I'm putting together an idea for a sewing class. I found a bag that would hold all the tools I would need to take to a sewing class. My QUESTION is " What would you put in your sewing bag, that you would need in a class ? :?:

I have no idea. never taken a class! I'm goin to be watching to find out this info to!

Seam ripper, rotary cutter/blades, rulers, marking tool, pins, needles, thread.....oh, and chocolate!

Tee-hee, I find it funny that the first thing you list is a seam ripper!

Start with the tools the class may require and go from there.

I always take a bag with "stuff". I take a seam ripper, extra bobbins, extra thread, pins, rotary cutter, extra blades, my little cutting mat, rotary cutting ruler, note paper and pen, and extra machine needles. I keep a bag with all this general stuff in it so I don't have to gather everything the night before class.

band-aids. I'm always poking myself with pins and band-aids guarantee no blood on the fabric!

small cutting mat

Cushion to seat on! Bag that hangs from table for trash.

Extension cord. Usually classrooms are not very well equipped with those.

took an extra machine one time. Ending up loaning it to someone whose machine was giving her fits!

I take an Ott desk light and my own multi outlet grounded ext.cord. I take a small personal table fan (Walmart $10), I get the class where at least one member is always freezing to death and never bring a sweater or heavy coat to wrap up in making everyone else miserable.

Scary that it was the first thing that came to mind, isn't it! Gives you insight as to my "skill level"! :-D

I also take a small and large pair of scissors.
And put your name on EVERYTHING! Depending on how crowded the class area is, it's easy to get stuff mixed up. I also label my machine, and all cables/cords. It's a good idea to label both ends of your power cord and extension cord to make sure you are unplugging the right one!

I recommend a seat cushion. Most class chairs are not comfortable. Also, a light similar to an Ott Lite or Bendable Bright Light.

I always have a notebook with my sewing stuff. When I see something I like, I write notes to myself.

Everyone has covered most everything else.

I ended up buying a rolling tote that I could leave packed with my class stuff. I also take it to retreats, so it has lots of stuff in it. Of course, that meant that I have duplicates of everything, which is not a bad thing.

One thing no one has mentioned is an iron and ironing pad. June Taylor has one that is a cutting board on one side and the ironing board on the other, so you have one less thing to carry. Most classes have a couple iron and ironing boards set up, but that means you almost always have to wait for someone else to finish before you can use it. If you take your own, you don't have to wait.

And you might consider taking a small table (a wooden tea tray works very well) so that you will have the space for an ironing / cutting area. Most classes I've been to, I get 1/2 of a 6' table, so the extra space comes in very handy.

I think a lot of what one would want in it, would be very personal. I see people who come with most everything and those who travel light! Also, what you need varies, depending on the class and the project.

I'm thinking of making a bag and have been thinking a lot about what needs to go. If I make one, I want it to have EVERYTHING that I need to take in, except for the sewing machine. I hate having to make several trips back and forth to the truck!

Some things that come to mind (some already mentioned, I know)

* sewing machine manual, attachments, foot pedal, power cord
* large and small cutting mat, rulers of assorted sizes
* notebook, pattern for project
* fabric and then the finished/WIP to take home (perhaps a plastic container to put it in, and then slide into the travelling bag)
* rotary cutter(s), scissors, snippers
* different types of pins
* tea mug, mug rug, tea bags and lunch bag!
* bandaids
* tool box (I have a small divided tool box (about 8"x8"x2" with divisions with most of the miscellaneous stuff in that I need ... and try not to take from it when I'm at home)
* hand lotion
* ca$h and/or credit/card! (I never take in my purse, and download to a smaller mini bag)
* car keys (snap hook to clip them to, so I don't lose them!)

I know there's a lot more!!

A length of tape on the end of each tool so that they could be easily retrieved to the bag!

Definitely label everything with a bright label and your name & phone number (if you can fit it on) would be good in case someone gets home and realizes they have somethng that doesn't belong to them. I used to use those neon lime green ones because you can look around the room and get a good idea of where your stuff ended up, there is a lot of borrowing going on because things are forgotten. For the little stuff I just put on bright little dots with my initials. That way you get your stuff back, if you ask if anyone has seen the ruler with the bright sticker with your name on it.

I would definitely add the chocolate as well

I always take my sewing machine manual. When I took a machine applique class, it made it easier finding the stitch I needed to use. Plus, if your machine act up, it could help finding the error.

I guess I'm spoiled!! I take my classes at the local shop and they provide mats and cutters, irons and boards, comfy chairs and nice machines!! You can bring your own machine if you want. I take my own scissors and ripper, stuff for my machine. You need your own thread, pins markers, etc., but the shop is always open too! I always take a travel mug because worse than spilling something on my own project would be spilling on someone else's :shock:

My kind of fellow student...can I sit near you?

Scissors, thread, stylus, pins, tape measure, marking pens, needles, extra bobbins, presser feet, machine oil and cleaning brush, mini-iron, teflon pressing sheet, fabric glue, rotary cutter. That is all I can think off now. It all depends on where your class is - at a LQS where you can buy or borrow forgotten tools - or at another place where there is no access to things your forgot. Although it doesn't fit in my sewing class tote, I also bring my mat and ruler. Just sit at your sewing machine and look at all your tools and think, "Will I need that or could I use that at this class?"

Me too - but I also find it encouraging that you include chocolate on your list! It's nice to know I am not the only one who keeps a stash of sweets in her sewing bag. Never know when you will have a lag and need a pick-me-up.

Without knowing what exactly you will be making...here's my list. Extra needles (machine and hand sewing), seam rippers (at least two--someone may borrow yours), small scissors, large scissors, tape measure or ruler (depending on project), pen, pencil or other fabric marking pen, notebook, a tote bag to carry project and or fabric, fabric, trims,etc needed, 2-3 spools of thread, small travel iron, and pressing mat (if not provided), sewing machine, instruction manueal, and feet, school folder (keeps hand outs from being messed up in a bag), pins and safety pins (believe it or not safety pins kept me organized at one class as I was able to pin pieces together to find later--saved time), book or pattern needed, bottle of water for iron, and mark everything with your name somehow. I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting.

When I teach I always put on the class list a basic sewing kit, I never thought that ladies might now know what to put in it. I also list a sewing machine that you know how to operate, rotary cutter, etc, etc, but the big thing is EXTRA BOBBINS ALL WOUND. why spend your valuable class time winding bobbins. Just my thought :lol:

Ruler, one of those pressing/cutting mats, iron (seems like you are always waiting to use the iron), markers both light and dark to mark your fabric.

And yes, put your name on everything.

Good idea on the colour coding ... easier to spot!!
I usually just use address labels.
Even have it on my sewing machine, as once you get to a class, they can all look the same .... particularly when packed up and ready to leave!

A couple more take-alongs
* miniature design wall (depending on the course a 12x12 padded mat, that I keep by my sewing machine at home all the time)
* couple bottles of water for yourself!

When I did a a class, I picked up a small tin tackle box (for fishing) and used that to carry my class supplies. It has sections in the top part that are excellent for small items. And the bottom is open for your knife and longer items.
Works great and has a handle. :)

Seat Cushion
Extension cord/surge protector
Small scissors
Extra Machine needles
Pins and pin cushion
Full bobbins in the color you need
Machine manual
Seam ripper
Extra thread spool
Travel iron
Pen or pencil and small tablet to take notes
Small ruler
Rotary cutter/ruler/small mat for beside the machine if piecing.
Two bottles of water at least.
Snack - Trail mix or dried canberries
Take your lunch, it will give you more time in class at your machine
Small table if you have room in the class and your car. I put my iron and cutting mat on this beside the table, sometimes I set it up to the back and between my sewing mate and we share my iron and mat. You can get a light weight plastic fold up table at Costco or other discounter for great price....really worth the money along with that cushion for your chair.
Happy quilting.
D in TX

Sure - warning though, as you can tell by my "name" - my table is usually the rowdiest..... :D

Everyone has suggested most of what I bring with me except for a tool called the purple thangy (a plastic stilleto-type tool for guiding fabric and such).

I use a kniiting bag that's about 10" deep x 12" high x 15" wide; it has lots of pockets and zips across the top. Home improvement stores (Home Depot, etc.) also carry all sorts & sizes of canvas tool bags. I found a plastic container (the size of a small flat cake container)that fits nicely into it, on edge. All my fabric for the project/class or WIP fits into it. I also carry the jumbo size zip lock bags, and a couple of sandwich size, to group/store things together.

Lastly, because I'm not a coffee drinker, I always have diet Pepsi cans with me, transporting them in my work bag. Do you know how EASY it is to puncture one of these cans with a ruler (point)??? Yup, on two separate ocassions, I've punctured a can without knowing it, only to find a puddle at the bottom of the bag when I get to class!! :-( First time wasn't tooooo bad but, the second time, I ruined a nice chunk of fabric! Thankfully, the shop still had some in stock.

My solution to this was to buy some insulation batting (at Joann's) that is used in lunch bags, plus a scrap of decorator fabric, to make a cylindrical tube, closed at one end, drawstring on the top, to transport a couple of cans. I figure this should be heavy duty enough to thwart (don't you just love that word... thwart) the sharpest of rulers. Ta da!! :-)

You've got some great lists to begin with. First and foremost is to be sure to have what the class needs. But to add to the already suggested lists you have posted above - I bring a magnifying glass (tired old eyes, ya know) and a camera. Love taking pictures of others' work, helps to inspire me in other directions along with helping me to refresh my self on the lessons of the day.

Make sure you have a mechanical pencil in their. I went to a class, had forgotten mine and picked up what I thought was one of the stores for student use, only to hear another student tell me that I could keep it if I needed it! How embarrassing!

Chocolate sounds good - but maybe it should be left at home - it could smear on things.

Bottled water - I think I would avoid any liquids that are colored - in case they spilled. I would feel bad if it landed on my stuff - terrible if it landed on someone else's things.

Maybe non-sticky snacks? Or wrapped hard candies?

I appreciate a listing from the teacher.

I also appreciate a detailed list of what "the usual sewing supplies" are.

Don't forget the fabric!

Great ideas.

I really do keep my everyday tools in a clear plastic cosmetic case. This goes with me wherever I take my machine. I have another clear plastic bag [a gift] with the usual thread colors: greys, black, white, cream, and tans and my bobbin ring with extra bobbins. I add to this as needed.

My cushion is next to my machine so I won't forget to take it. My cutting mat is next to that as is my serge protector extention cord.

My sewing machine manual is with the machine when traveling.

I never take an iron unless specifically told to as they do use a lot of power and where I go to quilt or take classes they already have the irons.

This is Arizona so whenever I leave the house I have my topped coffee mug that I use for water only with me.

Gads, but I do have plenty of totes to put it all in the nite before any class with my checklist. Since I have a garage I can prepack the car the nite before if it isn't too hot. Then I will place my things near the kitchen door out of my way for packing the next day.

Can you tell I am a list maker?

ali

I have a rolling case for my machine that I keep packed with everything that has already been posted except for a teflon pressing sheet. I use it for applique. I love, love, love my 'purple thing'. So glad that I picked it up at a shop hop one year. Use it all the time.