High on my list is an extension cord or two, along with a phone charger and my reading glasses. But the most important item I have is a LIST. A list of the routine supplies I keep in a dedicated bag for sewing days (from Advil to tweezers). And a list of the items to collect to bring that day (from basting supplies to water). I can confidently pack up for a sewing day regardless if my mind is with it or not!
Gallon ziploc bags work great for taking smaller homemade project kits to sew days and retreats. I cut the pieces at home before I go and put each in a separate bag with the instructions. Happy sewing, Michelle!
Thanks for the demo. Quilting is one of a few hobbies of mine, so I only have necessary supplies, etc, and a small stash. Not sure I’ll ever go a quilt retreat, but now I know how to prepare should I attend one.
I just started teaching quilting classes and after two I already got tired of packing and unpacking! So I made a bag like this and I was watching to see your organization! I have a Lovevook bag
One thing I always have in my bag is a lint roller, if I don't have it then I come out looking like I slept under a bridge with stray threads hanging off the front of my shirt and pants.
I put together all items mentioned by Michelle and everyone else...feel free to copy and print off.... To go bag for quilt retreats and classes supplies … ask if there will be a large iron and ironing board. 1. Baggie of leaders and enders and baggie with scraps 2. Box with sewing supplies.. a. pins, needles, extra sewing machine needles b. Telescope Magnet with light on the end to pick up pins off the floor c. Seam ripper and tape measure d. Snips and regular size scissors e. Extra rotary blades f. Thimble and couple of small rulers g. Clips in container h. a spools of white, gray, and black thread and matching thread, if needed, with the project. i. collapsible basket and collapsible trash container j. Triangular Thread Cutter and Vinyl Zipper Wallet Clear Zipper Bags to hold things 3. Straight pins and magnetic holder in baggie and safety pins. 4. Bag with pencil, pens, small scissors, bobbin container with full bobbins and container for empty bobbins, post it notes, notepad, ear plugs, tape measure, small flashlight, permanent fabric pen, paper scissors, some graph paper and loose-leaf paper on a clipboard for notes 5. A bag with personal supplies… a. Ouch pouch, (wet wipes, Tylenol, Advil, band-aids, lens cleaning wipes, nail file and alcohol prep pads.) Lotion and chap stick are good because fingers and lips get dry. b. Tooth cleaners, plastic container for used sharps, small cutter for machine pieces to cut apart, rotary case with cutter inside, extra band-aids, small ruler, different sizes of trash bags, and small lunch bags for trash, and painters tape. Variety sizes of Ziploc baggies 6. spray starch or best press and sticky roller in sides of bag 7. In bag with machine… a. surge protector, and extension cords, sewing machine mats for table to help vibration b.Sewing machine, foot pedal and electrical cord. Acrylic rulers that will fit. c. a small light I can plug in next to my sewing machine if I need additional lighting. 8.Project box… a. Pattern, and fabric already cut out ready to sew. Prewound bobbins Also…Omnigrid two in one ironing mat and cutting mat, and Small iron… Therma care pads for back or neck and massage pad…small chair Large cup for liquids to drink, drink pouches to add to water and dress in layer, snacks Phone and charger, wagon to carry in supplies container for moneys, batting joining tape, Elmers glue and /or glue stick 13.5"wool pressing mat and hand wipes or sanitizer to clean hands before handling fabric.
Elmers school glue sticks would be another item I would want. Yours is So complete. Awesome items, Being a retired RN I was impressed with your medical kit items. I don’t make a bag to grab and go but do similar packing when we go on vacation. Depending on what projects i chose I usually just pack for that. I use small zipper bags or see thru baggies. Mostly it has been crochet, cross stitch, or hand work, for in airports or on plane. Things that are smaller and can be hand carried. I used to take my bandage scissors as they were allowed thru check points. Never knitting needles. Those would go in suitcase. To be used when we were in condo. One year I actually took my Christmas cards and got them done in one plane ride😂. Hexies are a good travel project.
Dollar Tree sells shallow plastic pencil boexes that would hold the things in your Art Bin. Dollar Tree has other containers that could work well. I use diabetes test bottle for sharps. 🤣I love the ouch pouch!!! I am going to have to buy a different kind of gum. Can you share what was in your gum box. I used to have a To-Go kit but I recently dismantled it, since I am not currently going. I made a special bag that had a pocket for a 24 ince ruler and a cutting mat. I made a holder to carry my pre cut pieces flat that slide in. I also have some stackable bins with compartments to carry all the notions. It fit on top of my machine in the machine bag.
I do have a to go bag. I keep pretty much what you have in addition to a small light I can plug in next to my sewing machine if I need additional lighting.
Hi Michelle, Im enjoying your channel ! Im pretty new to quilting but absolutely love it!! A little tip, that mister bottle you have, I have recycled those Dawn dish soap power spray bottles and also one similar that is by Clorox, washed and rinsed out well, they work the exact same! Now im going to start reusing my gum containers!!! Thanks for all the great tips and tutorials!
I do have an on the go bag with most items. I use a clear shoebox with a good snap top. I carry a spools of white, gray, and black thread and a bobbin carrier with prewoynd spools. I carry matching thread, if needed, with the project. I also bring some of those clips in a cute bag. And some graph paper and loose-leaf paper on a clipboard for notes. I also use a magnetic dish for pins that fits inside a quart size zip bag. Lotion and chapstick are good because fingers and lips get dry. So is a small first aid kit, even if you don't need it, someone will. 😊 We all know that quilters share but it does make packing for retreats easier. Great practical video. 👍
thank you for the video. i added a 6"square cutting board, and 12" square ironing flat that i did myself, a small iron. a needle minder, extra rottery new blade.
Great video. My on the go bag is basically what you said as well as others with the exception of a first aid kit. That’s a good idea. I will add that to my bag.
Great to go bag! I don’t have one for sewing as I’ve not gone to a retreat or sew date. I do love those little gum boxes too, great for tiny things in a sewing room too. I think I’ll use my next empty gum box for old 60 mm blades and tape up for disposal.
What is a sew day?? 😂 I am being silly. I'm anxiously waiting for a sew day to work on projects. I don't keep a bag handy since I rarely go out to sew. I planned on going to a craft retreat in Oct but I dont think I'll be ne able to. You are very organized and well prepared.
Nice collection of equipment. I think some masking tape might be nice. Post it notes might come off flipping around in the bag. I don't have a retreat bag. But I know what I carry for classes.
I use a colapsable basket, don't have quite as many bits and bobs as you do but the phone charger is a must as well as my phone. As the co-organiser of our group I have my book of contacts for everyone, roll book and container for moneys, batting joining tape,small iron and 12"wool pressing mat small cutting board and short extension cord and power board, sounds a lot but works well particularly if I'm piecing also I take a couple of small rulers so I'm not getting up and down but can press and trim at my sewing machine.
Thank you for this video! I struggle with what to pack for retreat vs. a simple sew day. For retreat I like to pack everything but the kitchen sink for doing multiple projects over multiple days. On sew days, I'm usually working on one project and need less. Also, there are steep stairs down to the church basement where we sew. I like your tote bag that is always ready to go. BTW, I love your rotary cutter case! 😂I'll be sure to look for one at the drugstore.
I have a smaller zipper tote that has all my duplicates so I don't have to take what I use at home. Then I have a pin cushion/with pins with a thread and scraps container attached. An extra bottle of best press and 505. Depending on what I am working on I might have to add a square up ruler and a rotating mat.
I’m amazed at how much you fit in the bag! It looks like you’re ready for any situation. How does one find quilting retreats? I’ve never heard of them.
Donna, Our local quilt guild puts one on every year! Quilt guilds and quilt shops put on quilt retreats so you can start there! Ask your quilting friends or search on line for quilt retreats in your area! They are wonderful!
I don’t necessarily have a to go bag but I have small bags that came with my sewing machine case I bought for retreat and I keep duplicates in there so when I go to retreat I don’t have to take from my active sewing space.
Ms. Fox, would you mind my asking the name of your favorite tool by Clover that you showed on a video, that has a little hook on the tip to pull dark threads out from your quilt that you have noticed after quilting your quilt top? Thank you so much. I went to Clover’s website, but could not find it on there.
Where did you find a cover for a rotary cutter? I pack "tools" and "supplies" for projects in separate bags like you do, it is a must. Didn't think about first aid!
Great tips Michelle! Love the medical kit you included! I always try to encase my scissors and rotary cutters in a hard plastic case to keep them safely packed away. 💕🧵
