How do you pack for a workshop or class?
 

I'm going to take a class soon that I have to take along STUFF. I trying to decide how to organize myself for this class. I have to take a sewing machine and all my supplies along with a large amount of fabric to have enough choices during the class. Can you share with me how you organize yourself for a class or workshop? What do you carry all your stuff in? I was thinking a plastic tub. But I was thinking that might be too big to walk into a class with? I don't know. I want to make sure I have good choices with me but I don't want to overdo it either.

I usually put as much stuff in my rolling tote that my machine is in as I can. Then I have a basket that the rest of the stuff goes in. Mark all you rulers and notions with you name as there will be many people with their notions too and some times they get missed placed. I usually try an lock my purse in my car. Why worry about where it is when you are sewing. I do take enough fabric for two or three projects just in case. have a good time.

Were you given a list of materials needed from the class instructor? I usually follow that plus bring along basics like scissors, pins, extra sewing needle, seam ripper. I carry most of the stuff in a big bag if I can't fit it in the sewing machine carry-along case. Enjoy your class.

I also put as much stuff in my sewing machine case as I can. I have a large black satchel that I bought from LQS several years ago that has many pockets and I put pins, seam ripper, etc in that. I haven't found a good way to carry long rullers yet other than just carry them in in my hands. I usually have to make at least a couple of trip from my car to the shop and I park as close to the shop as I can. My aging need and hands don't much like all the holding and lifting to much. Good luck

I have one small suitcase, with wheels, that i purchased because it was wide enough to hold the machine because when rolling, the machine would sit upright...this leaves room for a number of plastic bags for fabric, rulers, etc., I have a small cutting mat that fits inside the bag...if taking my serger, I have a rolling cooler i bought simply because it was a 'cube' shape and fits well... roll as much as you can, go early, to walk slowly and have time to set up.... plan a few purchases for the class as most stores give a discount on the night of the class, so it's time to take advantage of backing or other purchases you may have in mind. Of course, you should check with the store beforehand to make sure they do this, but I have always made a list for that night...the savings helps pay for the class...

First thing is to check with whoever is in charge of the class and get the skinny or fatty on what is needed for the class. If you need to take along a larger than 12 X 18 cutting mat you might invest in an artist's portfolio that is large enough to hold the mat. I have a craft tote that holds my machine and has pockets for the notions etc. and the fabric will fit on top. However this needs replaced so I am designing a project portfolio to take along with a new machine rolling tote.

In my rollabout machine case I pack an 18"x6" rotary cutting ruler so it lays flat against the back and the machine butts it up against the side ensuring it won't break. The machine case has lots of slots and such on the sides for packing machine notions, rotary cutters and extra blades, and pin box; on the top of the machine case I lay the zippered bag I made to store my trimming scissors, marking materials, seam ripper, extra needles (machine and hand), extra bobbins, 6"x9" spiral notebook and two pens, and a small stickies pad (to note machine stitch details). I have another large zippered tote for the fabrics, patterns and instructions for the class that I place on top of the closed rollabout with a bungee cord. With the exception of the machine and the fabrics for class, I keep all the rest of this stuff pre-packed for classes so I can GO. I might bring a travel iron and one of those 18x24 pressing & cutting duos if I am not absolutely certain there will be several cutting and pressing stations set up.

If your budget allows, buy a rolling duffle bag because the length can accomodate most rullers, and it can expand nicely and fits lots of fabric and stuff. I mark my name on "everything", as well as put a bright flourescent orange dot on everything. I even put a soft side cooler in the duffle bag for my water and snacks, my driver's license and some cash & 1 ccard in a zip lock. My thread, & miscellaneous notions go into ziplocks. My sewing machine fits into a rolling case from Joann's,( and I can roll both at the same time. Most places will help us carry things up any stairs.

All good suggestions. I also make sure I have bottled water to drink and sometimes a small snack if its a long class/workshop. Also be sure to bring extra sewing machine needles.

Don't forget to bring a chair pillow. I find most workshop chairs are not high enough for the table. I also bring a waste container of some sort, a paper bag tapped to the table works great. I pack fabric for each project in the large plastic rectangle cake carrier sold at Walmart. Each one holds a lot of fabric and they stack great in a big tote.

I use a rubbermaid tote to carry my machine and fabric. I have a nice fishing lure box I use for my notions and I generally keep it well stocked since I take it to other sewing groups. I carry all this using a luggage carrier. The rubbermaid tote goes on bottom and the fishing box on top, then the entire thing wheels around easily. The advantage of a plastic tote over a soft carrier is that the entire thing is completely waterproof, something handy in my climate!

I do always check the supply list for the class, but I usually add a few things based on experience. I always bring good scissors, thread nippers, seam ripper, marking supplies, lots of bobbins, threads, and all my sewing machine feet. If it's a quilt class I bring rotary cutting supplies, even when the list says the class includes them. There is always competition for the rotary cutters and mats!

Pam

I think it is a nuisance to pack for classes. I have had to buy a rolling case for my machine, with exterior pockets for stuff. (Joanne's with a coupon) I have a regular class on Monday's so now I know what they've got (irons) and what they don't (a decent cutting mat - theirs is chewed up!)
What I do is sit at my table and grab everything I would normally be using for whatever tasks I will have to do at class. I pack extra needles, extra thread.
If I have fabric I have already cut out, I bring extra pieces as I find it hard to concentrate in a room full of happy chatty people who all can quilt in their sleep and use their machines blindfolded, and I sometimes get distracted and miscut or mess up a piece of fabric.
I fold a quilt over a padded coat hanger and cover it in a drycleaning bag.
Small tools and stuff, and cut out pieces of fabric, I put in cheapie food storage containers, and I put folded fabric in large plastic bags unless there is too much and then I use the coat hanger.
Once you get the hang of it, it gets easier.
My machine repair person told me not to leave the machine in the car overnight regularly if it gets down to freezing. I had thought maybe I'd bring my old clunker to classes and leave it in the car, and keep my lovely little Janome safe at home, but no such thing.

Good luck - it is a lot of fun despite the packing!

Don't forget to put your name on your stuff!!!

Seems no matter what I take, I always forget something....With that in mind, I now pretty much take everything but the kitchen sink.......Might be overkill, but if someone forgets something, I'll usually have it to give them....:)

I limit myself to my rolling case for my sewing machine and 1 tote bag. In addition to my FW, the machine case holds a plastic bin with all my sewing supplies. scissors, pins, rotary, seam ripper, thimble thread, extra bobbins, extra machine needles, chalk marker etc. and pattern/fabric for my current project. Tote bag carries all the extra stuff, additional fabric, small cutting mat and any books, magazines or patterns I think I "have to" bring. Just remember...whatever you lug in, you have to lug back out at the end of the class!

Oh my! You ladies take more to a class than I have in my sewing room. I am doing a BOM at the LQS this year & didn't plan to take anything. Also, going to a retreat & planned to take one ruler, rotary cutter, scissors, fabric & bobbins for my machine. I am afraid now I will be woefully unprepared. But, I am flying there.

I went to my workshops this weekend and used some of the suggestions you guys gave. I only forgot one thing, but as quilters are so generous, someone shared with me.~Thanks, everyone.

Great replies and ideas here. I also take a notepad and pen as I can never remember the great tips and ideas from classes.

While you are sewing, jot down everything you touch and use. That is where you need to start. I have a packing list that I started when I go on retreats. I adjust it yearly, but it is a start. I also over pack, but since I have my car with me, I leave some of my UFO's in my car and when I have time for them I run out to the car. Last retreat, I didn't bring enough different colored threads, so I made a note about that. I'll be glad to send you my list. Just email me at [email protected] I can't figure out how to send it to you privately since it would be an attachment. My retreats are at least three days, so I included more than just sewing things on my packing list.

I follow DH's advice on packing: Take only what you can carry without assistance. (He did not specify the number of trips to and from the car and also did not take into account how much a woman who is too lazy to make more than one trip can drag along and carry at once!) The lists above cover it all. It als helps to have different lengths of straps on bags and baskets you hook over your shoulders, arms and whatever other appendages seem useful at the time and to hang some of the things on the long handle of the drag-long machine case.