Crop-in Style XXL tote or Navigator tote?

I have a CIS Navigator and I really like it. It has enough room to keep all of my scrapbooking items in there. I went with the Navigator because it's a good size but it's not to big to lift into the car. The lady at the LSS told me several women with XXL end up buying a Navigator after a while because the XXL is just to big to carry . The only problem I have with the Navigator is that after I put the PSB binder, Generation paper holder and all of my other stuff, my album fits in there to tightly and I'm afraid it will get harmed. So I usually carry the PSB binder. After I get a Paper Taker , I will be able to just fit it on top of the bag. It slides down the handle of the Navigator .

hey Brandi and welcomg to the group. i don't own a tote, so i can't help you there

Brandi

Welcome to the group...hope you will join in more often!

I have a Navigator. I originally wanted the XXL but it was really big. Everyone I spoke to that had one said that it's great for storage but if the plan is to take it with you....it's too heavy once loaded and you wouldn't be able to lift it into your trunk alone. As for the Navigator, it holds lots of stuff but I can easily lift it to my car by myself. It doesn't hold everything I have but the XXL wouldn't either. I think the Navigator is the perfect size and if need be you can place a CIS paper taker on top of it when toting. I bought the Navigator when it 1st came out...they weren't even in the stores yet. I happened to be at an EXPO...CIS had a booth and I was fortunate to meet both Curtis and his lovely wife, Connie, who passed away in

2001. They had 1 Navigator at Expo as a floor model. I loved it...ordered it (as did my friend that was at Expo with me) and they were shipped directly to us. I have never regretted getting it and have sold several friends on it once they saw mine. You got more than you bargained for with this reply...sorry about that! lol Good luck in making your decision. Susan

Welcome! I don't have a navigator. But I want to buy one soon! Sorry that I wasn't much help. lol Karlie

I also have a Navigator and I can fit quite a bit of stuff in there. Unfortunately, I have too much to be able to fit it all in there. So this is a breakdown of how I store my SB supplies (don't have a space for me yet)-

CIS Navigator - all embellishments (beads, fibers, eyelets, brads, buttons, Jolees), die cuts, tools, templates, adhesives, punches, stamps, etc. CIS Paper/Sticker Binder - stickers, 12x12 papers, Deluxe-Cut templates, etc. CM Memory Mate Carry All - CM albums, CM mat, CM page protectors, CM Cutting system tools, CM punches, CM personal trimmer CM Carry All (older version) - CM stickers & alphabets, CM writing tools CM Workshop Organizer Tote - all CM paper

2 CM File Mates - all 8 1/2 x 11 paper that is not CM 2 CM Memory Mate Cases (small, portable) - keep often used tools handy - adhesives, scissors, pencil, black pen, CM blades, etc.

I like to keep my CM supplies separate from the rest, especially the paper. I also love the supplies they have for storing your SB stuff!! I am not a consultant, but I could be:o)

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**Patty H in Florida**

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com Pages done in 2003: 31

has anyone looked into the Tutto brand totes? i've seen them at conventions and such, but i am not currently in need, so i haven't really looked into them. they have four wheels, though, instead of two, and look roomy and easy to manipulate. just a thought. lori shay louisville

Diana, I never thought about the tote being too heavy - Thanks for your response! BTW...What's a paper taker? Is it from CIS?

Hi Yvonne! Thanks, I have been wanting to chime in here and there but just lurked for some reason - everyone here seems so nice - and there's some serious talent floating around this ng!

Hope to chat soon, Brandi

Hi Susan! I'm so jealous that you were at an Expo! S.E. Pennsylvania doesn't seem to be a popular spot for large sb expos I'm sorry to say. I too wanted to XXL because I really liked the clear storage it has all around the front and sides. But I never thought about the weight of a full tote until I posted my question. That seems to be the big complaint about xxls. I bought a navigator today and I think I'm gonna love it! I did ask Diana (who also responded to my post) about the paper taker - I will probably purchase one in the future.

Thanks for responding! It made my decision easier.

it...ordered it

Hi Karlie! Joanne's Fabric is having them at 50% off - that's where I bought mine today. Happy shopping!

WOW! You sound like you have an awesome collection of SB stuff! You should be a consultant! (Even consult on how you organize your stuff!)

Thank you! You have inspired my "organizational to-do list"

Brandi :)

Hi Lori, I never heard of them but I did do a search for you:

does look roomy!

Brandi

wow, thanks for that link. those do look neat, but apparently are pricey! i'm fine with my generations by hazel cropstation for now. when i go to crops, i carry: cropstation TWO 12x12 paper takers CIS PSB tool box backpack for xyron, cup caddy, larger items

it's absolutely insane how much stuff i take everywhere. i've tried to do the power cropping preplanned pages stuff, but i'm just not that organized. lol... the funny thing is, my dsil carries just as much for me. it always takes us two trips to get everything to where we're going. the last time we went to a scrap event, my back was sore for days. oh well..this is the price we pay for scrapping, right? lori shay louisville

Lori, what kind of 12x12 paper takers do you use? I had ordered a CIS Paper Taker but I didn't like the dividers in it so I sent it back and I am still searching for the right kind of portable 12x12 paper organizer.

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**Patty H in Florida**

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com Pages done in 2003: 31

i have the CIS ones and love them. i love the dividers, as they allow me to be a bit more organized, and they never let my paper get crinkled. lori

Yes it's a Crop in Style Paper Taker. It a file for all of your paper. It has a strap to carry around your shoulder and it also slides into the handle of the Navigator. So it stands right on top and doesn't move. If you go two the website you can see what i'm talking about.

I did look at this Tote when I was shopping for the Navigator but I had never heard of it and you know when you here of something and you decide you want it? I just had to have the Navigator.

You know before I had the Navigator I purchased the Paper Taker and decided I didn't like the dividers so I returned it and got the Generations paper holder thingy. Now that I have the bag I have to have the Paper Taker because I want to put it ontop of the bag so I have more room inside of the bag. I am willing to give it a second chance.

I've seen these totes at Expo and personally, I don't like it as well as the Navigator.

Lori....you made me laugh....we really are too much alike. Hauling all that stuff is exactly why I do NOT go to crops. I by far prefer to scrap at home so I don't have to haul all that stuff! lol S