Quilting workshops or retreats, what do you take & how do yu pack things?
 

When you go for a day of quilting other than your machine and fabric what do you take? know you need basic supplies. Do you have two sets of rulers and rotary cutters and keep them packed and ready to go or not? I went to our guild retreat last month and I saw a couple people had a small stacked 3 or 4 drawer plastic cabinet. They said they use this that way all their things like scissors, cutter, pins, etc. can be used at home or retreat. I can pack my fabric in those boxes 12x12 used for scrapbooking with the pattern, but the rest of the stuff makes me crazy. Any ideas are appreciated.

I have 2 sets of supplies and keep one packed in my travel sewing machine bag. I have a small decorative box that I keep them in. One of my friends uses the 12x12 box with the dividers for her sewing supplies and keeps it packed. I have a few rulers that I keep in my bag also. I also have a cutting mat, ironing mat and a travel iron I keep in there. If I need anything else I use a large tote bag. I really find this helps me stay organized as my beelet sews together every 2 weeks.

I have gone on a couple of wonderful weekend retreats. I just pack what I normally use and pack only what I need to finish the projects. I found it helps to pack plenty of projects that are already cut since space can be limited for cutting. The reason it helps to have more than one project is that you can get sleepy after spending so much time on one project. If you rotate between your projects, you are much more likely to stay awake. Since you are not in your normal sewing enironment, it really helps to bring a cushion for the seat and a good support pillow for your back....a real Godsend. Since I am short, I also bring a little platform for my sewing machine pedal. Retreats are wonderful!

When I have gone to classes in Houston I have a large baggie that I list the class name, the instructor's name, and all the supplies I will need for each class I'm taking. Then I pack my bag each evening for the next day's class. So far I haven't forgotten anything needed for a class. Haven't been to a retreat yet so don't know if that idea will work there or not.

My dream is to be one of those people at a retreat, you know, the one who rolls in with just her machine and a tote in hand, all in one trip, at the end, packs up and rolls back out. Not me, I take way more then I can possible sew in a year, let alone a weekend, and I need five trips to the car and a few strong friends to pack everything in and out. At the end of the weekend, it takes me an hour to get everything packed and hauled out. Every retreat, I promise myself, this is the year I am traveling light, but then ambition always gets in the way. LOL There is nothing more frustrating then having the time to sew and then not having the right material or tool, or not enough to do. Pack plenty.

Besides my machine in it's case, I have purchased a crate on wheels. It's like an old milk crate (but larger), it has wheels and an adjustable handle and when not being used I can fold it up flat. It holds a LOT of stuff to go. I also keep a list of the items I take and can pack it up in a short period. Love my crate.....available at Staples for approx. $20.

Too much, but I'm trying to cut back. Projects are kept in a Ziploc big bag, and I try to keep thread in there. Basic sewing supplies are kept in an over the arm of the couch holder (pin cushion, scissors, seam ripper, white marking pencil, needles), so I can grab and go. Rotary cutter and mat fit in the sewing machine case. The fabric/project bags often do too. I don't usually take an iron because someone else almost always has one. Water to drink and a snack, if all day, something to share. The rest depends on what I'm working on. If more is needed, I also have a rolling cart like those from Staples for moving files, which stays in my car until needed. Some people bring stuff in a foldup little red fabric wagon designed for camping.

I do my best to get all the cutting instructions before I go on any retreat. I cut better at home than with others. I know I am too easily distracted.

I list the supplies I need and make sure they are all labeled. I have a clear large cosmetic bag with zippered pockets that I put my rotary cutters, scissors, needles, extra other items, including the throat plate with the wider opening and tools. Luckily there are 3 metallic mesh bags in this case, so it holds more than it looks like.

I take my camera and a spiral notebook for note taking and recording the names and contact info of those people I want to keep in contact with or who are great resources.

I'd love to have 2 sets of everything I'd need but don't feel I go to enough retreats to justify the cost and the storage of it all.

The Tutto carrier is wonderful as it holds a lot of stuff.

Love retreats.

Packing: first I look at the amount of space I'll have to myself, including storage space. And I look at the amount of space I'll have in the vehicle. Do I have to carry everything, especially up stairs? Will my rolling cases get to the sewing spot? What's the electrical situation in the facility? What is the retreat providing? Ironing equipment? Type chairs provided? Lighting in the room? How long is the retreat? 1-5days?

What project to take? If a workshop, there will be a supply list. I choose a project, I can do mindlessly, so I can talk, sew, get distracted, stop in the middle, go on a shopping trip. And I take several projects that require similar equipment. I get hot, so I take a fan. A sealable mug. Lights. Seating: either my office chair or cushions. A special small table to get my machine down to standard table height. Power strip and extension cord. Pin cushion with trash bag attached. Box of usual sewing tools. Cutting equipment. Cutting mat/iron surface combo. Wand iron tool-takes very little wattage. Thread. Chap stick. Finger nail file.

I'll have to think some more. Making a list would help.

I have a variety of things on wheels to haul my stuff to a retreat. I have one that's basically a folding milk crate on wheels. It holds all of my Art Bins that hold all of my projects. I have a small Smart Cart from Clotilde that holds electrical stuff, small snap bins with various tools and notions. I have a rolling tote for my machine and I have an office chair I take. I can almost always get my sewing stuff in two trips to the car. The regular clothes, bathing, sleeping luggage takes another trip to the car and of course that suitcase has wheels.

The things I don't take to a retreat are an iron, ironing board and a large cutting mat.