When I go to a quilt day or a retreat I always take more than I can do. I have gone on a retreat only to realize that I left a critical piece of the project home (I am sure that no one else does that!!) I pack each complete project I bring in its own clear plastic covered bin (fabric, pieces. thread if a particular color or weight is needed and anything else that would be project specific.
As far as sewing necessities - I have a stack of four snapware bins
https://www.amazon.com/Snapware-Snap...nap+%27n+stack
In the thinnest box I put rippers, chalk markers, fabric markers, pens and pencils. In another, I put Rotary Cutters, extra blades, Scissors and snippers. In another I store thread, bobbins already wound, extra machine needles, hand needles etc.
I have a large open tote that I permanently keep extension chords in and an Ikea LED lamp
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20169658/
and when I get ready to go I add in to that tote whatever rulers and pincushions I am taking.
I mark all my rulers with the "free" address labels we get at Christmas time (lol) and all my scissors and rotary cutters have a cell phone charm strap looped on to them with a bead hanging from it so I can easily identify my equipment. I transport all this stuff along with my machine on a Magna Folding cart I found at a flea market.