Three Essentials for the Traveling Quilter

Hello, it's Kelly's friend Jean(ie) popping in to keep the blog going. Kelly is busy and unable to post, so I thought I'd pop in (surprise!) and take a task off her list.

This past week I've been blessed to get to know more members of my guild (Stray Thread Quilt Guild in Woodinville, WA) during a couple of sew days. These amazing people inspire me. We have a wonderful assortment of quilters among our group -- art quilters, traditional quilters, modern quilters, quilters who play with scraps, crazy quilters (aren't we all crazy?), and those who adore handwork.

What unites us all? Thread, fabric, pattern, color, and texture. And sew days. Days in which we all "get away" and get together and just sew. This past weekend I spent two days sewing with my guild and I had fun!

When I go out sewing -- whether it's at a local shop or meeting place, there are several things I don't leave home without. First up on the list is my handy-dandy Tutto bag. I have a large machine and this rolling bag makes it easier for me to carry my full-size machine to classes. Plus, it has tons of extra room to stuff all sorts of notions, thread and fabric. To read more about the Tutto Machine on Wheels case, click here.  They make these cases in a multitude of sizes. And just so you know, I've even used this very case for a suitcase during a car trip. I was able to cram a whole lotta stuff in there! It has handy pockets for thread, notions, rulers and a really roomy interior.

The extra-large interior space fits my oversize machine, 2 small tackle boxes, a quilt top and backing, and an iron!

Another thing I take with me are my Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors. These stay in my handwork bag. Kelly recommended these to me and I absolutely LOVE them! I use them for my applique work and fabric cutting. I've been hot into hexies for handwork. I trace my template on fabric and cut. The scissor blades really cut through the layers of fabric cleanly and without issue.

Another Must-have for the traveling quilter is the Scrap-Ma-Bob Clamp On Holder for Beverages and Scraps. I get lots of comments on this one. Folks always stop by my table and tell me how clever it is! Why do I love it? It's impossible for me to spill my drink on my sewing machine and workspace. And believe me, if my water is by my machine, the machine will get soaked, but not when I use my Scrap-Ma-Bob. It keeps things dry. And the little scrap bag, I've got tons of bag space for those thread clippings and fabric scraps that are too small to recycle.

What are your traveling must-haves when quilting (besides chocolate)?

Raise Your E-Notion IQ- Scrap Ma Bob & Shirt Tales Pattern

It is Wednesday again...and time to Raise Your E-Notion IQ!   Every time I go to a class or retreat I take my Scrap-Ma Bob Clamp On Holder for Beverage and Scraps.

 

The Scrap-Ma Bob is a sturdy clamp on holder where I rest my drinks and I also have a reusable bag for my trash.  It helps eliminate clutter and potential accidents (oh please don't spill your drinks on your sewing machine or fabrics...yikes).  The Scrap-Ma Bob clamps to the edge of most flat surfaces and is designed to hold a 32 oz cup or mug. They are great for quilting, sewing, paper crafting, playing cards and table top games. 

If you are looking for a great gift for a friend or family member...perhaps yourself...you may want to consider a Scrap-Ma-Bob.  Now, if you are the kind of person who does not want a beverage holder and scrap bag named "Bob" you can just feel free to call her, "Scrap-Ma Betty." 

Check out this fantastic pattern, Shirt Tales 1 by Jill Mead (Rag Merchant). 

This is Carolyn Griffin, Far Flung Quilts, wearing Shirt Tales 1.  I was instantly focused on  Carolyn's shirt when I saw her recently.  The fabric strips are batiks and each strip has a different stitch from her sewing machine.

Isn't this just the cats meow?   Shirt Tales 1 can be made in any of your favorite combinations of fabrics.   Think of all the possibilities.  You can even make your own covered buttons for the back if you like.  I think these shirts would make a wonderful gift too.  I know I would love one for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Perhaps just one for fall and one for winter.  I told you the possibilities are limitless!  LOL...how about one for my birthday :)

Most of us have several stitches on our sewing machines we never use.  This would be a perfect opportunity to use all of the stitches or if you prefer,  just your favorite stitches.  

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Smiles,

Kelly