Okay, a bit more information.
Apparently at launch large sewing kits had 10 slots and weighed 0.4 stone.
On April 4, 2001 the weight was increased to 3 stone.
Then, on May 30, 2001...
- existing large sewing kits were renamed to deluxe sewing kits and increased to 4 stone; these were no longer available for purchase.
- a new large sewing kit (8 slots, 3 stone) was created and made available for purchase.
See
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/i...m9924434022960
Here's the straight scoop on the deluxe sewing kits from the May 30, 2001, patch message and the subsequent clarifications from Alan (Absor).
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5/30/01 Patch Message - "Sewing Kits: No existing sewing kits are being changed with this patch. But from now on, kits sold on vendors will be somewhat different. Large Sewing Kits will have 8 slots. Deluxe Sewing Kits will have 10 slots and weight slightly more than the Large Sewing Kit."
Absor - "The intent of the change was to keep the ten slot kits so that people wouldn't lose things, but to make them less desirable for carrying things. The cleanest way to do that was to rename the old kits to deluxe (and increase their weight) and to make new large kits for sale on vendors. So the 10 slot ones can't be purchased anymore, and the 'large' kit is reduced to 8 slots."
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So the existing large sewing kits held by players on 5/30/01 were converted to "Deluxe Sewing Kits" and the vendor sold sewing kits are all back to no more than 8 slots. Unless they change this at some future time the currently existing 10 slot Deluxe Sewing Kits will remain the only portable, 10 slot sewing kits for general, non-cultural use in the game.
If you want one of these you will need to find somebody who has an extra one with which they are willing to part. The alternative is to use the new 10-slot looms that are found in each of the starting cities in Norrath when you need to sew a non-cultural item that requires more than 8 slots.