I was wondering if you all had a favorite tool that you wouldn't want to live without.

Mine is "That Purple Thang".

It pushes, pokes, pulls, fudges, turns, stuffs. It makes its own uses! Every quilter/crafter/seamstress needs one! You can thread a ribbon through the slot and wear it around your neck. Made of heavy plastic.

I have few... the sixth finger, my bamboo iron thingy, my mittered binding tool, and a few others.

Maria

Mine is a pressing clapper. Years ago I overheard a conversation at a quilt show about the winning quilter never presses her seams without using one. I had no idea what it was so I butted in and asked. At that time June Tailor was making them. It makes a big difference in my blocks, all the seams are flat and smooth. I use it on every seam I press. Before I found the wooden one to buy, I used my smooth bottom bacon press, (I never used anyway) :D One of the old flat irons would work for quilt seams too. It really makes a difference to use one.
Here is link to a picture and how to use it:


http://www.judisstudio.com.au/index....d=22&Itemid=34

I haven't found any June Tailor Clappers in a long time. Ebay may have them.

This is my favorite of all rippers!!!!!!http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...PRODID=prd2782

I like Clover seam rippers too. It's amazing how many quilters at classes/workshops use the awful sewing kit rippers. I offer my Clover and they are amazed at the difference.

I would have to say my manicure scissors have been my favorite tool lately... I use them as a seam ripper, to trim threads close on embroidery machine projects, little clips in a seam line, those little curved blades come in very handy off and on throughout the day... they are small enough to sit by my machine and not get in the way. I have an older pair that I use for paper, they are awesome when cutting out curves smoothly for templates, or into a V.

When I heard the clapper...I thought of that gadget that when you clap your hands a light turns off... :? Had me stumped til I checked the link... I had not seen one of those before! I will have to check it out!

The purple thang looks a bit like my orange peeler which I NEVER EVER use. Maybe I can steal it from the kitchen.

I have chopsticks for poking corners - it's one of my favorite tools. I'd say my rotary cutter is my second favorite although I'd like to get a nicer rotary cutter - I really don't like mine - cheap Walmart thing. It just stinks - I'm constantly having to screw the screw back on because it loosens up as I cut for long periods of time... so yeah, it's on its way out the door one of these days lol.

I have the Purple Thang too. I love it.

Good idea! Only the Thang has a 1/4" on the end to check your seam allowance too.