Great advice in the above posts. Additionally... mark all of your cords, ( I wrap return address labels around cords and also place them on the macchine etc.) the foot pedal, scissors etc.

Have fun'
sandy

I take my machines to retreats and quilt guild work days regularly with out any problems. Now, that said, I do not have a computerized machine. My quilty friends who have multiple machines often take the most simple and lest likely to break down, and least fussy machine to travel with. If all I am doing is piecing, I take my featherweight. Never fails and meets all my criteria of simple and lest likely to break down.

I prefer to take my smaller machines to my weekly quilting groups. I have found that some of them will fit on the floor of my backseat. If I put one in my trunk, I make sure that there is something around it to prevent movement. When I had a van, I put my machine in the back near the rear door. It fell out when I opened the door Not good. My Berninas all came with either a hard case/cover or a padded case. I use a rolling London Fog mini suitcase with extra padding for my Featherweight. It works better than my Tutto case. Just keep in mind that preventing movement in your car is more important than a case.

I suggest a vintage Singer 301 for taking to class. They show up regularly on Craigslist, they're lightweight (with a handle on top), simple, and beautiful (choice of black-and-gold, tan, or tan-and-cream). Put it in the trunk of your car securely so it doesn't shift and you don't have to worry about seat belts or projectiles. You do have to worry about the bobbin case, however. It's the same one as the Featherweight and the last I checked they were selling for about $60 each. Sad to say, but people steal them.

A simple suggestion.....when traveling to and from classes, put your needle down inside the hole in the plate, as well as put the presser foot down. I've even made it a practice to do when finished sewing for the evening, before covering the machine. I call it "putting her to bed". Have fun....learn lots!!!

You're not be ridiculous - I use an old scrapbooking tote that not only holds my machine but also holds my supplies. It keeps my machine safe and I have my hands free to pull the tote. Good luck in your classes.

My favorite take to class rolling tote is a large 4 wheel "vehicle" which I purchased at Target years ago. It is square on 4 sides but taller than wide. It is encased in a wire grid which I covered with a firm fabric on the inside. I use it in sewing classes to hang items on the sides that I think I will need. My FW fits inside as well as my tool kit and fabrics. It is super easy to wheel around./

If you're worried about your machine, buy an inexpensive, vintage, straight-stitch, workhorse (Singer 301) and leave your machine at home. Unless you need sophisticated features, then disregard my suggestion.

I use a rolling case bought at JoAnn's on sale. I try to only take my expensive computerized Elna to retreat where it will be sitting for 3 days, otherwise to guild classes, etc I take a much less expensive Brother. I used to take the Elna but was pulling the case along on a snowy day and hit a patch of snow and the handle pulled out of my hand and the case slammed flat on the sidewalk, breaking off a spool holder. much more careful now!

One more bit of advice, make a list of what you need to take and use it to check off as you pack. Trust me nothing is more frustrating than getting to a class or retreat and find you left your machine power cord or pedal control at home! I also take my manual (just in case), and the little case that holds the feet, screwdriver, etc. you just never know.