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Quilt Retreat Survival Kit
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items Quilt retreats are fun, but you need to plan ahead because often you'll only have what you bring with you. Having a kit specifically for retreats and sew days will take the stress out of prepping for your trip whether it's one day or a week long cruise.
Sections
3
Organization & Storage
Essential Tools
Other Wants & Needs
Organization & Storage
When you're schlepping items back and forth to your car being organized is essential. The easier it is to pack and unpack the car are important for me when traveling. You're also going to have a small space to worth with at retreat or sew days so the more organized you can be the better.
A rolling tool box like this is great for retreats and sew days. Most sewing machines will fit in the bottom compartment of these stacking style rolling carts, but check the size of your machine and the case! The upper compartments hold your supplies.
Keter Stack-n-Roll 3-Piece Rolling Tool Box
This modular cart from Harbor Freight is the one I have. From the photo, I have the 2 bottom compartments. Notice, this is modular. So I can add to it if I need additional storage. I may end up getting the open basket eventually.
BAUER Modular Rolling Toolbox
Tackle boxes make great organizers for quilters as well. The small compartments meant for lures and sinkers are also great for bobbins and needles. The bigger bottom compartment is great for your cutting tools and smaller rulers.
Plano Let's Fish Tackle Box
These organizers may be designed for scrapbookers, but they're also the perfect size for your quilt blocks. Find the ones that are 13"x13" so your 12.5"x12.5" unfinished quilt blocks fit inside. I can usually fit all of my fabric and the pattern in one of these as I'm working on a project keeping all my fabric and finished (or half-finished) blocks organized.
Pioneer Plastics MSB01C Clear Scrapbook Container
I have a Bernina. It came with a lot of presser feet and a REALLY awful case to store them in. I ditched that case and bought one like this from the hardware store. Not only is it great for storing my presser feet, it's also great for storing packages of needles and bobbins.
OUTUXED 2 Pack 36 Grid Clear Bead Organizer
Essential Tools
I keep a set of tools in my travel kit that are intended to stay with the travel kit. I'm not always great about this, but I don't forget as many tools this way…as long as I haven't raided the kit.
I recently bought my first 60mm rotary cutter after using 45mm cutters for decades. Oh, I love this bigger bladed cutter!
IFiskars 60mm Rotary Cutter
I've tried the titanium coated blades, and I do think they stay sharper longer. So I think they're worth the investment.
Titanium Coated 45mm Rotary Cutter Blades 10 Pack
I bought one of these with a gift certificate and a 45% off coupon at Joann's (RIP) many years ago and still have it. If you're going to travel to sew whether to your guild for a sew day or a multi-day retreat GET ONE! You will not be disappointed.
Omnigrid 2105 8.75x11.75 Foldaway Cutting Station
This one is going on my Xmas wish list. A large mat that can be folded for storage would be PERFECT for taking with me to retreats and sew days!
Fiskars 3-Piece Rotary Cutter Set 45mm
I'm a diabetic so sewing pins that can get dropped on the floor and stepped on are not great for me. I avoid them as much as possible. These type of clips are what I use most of the time.
MumCraft Multipurpose Sewing Clips Pack of 100
This is the seam ripper I prefer. His name is Jack. The rubber tips on each end act like erasers for thread. It's great for getting all the little pieces of thread pulled out of the fabric after you've ripped out that seam.
Dritz 665 Seam-Fix Seam Ripper, Large
You need scissors in your travel kit, but you don't need your GOOD scissors in your travel kit. Let's be real. You're going to lose stuff from your travel kit either from leaving it behind or from lending it to someone else and never getting it back. These are good enough.
LIVINGO 3 Pack Titanium Scissors Set - 5”, 7” & 8”
Other Wants & Needs
While you may not need these every time you travel to sew, it's a good idea to have these in your kit. Just in case.
I love OttLites for sewing. I have a floor light and a little table lamp similar to this one. The flexible neck means I can tuck it into the bottom of my travel case next to my sewing machine.
OttLite ClearSun LED Soft Touch Desk Lamp
This is the OttLite I keep in my travel kit, or one very similar to it. The neck bends down enough that I can tuck it in the bottom compartment of my travel case next to my sewing machine.
OttLite Creative Curves LED Desk Lamp
Many of the places you'll be sewing won't have enough outlets for the number of people in your group, and the outlets that are there may not be conveniently placed. I tuck an extension cord like this into the bottom compartment of my rolling case along with my machine and light. Yes it really does all fit!
CRST 10-Outlet Metal Surge Protector 15A
You're probably going to be sewing for hours and hours. When travelling that means you're often going to be in a folding chair or some other hard chair. Do your bum and your back a favor and bring a cushion. I sometimes bring my sewing chair from home if the retreat will last several days.
Everlasting Comfort Doctor Recommended Memory Foam Seat
This was another bought with a Joann's coupon purchase. I take this to multi-day retreats. Being able to sink my machine in the table helps with the ergonomics and prevents back pain.
SewingRite SewStation 101 Folding Sewing Table