Just as a point of interest, I saw a blog entry today that gives a little of the other side of the story--issues teachers face when planning classes/workshops: http://elizabethbarton.blogspot.com/2010/06/off-to-teach-workshop.html.
Also, here's the start of a list of basic supplies you probably ought to have in your "go-bag" for classes or retreats. As I suggested in the episode, either have a separate bag permanently packed with duplicate supplies, or post a packing check list on your bulletin board for fast reference. Here's my usual list.
Standard Supplies for Classes/Retreats
- Pins (your favorite variety and/or specialized pins for planned projects, such as applique or basting)
- Pin cushion
- Thread snips
- Seam ripper
- Rotary cutter
- Extra cutter blade/s
- Disposal case for used blades
- Cutting mat of appropriate size
- Pressing mat of appropriate size
- Travel iron or Clover mini iron (more so for retreats than classes--although check retreat rules since plugging in too many irons blows fuses...ask me how I know...)
- Rulers (6x24", 6x12" or similar, 6" square or similar, and 1x6", get me through most situations)
- Sewing machine needles
- Disposal case for used needles
- Fabric scissors
- Bag for scraps/threads
- Sewing machine, foot pedal, and power cord
- Sewing machine manual
- Acrylic extension table (such as this--if you don't have one, strongly consider it!)
- Sewing machine feet (1/4", standard, and walking foot get me through most situations)
- Extension cord and power strip (less so for classes, definitely good to have on retreats)
- Thread in neutral colors (or colors needed for projects)
- Bobbins with threads in neutral colors (or colors needed for projects)
- Pencil/Pen and scratch pad
- Calculator or Fabri-Calc (my fave electronic device!)
- Marking tools
- Hand sewing needle (even if you're not planning to do any hand sewing. Trust me. Been there done that.)
- Thimble
- Needle threader
- Portable light (more so for retreats than classes--lighting often stinks)
- Pillow to sit on, and/or back rest, or bring your own sewing chair (I haul mine to retreats!)
I'm probably forgetting something. What else?
Also--to tote supplies back and forth, here are some ideas:
- You can get any number of quilter's supply totes which are wonderful. I used to have two. My dogs threw up on them. Now I have zero.
- I'm using a fishing tackle box now (easier to clean off dog messes). It's a new one, of course--no fish guts here. Not sure if it's identical to the one in the link but sure looks like it. I can fit a ton of notions, cutters, scissors, etc., in there. Basically, everything but the big stuff. I still miss my supply bags but I like the fact that the tackle box doesn't collapse on the floor and create a black hole you have to dig through. It's really easy to find everything and it stays compact under my available space in classes or retreats.
- Someone in one of my classes had a great stackable drawer system originally intended for nuts and bolts and such that she'd bought at a big box hardware store. She had all her thread, basic notions, needles, etc., in there and it looked really useful. I couldn't find a picture of it online--sorry. But a lot of times you'll find stuff in the hardware section that's perfect and a lot cheaper than buying something from a specialty craft store.
Let us know what your favorite bag or carrying system is!
