Transporting my stuff to classes

[Poppytree]

I need a tote to carry all my stuff to class - cutting board, large rulers, accessories....... (and sewing machine). Can't afford one of those trollys so would like to make a large tote for all the bulky stuff, fabric and sewing bits and pieces and I'll carry the machine in its case. Any idea where I can get a free pattern from? Tried a couple of links on other sites but they are old and no longer work.

Go to a free motion quilting day in 10 days time and would like to make a start on it asap.

[rebeccas-sewing]

I saw one but can't remember where. It was a super-sized totebag. I'll think about it. I want to say Fons and Porter's videos but I'm not certain. Maybe someone else will know. It sure would make transit easier. If no one pipes up, what about taking a simple tote pattern and just enlarging it to whatever size you need for your largest item to fit? Most of those simple totes just give measurements for cutting the fabric. No pattern piece is involved. How deep a fold you make on the bottom corners will determine how large the base of the tote will be. In fact, Jenny has a tutorial on making a tote bag. You could use some quilted fabric or make your own and just make it whatever size you want. She'll give the method for construction. I've made two by her tut. Super simple to make. I love making my own quilted fabric. It's really fast if you use masking tape for a guide if you're doing a grid pattern. Otherwise, this would be a great project for practicing FMQ.

[Blondie]

Jane, I wish I could help you! I see luggage carriers at thrift stores all the time on the cheap. I would look that route and make a tote to stick the machine in and other supplies.
Blessings and best of luck in the lugging around. How nice to take a class!

[DCM]

It doesn't hold rulers and cutting mats but I got a tackle box at Walmart -- it is a pretty turquoise blue (can't imagine a guy using it ) and I can put fabric, pattern, etc in the bottom larger section and then the lift off tray will hold scissors, bobbins, needles, pins, etc. and it has a few snap open storage areas on the lid as well.

[Claire Hallman]

I made one to piggy back on the top of the rolling machine suitcase. I just laid my biggest thing on top of the fabric and approximated how big it needs to be. I would make it a bit bigger next time since my portable cutting/ironing mat and the embroidery section of the machine don't both fit at the same time. It is just like making a pillow case with a squared off bottom and a flip over top. I will try to get a picture later. I did put a couple of bands across the back to slip over the handle of the roller bag.

BtW, some folks at my sit and sew use rolling egg crates from Homer D Poe or Lowes for their stuff and they seem to work well. I expect they are pretty inexpensive.

[Auntpiggylpn]

http://becauseisaysew.blogspot.com/2...-mat-tote.html
http://cre8tivequilter.blogspot.com/...g-pattern.html
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/11/...mat-caddy.html
http://usaapp.husqvarnaviking.com/ed...n/pdf/2807.pdf

[nurrsey]

I recently found a Fiskars one at Tuesday Morning, it came with a cutting mat, basic square ruler. It has all kinds of pockets and big enough for large rulers. It was pretty cheap. If you have one by you, check it out. I also found a huge tote pattern at my LQS but it was about $10.

[Claire Hallman]

Here are pictures of what I made. I bought the rolling bag from Hancocks when they were half price but it won't hold everything so I made the bag for the top.

[Poppytree]

Thanks for all your advice - I'll look around for a cheap 'rolling case' for the machine and fabrics eventually and add a tote for my bits and pieces I think.

I currently use a baby box from Mothercare (like a fishing tackle box but much bigger) for my sewing bits as we weren't allowed to ship anything made from wicker when we emigrated and I had to leave my old one behind.

We have different stores here in Australia but I'll speak to a couple of friends in my local shop and 'pick their brains' too.