS AND THREAD BAG FOR BOARD
PIN MAG FOR BOARD
PATTERN
FABRIC AN NOTIONS FOR PROJECT
CUTTING BOARD
ROTERY CUTTER W/ EX BLADES
RULERS FOR CUTTER
FABRIC SHEERS
MARKING PENS (wash away, or heat )
THREAD MIN 4 SPOOLS
CHOP STICKS, TWEEZERS
SCRAP BAG
NOTEBOOK AND PEN
LIST OF QUESTIONS
ZIP BAGS AND STORAGE BOX FOR PROJECT
TEA AND LG MUG (for breaks, I learned the hard way NO eating or drinking around projects!)

Sounds like some good lists. :)

thanks keep your lists going this is so great and I will condense this into a list for all of us to enjoy on my pages, and will post the link here when I get it all done for us, yippppeee another cool project for all of us

love ideas!

foot peddle if needed. I took a class where four ladies forgot theirs.

Doh! (slapping herself on the forehead) 'nonstick pad for foot pedal'... I fight with my foot pedal all the time! Now why have I NEVER thought to put a non-skid mat under it? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? That is such a simple solution! Sure am glad for this thread... who knows how much longer I'd have suffered??

GREAT lists, by the way! I'm going to my first retreat in April, so this is very timely. You guys rock!

Great lists...depending on if you applique...I always bring fusible web for fusible applique, and freezer paper (for mock hand applique by machine). If I am going to do some machine quilting, I bring along the paper I use for that (I use examining table paper...have a friend who orders it for me). I always want to make sure I have scissors for cutting fabric and for cutting paper.

Keep the ideas coming!! Not good to leave home without the machine foot control/cord...but my experience has been that if almost anything else is forgotten, there is someone that has what you need and are always willing to help out.

I just LOVE these lists! I go to a yearly retreat, 9 years now, and I invariably forget something. Not because it wasn't on the list, just because DUH! I FORGOT TO PUT IT IN THE SUITCASE!! So put that on the list..... Start with a place to gather everything together and then use the list to pack it all up!

Oh man..ever since I turned 50 I make lists for everything :lol: :lol: :lol: Every trip to the store, every trip anywhere!! What chores need done. What needs done at work, weekly menus, projects, etc. So far I haven't had to make a list of what lists to make :shock: :lol:

Brace yourself momma B that list of list is just around the corner you will see it start to lurk around 55. Ben there done that! LOL Im 61 and proud of it when I can remember what age I am! (snicker)

Yep...checklists are the only way to go. That way I don't forget to go to the retreat!! I mean forget about what to take...I'm just glad when I don't forget about one, and accidentally schedule something else at the same time!!!;)
k

that would be me 2!!

I try to keep a separate bag to travel with. Need to add a few items from time to time. I always have a bag, you never know when you'll need it. I take a bag along to GD's practices.

I usually make a list of things I need for all occasions, even a "to do" list when I go out since I try to set a day aside for errands (save on gas) and a "trip" list along with my needed documents, trip itinerary, etc. kept in a folder for each trip. I keep all my lists on my computer so I can update as needed. Love the Excel program since I can sort the list by item, store, store location, notes, etc. Keeps me from wandering all over the store and then still not getting something because I don't want to make the trip to the back of the store again. I have a daughter I think tops all - she makes a list of all the lists she has to make. Does anyone else do that?

Thanks Craftybear and everyone who has posted their lists. I'm such a list writer. I have doubles and have things ready to go, but still write a list of extras. (can't forget the snacks) I have a camping list on my computer I print off everytime we camp. Makes it easy to go down the list, pack and mark it off. Never thought to have one for my quilting/sewing things. I'll be working on that this weekend. Isn't it great all the ideas everyone shares on this board.

We came down to Clifty Falls Inn for a couple of days. There were at least a hundred women here for a retreat and if I had just seen your post a little sooner I could have done a survey.;) They were so busy unloading I only got to speak briefly to a couple of them. I needed to get down town to Margie's Country Store(and quilt shop) before they were all ready to shop.hehe Margie's isn't very big but there is a lot of fabric packed in. I was fairly restrained, only bought half price fabric.:)

nightlight...........

I have a second set of tools and a case I keep them in that has lots of pockets to hold all my important tools & supplies. Did this when I use to go to Lynette Jensen's retreat in MN. every year. Sad that they are no longer held. This Fall I am going to MO. for a retreat with muy online Yahoo Group. We have all been friends since 2003. Woohoo I get to see my Canadian friend.

I have a traveling case for taking to classes and retreats. I have second set of tools and rulers,etc that stay in this case. I use the clear stackable snap together plastic bins and stack three of them. Can buy them at Joann's and target. I have a list that I compiled from our guild that I use to pack other stuff and make sure it is all packed to come home. I have a sewing machine that travels that is in a wheel tote which hold an seat cushion,ironing mat, rotating cutting mat, iron, and surger protector power bar with long cord. Just grab project, tool case and sewing tote and I am ready to go...

What a great idea Crafty Bear....I'd like to add; portable design wall, sticky notes (what did I ever do without them?), chocolate, and coffee mug with tight fitting lid.

Can't wait to see the finished list!

Oh...and please put presentable PJ's on the list. I always forget PJ's!!!

I just got a new FREE app for my Ipad last night called "Packing Pro". It's pretty cool. It has some built in lists, lists you can customize, pre-trip reminders - etc.

I am the worlds best sticky note writer. If I don't jot it down when I think of it. Forget it!! Sometimes before I can find a pen I have forgotten what I needed it for. TeHe!!

No, but I sure do need to.

I also go on retreat every January. Even here in Calif it's cold in January so I always, always bring a homemade quilt to put on my bed. I also bring my own sheets -- they're provided but I like flannel sheets in the winter so I bring my own. Others bring sleeping bags. Also an extra pillow.
We do a block to draw names with and 50 blocks to share so they have to be on the list. And definitely chocolate as well as some food item to share like pretzels, cookies, fruit, etc. Meals are provided but everyone likes to snack.
Oh, and I bring my own chair. I'm short and those folding chairs just don't work for my back. If I'm going to be sewing all weekend I want to be comfortable. Walking shoes too --- we're out in the boonies. Also some bring a box of extra basic fabrics because someone occasionally needs just a tad bit more of a color. She's been a lifesaver in more than one retreat. Keep the list coming so I can add to mine.

I too have been blessed with two of most of the items listed, even my Ott light! Packed and ready to go at a moment's notice :lol: Usually go with the same folks, to the same area, Bodega Bay on the No. Ca coast. Haven't made it to the beach yet ... waaaay too busy.

I have a list very much like yours except the items are grouped according to ?category? rather than alphabetical. For example,
mat
rulers
rotary cutter
replacement blades
scissors
Tried the alphabetical but seemed more logical to me (just me)
to do it by similar items or items that "work" together.
I am trying to get duplicates of most things so I can have a "go bag" and not have to go through this every time.

too true.

In addition to what others have posted I always take a cushion to sit on while sewing and a corn/rice bag to heat and put around my neck.

On my suit case list I also have my favorite bath soak lavender and vanilla so relaxing after a long day at the machine a good book, soft carmel, and a sm bottle of my fav. wine (don't forget cork screw). You never know what you might want late at night.

Yes I have a list on my computer, one for packing for state meeting, one for bus tours,(I occasionally have hosted one of those) one for retreats, one for classes, etc. When I pack my projects, I list each tool or thread or etc. as I go through the directions for the project I am going to work on. Actually have a basic list of those too, i.e. rotary cutter, mat, rulers, etc. that I always pack.