Over the past year, I’ve noticed my personal sewing space at quilt retreats and classes shrinking. Shared space seems to be the new normal rather than having a table all to yourself. Before packing, contact the event organizer and ask about the amount of sewing space allotted per participant. Do you get a 6′-8′ table all to yourself or do you have to share with another person? If shared, are you side-by-side or offset on opposite sides of the table? (Psst, offset & opposite gives me more room to work).

Ways to deal with tight sewing spaces:

(1) Bring a smaller sewing machine. Leave the 30″ wide Baby Lock Allegro at home. Most sewing machines with up to an 8″ throat space should work in a 3-4 foot workspace. If you plan to take a sewing machine on an airplane, make sure it fits in a case that can go under the seat in front of you. While you may not experience issues getting overhead bin space, planning ahead might avoid the dreaded “gate check” on full flights (especially if you are in a later boarding group). Airlines are typically not responsible for any damage that may occur in a gate checked situation. Alternatives: Ask about machine rental. Have your machine professionally packed to ride in the cargo hold or ship it ahead of time.

My travel machine of choice is an Elnita EC30. In the past, I took a 3/4 size Elna STAR edition (similar to the Janome Jem 720). It’s a great choice for retreats & classes; however – for me – the Elnita EC30 offers more features, prettier stitches, sews faster and also fits in the same Travelpro rolling case. There are several other machines that fit this smaller size footprint (machine width less than 15.25″) from the vintage Singer Featherweight to the mechanical Janome Signature Charm at Wal-Mart to the new computerized Bernina 325/335. Pick what works best for your needs, preferences and budget.

(2) Cull your presser feet. Do you really want to schlep ALL your presser feet to a retreat or class – especially if you are flying? Not me.

Based on my experience, the following presser feet should have you covered in most scenarios*:

Presser Foot	Description
All purpose/zigzag foot	Versatile and useful for various stitches.
1/4″ foot with guide	Ideal for accurate seam allowances.
Open toe foot	Great for visibility while sewing.
Zipper foot	Specifically designed for inserting zippers.
Walking foot with guides	Helps feed multiple layers evenly.

*Always check your project directions/retreat instructions to make sure you pack any specialty presser feet required. Occasionally, you need an edgestitch foot, darning/FMQ foot or buttonhole foot.

(3) Bring a smaller extension table. Think 12″ x 16″ or less. I have a Sew Steady Junior Size table (11″ x 15″) that I take to retreats and sew days.

(4) Add a stick on LED light strip strategically placed round the needle area to illuminate a dim sewing area. This can make a task lamp optional, unless you plan to sew at night.

(5) Pack a small power strip or extension cord with at least 4 outlets and USB connections. This helps corral all the power cords for your sewing machine, LED light strip, travel iron and task lap, while still charging your phone.

(6) Create a sewing machine first aid kit: Two packs of extra needles, bobbins, spool caps, hump jumper, small oil pen, lint brush, screwdrivers, tweezers or hemostat. Include spools of off-white, beige or light gray thread. You could even keep your presser feet in here.

(7) Keep a digital copy of your sewing machine manual on your phone or tablet. This cuts down on paper clutter and is one less thing you have to keep track off.

(8) Precut your projects, label everything and place them in small baggies or lay them out on design boards.

(9) Bring a folding TV tray to use as a cutting/pressing station. This really extends your work area, especially when you are assigned half of a 6 foot table.

(10) Streamline the sewing notions you bring to the retreat. In a 36″ space, a small pair of scissors, seam ripper, pins/pincushion and a purple thang will be all you have room to keep to the right of your machine. Pack all other notions in a tote bag that you can easily retrieve them and return as needed.

My personal mantra for packing for sew days, classes and retreats is “Less is More.” I keep a basic set of sewing supplies/rulers/mats for travel and add/subtract to this based on the event. I’ll either take my Elnita EC30 or my Singer Featherweight. If driving, I’ll add a task lamp and folding TV tray. I always make sure to pack my memory foam seat cushion – even when flying.

Happy sewing away from home.