As mentioned, I am just back from Portland where I rested after a lot of caregiving this year. I went with Friend Julie and we sewed while it rained quite a bit. My other post talks about the various activities in which we engaged.
As I was sewing, I found a few things I had forgotten as I hadn’t delved into my travel supplies quite as much prior to this trip. I realized that I had prepped well for the projects I was bringing, but was missing a few crucial supplies. Fortunately Julie was able to step in. She was in the same position and I was able to help her out with a few things.
Once again, I forgot my Sew Steady table. I survived, but I need to remember it as I bought it and spent some money doing so. Sitting in the fabric isn’t doing anyone any good.
My travel tool bag is still the Crafty Carrier, which I made last year. It is still working out. It has enough space for two Tupperware containers and my Hildegarde Trunk as well as outside pockets for scissors and other tall things. It weighs a ton, but seems to be holding up well.
I also forgot my big seat cushion. That would have been useful to have as the dining room chairs are on the low side. I was getting up frequently to press, so my hands didn’t suffer.
I know I have shown this Ruler bag several times. This trip was a good reminder that it is useful to make sure you have something in which you can carry all your flat things, including a rotary mat.
You have to press and not everywhere has an ironing board or iron. I have a June Tailor Square ‘n Blocker** to use for pressing. I also have a small wool mat. Neither of these are great for yardage, but for smaller pieces they work fine. As mentioned, we ended up finding a large ironing board (normal size) so this is moot for next time.
Apparently, the June Tailor product is no longer available. You might be able to find one on alternate sites. The other quilt and craft sites I looked at listed it as ‘out of stock’. The Oliso MultiMat** might be a good alternative.
You might also want to bring an iron. I have an Oliso Mini iron. It is the original version and the handle gets really hot. Friend Julie has a newer model with an on/off switch and a larger handle that does not get hot. You know how I feel about Oliso, and there are many other brands of small irons from which to choose.
My advice is to think through how you will be working on your projects separately from the actual projects so you can figure out what you need for travel.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.