I like the various tackle boxes and tool holders, too. Open the lid and its all there. No flipping thru pages. I've found some really economical ones at Lowe's/Home Depot/Sears on sale.

Here is the one that I use in the sewing room. I've posted this one before and still love using it.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-3950-satchel-box

I frequently check out the tool boxes at our local WalMart. I have a toolbox for each machine that holds bobbins filled and empty, extra feet, and screw drivers for each machine as well as thread I plan to use and extra needles. Literally everything I might need for my project and machine.

I saved my DDs fancy make up boxes that were so popular back in the 80's. Everyone had one, can't remember the name of them now. It opens like a tackle box but compartment that were made for bigger items. It is fun to take one to a retreat or class and get everyone remembering the one they use to have! I wish I could think of the name of it.

It was on the box! Caboodle is the name of it. So much fun to see all the colors on Ebay now.

I must have 15 clear bags with hand projects in them. I was at a getaway a few years ago when they were talking about purchasing project bags. One lady said whenever she needs a new clear bag, she buys new sheets. We all got a good laugh out of that one but its true. I save all those zippered bags that purchases come in and reuse them for projects.

Very true! by annie patterns are very good, they are not inexpensive to make! I just finished one that cost as much if not more than the same item would be to purchase. But, I have a one-of-a-kind bag that I am proud of.

Amazon one click purchasing is dangerous. After reading this thread I decided to buy a Yazzii CA 120 A Carry-All, Aqua. https://www.yazzii.com/shop/yazzii-carry-all-ca120/ I bought it on Amazon. Only color choice was aqua and it was $87 plus $6 shipping. It was $118 on Yazzii. It does fit my specific need perfectly. I camp for one month at a time in a van my husband has made into a camping van. I usually bring some hand work along with me. The carry-all has room for the hand work project plus 20 pockets for all my embroidery threads, beads and a place to store scissors etc. I will keep my hand project in this case and use it for everyday sewing too.

Interestingly enough this will be replacing an Annie professional tote I made. https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=94978
I use that bag (made a bit bigger than the pattern) frequently for work and as a carry on bag for the plane. It is perfect for those functions. Has a place for my laptog/ an outside zipped pocket and water bottle holder and several pockets inside. It isn't really good for what I bought the Yazzii bag for. The tote was very challenging (for me) to make and took a long time. The materials were expensive but where else could I get a purple bag with purple turtle fabric as the lining?

I can't imagine trying to make an organizer with 20 pockets including zippers on many of them. I think that would take so many hours and frankly I'd rather quilt than sew that. By the time I paid for the materials, my time would be worth probably $2 an hour. Instead I would have stuck with the plastic sandwich bags I used to organize things if the bag had been too expensive.

I've been looking at Yazzi bags, too, having only heard good things about them. For years, I've used a storage box from Joann's for my tools, threads, needles, and other small odds and ends when I travel with my sewing machine. (Retreats, classes, sew days, etc.) The shape and size is about an old fashioned lunch box. Everything is just tossed in.

I agree, a similar bag could be made. It wouldn't be easy and would be costly - plus the time! I've done the Professional Tote (link provided above by mjpEncinitas), and loved it for a work or travel tote, but it's not ideal for sewing tools & notions. I also don't love making bags.


Quiltwoman has patterns for crafty totes, I think. I made the project box tote and like it very much - not the accessory type OP is looking for, but helps with the actual project boxes that I take to travel. https://www.quiltwoman.com/patterns/...attern-hq-220/

Sorry I can't help OP with selection!