At Quilt Camp and other sewing classes where the museum’s Brother sewing machines are used, a container of supplies is set out next to each machine. Here’s a picture of the contents list affixed to the underside of a lid:

(P.S. I did the same thing in my previous job with all teacher literacy kits that were checked out through the media center!)

This list is a good starting point to assemble your own class/travel kit.

I would add the following items to the box:
Small purple glue stick
Thimble
Needle threader
Needle puller
2-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ ruler
White water soluble marking pencil
White/lightest gray thread available (gray thread in container is medium to dark gray)
Wonder clips
Washi tape roll
Wooden point turner
Exchange traditional pincushion for a magnetic one with glass head pins

I would omit the following items because chances are they would already be housed at a central cutting station or another item in the kit would fill that need:
Glow tape
Binding tool
Rotary cutter (only for kid’s sewing boxes)

When I teach a kid’s class, I use small color coded buckets that contain a magnetic pin cushion, glass head pins, wonder clips, seam gauge, measuring tape, small Fiskar scissors and a seam ripper. Multiples of other supplies listed above are kept in a community sewing box. Machine feet, extra needles, bobbins and screwdrivers are kept in a separate community sewing machine box. I find it easiest to teach if all students use the exact same model sewing machine, which is what the SQTM does. Next best is machines made by the same manufacturer, which is what I do in my own studio. Currently, my student machines are made by Janome.

This week I volunteered as a mentor to a rising 4th grader at quilt camp sponsored by the Southeast Quilt & Textile Museum in Carrollton, Georgia. It was very worthwhile and exactly what I myself envisioned doing in retirement. My little mentee was so excited about the thought of returning next year to make an even bigger quilt!

I will gladly do it again, although next time, I’ll opt for the a.m. session. Traffic was a beast this week going late mornings. One day, I actually spent more time commuting than I spent with my mentee. Yes, the cost of gas was a consideration given the 90 mile roundtrip each day. However, it was totally worth it to me. Besides, the $65.00 I spent on fuel to volunteer will benefit others more than spending that $$ in a quilt shop on stuff I don’t need.

My mother did suggest I think about turning the week into a mini-vacation for myself – stay somewhere local Tuesday & Wednesday nights and commute the rest of the week. She has a point. I would love to spend a couple of afternoons exploring the downtown area and nearby lakes.

To me, summer runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For educators in these parts, summer’s over in mid-July. It finally sunk in today that I’m actually retired. Guess what? I get to enjoy the ENTIRE summer!

Several of my administrator friends had to report for work yesterday. If I were returning for another school year, next week (July 18-22) would be my last week of freedom. Teachers report for preplanning week on July 25. School starts August 1 – less than three weeks away. Can you believe it?

I’ll still be following a school schedule to some degree. 🙂 Later this fall, Sadie and I will begin serving as a school based R.E.A.D. dog team at a nearby elementary school. It’s very different from a public library based program and requires a higher level of commitment. Exactly the type of volunteer activity I’m seeking – one that utilizes my skill set on a regular basis.

Quilting is also humming along – technical editing, pondering ideas for a potential book, quilt camp this week, memory quilt/pillows for a friend, hubby’s retirement quilt, Granny’s Garden Squared QAL and finding my way back into cross-stitch. Once I purged about 1/3 the stuff out of my studio, my creative muse reappeared.

Yes, I will thoroughly enjoy a full summer for a change!

Keep on quilting!