Any recommendations for a tote bag?

[mattcrossstitches]

Have any of you found a nice tote bag to use when you take your projects travelling? I'd love one that folds open with a plastic pocket for the pattern and room for the various tools... I saw one this week at Mary Maxim (I was travelling in Ontario) but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Or have you made one up just the way you like it?

[MaggieM1750]

I just throw everything into a regular tote.
I have a plastic photo bin that I use to keep my tools in- pencil, scissors, needle book, threader, etc.
Throw tool box, ziploc of threads, fabric, hoop and pattern into a vinyl zip top bag that I got at the office supply store.

I don't like to have extra stuff out when I am stitching on the go. So I wouldn't want to have one of those organizer bags that is designed to be stitched from. I also don't think those organizer bags ever work out for me.. I never seem to have the right sizes of things- too much, too little, need more dividers, carry a bigger hoop, etc. A zip folder and a tote are much more versatile. And with throwing all into a zip file bag, I can pop that into a big purse, I can carry it on its own, or throw it into a tote with whatever else I need to carry.
In the tote itself, I can carry multiple projects- each project gets a different zip folder. I can also pop in various crafts- stitch project, a sewing project, crayons and a coloring book, holiday cards to address... whatever it is- I can keep it all contained, protected, and portable in those zip folders.

[Mystonique]

I use the DMC ones. I also have a quilted bag for bigger projects (my tapestries).

[richardandtracy]

Err.
Sorry.

Yup, that's the state of my 'tote bag'; A plastic carrier bag from 'Marks and Spencer', dating to Christmas 2010. And it is looking very sorry. I can give a definite recommendation that you use something other than this...

Regards,

Richard.

[rcperryls]

Depending on where I am "toting" a project I will either use an old picnic basket or a large quilted tote bag. I can fit a few bobbin boxes in the bag as well as a chart stand and several ziplock bags for extra floss, needles, scissors, etc. I don't need this quite as much now that my LNS has closed and with it the only stitching group I had found , but for my occasional travel the tote bag works perfectly. Ziplock bags mean I can throw in a few extras, like packaged snacks if I am flying anywhere . So the bag does double duty!

Carole

[socialsue]

I use the DMC tote bag as well but I don't use it often as I find that I can't stitch in the car anymore. I get too dizzy. Once I am visiting or on vacation, I find it difficult to keep everything together. I have little fingers that likes to see what I am doing. I decided that stitching at home is best for me. Especially when doing BAPs. But I do have a small tote to keep things together just in case.

socialsue