would you mind posting some pics? Thanks!

I hope this link comes through, I got one and enjoy it tremendous.

http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=D...QzzkIIQ&adurl=

Years ago, I bought a fishing tackle box with a removable tray. It has served me well and I can lock it. It holds all my necessary tools, and I love its fire-engine red color.

Yes, it's called the bionic gear bag and the pattern is sold on Craftsy by ripstitcher, the woman who designed it. If you go to the Craftsy platform and click on Patterns you can find it there. The pattern is $13, and worth every penny. That bag holds everything except your sewing machine, cutting mat, iron and fabric. I keep mine loaded up with all the tools I use every day. When it's open you can easily grab whatever you might need, and it also closes securely for travel to classes etc. I love mine. It sits open beside whichever sewing machine I'm using in my studio and all I need to do to have all my tools ready to take to a class is zip it closed. It holds a lot and is a very well thought out design. Much better than any of the tools boxes I used to use.

It looks a little daunting, but the designer has several excellent video tutorials that walk you through each step of the construction.


Rob

not sure which case you are referring to. If it's the one you provided the link to, the one I have is very sturdy. If you get it at WM just return it if you think it's too flimsy. Again, it is very small: (L x W x H): 11.80 x 7.30 x 10.20 Inches. The trays fold in to fill the entire area, so you have 3 levels of storage in 10.2 inches of height. as long as you are looking to tote small notions, you should be good to go.

I've used both a tackle bag (Bass Pro/Cabela's/Plano/etc. brands) which is a heavy duty nylon bag with zippered pockets. Plastic trays fit inside (to hold lures and hooks) which I use for small notions. I only use one tray (my bag holds 3) and the rest of the space I use for larger notions. I've also used a tackle box, but like the bags better as they are flexible and you can basically "stuff" them full (think fabric). The bags (and boxes) come in multiple sizes, so choose the size that works best for you.

I've also used: plastic (Tupperware) containers, lunch boxes (both metal and plastic - minus the thermos bottle), tote bags, cosmetic bags, even grocery bags...haven't really found the "perfect" schlep bag yet. (Schlep is the Yiddish word for carry). I will stick with my tackle bag for now.

Neauras: I would definitely take your box back to Walmart. They know their merchandise and if it broke after only a couple of months, they should (and probably will) give you your $$$ back (or at least a merchandise credit for the amount of the box).

I use a recycled razor case from my DH. It is a firm plastic and has a zipper that allows the case to fully open. I'm able to fit: small fiscars scissors, needle threader, spool of thread, a few post-it notes, a needle case and even lunch money.

I use one of my Snapware cases when I attend a quilting/sewing meeting outside of my home. It is packed with everything I need. At times I take everything out and decide if I need to add something or delete something. The Snapware cases have worked for me.

Bought all of my Snapware cases at JoAnn's with a coupon and/or on Sale.

When I read your post, it reminded me of the year we were all jungled up on our way to retreat one February. It was snowing and slushy, and we HAD to stop at JoAnn's before we got to the town where retreat was. We opened up the back of the SUV (which was packed like a clown car), and out fell my bag with all my notions! After freezing my fingers sifting through slush to retrieve them all, I went inside and found a solution. There was a bag for sale that almost looked like a book that zippered. There were several zippered "pages" inside. It fit all my stuff, and I've carried it ever since. I've not seen it again for sale, but this is a link to a pattern that's close: http://www.byannie.com/shop/product/hold-everything/