I'm always a little surprised at what I need to pack for my annual trip to Quilting by the Lake. I mean, I'm only going to be gone for 6 days . . .How much stuff do I need to bring??? The answer...A LOT! In fact, even though this is my 14th time packing, its still a bit daunting. Why?? Because not only do you need to pack all your clothes, toiletries, bedding, kitchen & bath essentials, but you want to make sure you bring with you everything you need to create for a 5 day class.
Now I know that the teacher supplies a Supply List, but let's face it, this only includes the unique items for the class. Most teachers include some kind of all inclusive sentence like, "Bring all the tools and equipment you need to create". Okay then - that narrows it down. So I thought I would put together a list of things which will make your life easier in class but forgot to pack.
13 Things You Never thought to Pack for Quilt Retreat & Conference
- Zip-Lock Baggies, quart & gallon size - the perfect thing to bring home scraps, pattern pieces and odds & ends notions
- Paper Lunch bag - taped to the edge of the table it comes in really handy
- A Sketching Pencil set - Most design classes start with some kind of design exercises done on paper - my pencil set with a good erasure, pencil sharpener and varying degree of lead hardness comes in super handy.
- A Coffee Mug - No, not for coffee - but to hold your scissors, seam ripper, rotary cutter etc on your table. It will save you a ton of time if you know where those are and not under the mountain of fabric on the table
- A Water bottle - Sewing is thirsty work and its nice to have your favorite water bottle (preferably with a filter) that can be filled at a near by water fountain.
- Extra Pins - you'd be surprised on how many pins you go through!
- Nail File & Clippers - Don't you hate when you get a hang nail?!?
- Post-A- Notes - perfect to help remember design ideas or leave a note for friend in class
- Advil (pain killers) - After 10 hours of sewing in a room full of 20 women - who doesn't need an advil?
- Chocolate - perfect for a Pick-Me-Up - or to help make new friends
- Business cards - give them out to all your new friends (made by giving them chocolate!)
- Mini Spray Bottle - Most conferences supply irons with steam functions but not all sewers like to use steam - so this way - you can have your iron and steam it too!
- Painter's Tape - perfect to hang things, but also for labels
hmmmmmmm, now what did I forget??? Any ideas?? What do you like to bring?
So, what have been up to creatively lately?
14 comments:
we need to bring all the above you mentioned, plus those indispensable things you have at home and need when you are out there;journal and pen, oh you already have those, lottsa extra cash to go out for dinner at least once, Cab fare? presents for old friends and one outfit that can go out beyond the studio if need be, book to read to distract, book that is inspirational, sunscreen if going outside in the summer, swim suit if you are near the body of water or seashore, camera, batteries, shoes to change into , extra glasses, got any Mag eyes?? You are fortunate to have a car to fill up, flying is the pits with weight and bag limits......have a great time!!!
I had to smile at all the good suggestions from Sonja. Normally I use the week to only see....but this year I'm meeting a friend for dinner so I'll have to add an outfit. But honestly the rest of the week is spent in the classroom.
What? No tea bags? Sure sign you aren't English.
I have enough problem with getting things ready for a one day workshop!
Oh that sounds like so much fun! I would have NEVER forgotten the chocolate though! It will be fun to see what you create-enjoy!
Good list! I would need my coffee maker and my favorite French roast. Will get me threw the night :-) or favorite tea if that's your bag (tea, that is) - lol! One of these years I am going to QOL. It's about a 5-6 hour drive but looks like an experience I would always remember. I saw this year the woman that does the cheesecloth portraits is teaching. Love her work.
Have a wonderful time :-)
Great list - a cushion for a hard chair is good too.
This is a great list. I always took a pillow to sit on - the kind you might have on your couch. Square - about the size of a chair bottom and relatively flat. It would give me just enough extra height as I sat at too tall tables for comfortable sewing plus eased the behind that otherwise would spend hours on a hard chair. Perhaps it goes without saying, but also pack plenty of extra sewing machine needles and an extra bulb - I once had a bulb go on my machine during a workshop and it is amazing how difficult it made sewing the simplest things. I'm sure there's more, it's been quite awhile since I attended a workshop, but you've given us a good start.
I don't take too many workshops, but those are some great ideas that I will try to remember if I ever do take one again.
It's been years since I have taken any workshops. The hassle of packing and unpacking just wasn't worth it. However, since I am a very early riser and avid exerciser a must for me is something to walk or run in. Exercise is my coffee.
I hope I get to go to a workshop someday and use this list. Something you might add to your mug is the Mug Organizer I created not too long ago. http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/2015/07/mug-organizer.html
Thanks for providing a linky for me to share my blocks.
I am doing a metal working class this weekend, I will have something to show you next week!
I take my special chair (since the chairs there are just dining room chairs and really suck if your back is over 50) and my small iron so I don't have to get up every 15 seconds.
Have fun!
You have a great list there. Especially the chocolate!
gin. BTW - I tried to link my post to your blog and it didn't work. What am I doing wrong??
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