In September of 2011 I went on a search for a large suitcase that would be large enough to hold my Schacht Sidekick. I also wanted to be able to put a lot of fiber in it and I wanted it to be sturdy so that I could check the bag on airplanes and not worry too much about my wheel being damaged.
Since then, my silver suitcase has traveled far and wide, and also often. Currently it has a crack in one corner and the wheels don’t turn very well. I’ve been worried for a few months if the next trip would be the one where it gives out. And on the last trip the zipper started to open up – not where it was supposed to. That was the last straw, The suitcase search began again.
The good thing was I didn’t have to take my spinning wheel with me this time. I knew what size the bag needed to be to fit. Another good thing is that in the last 5 years hard side suitcases have gotten stronger and lighter. I began the search locally and was lucky to find a couple of matching sutcases in a color that I love. Samsonite. The same band os the last one since it seemed to do pretty well for a lot of trips.
Then came the next issue. Carry on bags. I don’t like to check my samples. I know it sounds weird that I’m willing to check my spinning wheel but not my swatches and yarns. The thing is, I can somewhat easily replace the wheel but those samples took years to make and to replace them would be a ton of work. I have a wheeled bag that is small enough for overhead in a plane and I have several shoulder bags that I’ve been using but none of the shoulder bags have satisfied what I’ve been looking for.
At least 2 years ago I came across a bag that I really wanted. I mean, really. It was on the Tom Bihn website. It was more than I wanted to spend so I chose a different bag from a different maker instead. That one wasn’t my favorite so I bought a different one a few months later. That one wasn’t right so I bought yet another bag. Let me just say that I should have jsut gone with my gut in the first place. I have finally given in and spent the money. When traveling plenty, I have found over the last few years, that investing in good accessories that make me feel comfortable is important.
I believe between the 4 bags I now have, everything will fit comfortably and I will be satisfied for a moment. I’ll get back to you if I change my mind. I leave for Boulder Colorado in a little over a week and so 3 of them will be having their maiden voyage and so that’s going to be the real test.
If you want to know where I’ll be and you want to come and take a class with me I have dates and places on my classes page on this website. If you have questions or want to schedule me to come and see you, let me know!
