Your favorite "can't do without" tools?
 

Hi all!

I am new to the board, just introduced myself over in the other section and now I have a question for you all :-)

I did basic quilting years ago before all the fun tools were available and now that I am jumping back in I would like to upgrade to some handy accessories that will make the basics easier and faster. I am going on a shopping trip tomorrow (for my BD) and have a list of shops that will sell all the "stuff" I have been looking at and wondering if I "need" it.

I have the basics which I consider to be a large cutting mat, plus a couple smaller one, 2 rotary cutters, good shears, pins, chalk, iron, cat to hold down the fabric....etc

I would like to know, if you don't mind taking the time to answer, what all of you consider to be your "can't quilt without it" tools and why you love it.

Templates and guides, are there some that are more useful than others?
Fav brand of thread?
a quilting book that you go back to again and again?

Thanks so much everyone!

Joann

olfa roatery cutter I tried fiskers scissors good...rotey bad!! Olfa cutting mat deff. essenitional

Not my fav but need a good seam ripper! Also can do without June Taylor cutting system! Cuts strips and squares more accurately!! Don't forget the thingy that u use to scrape on the cutting Matt to clean it up of fibers and threads! Helps prolong life of cutting Matt! Good luck!

Essentials
1. magnet for pins ( I have two , for the different types of pins)
2. STARCH - This is a absolute for me . I have found that everything gets more accurate with fabric that has been starched.
3. Thread holder for the cones of thread ( some use a coffee mug)
4. A good iron , I like steam
5. Good lighting

i use my quilt around the block book alot and the web site quilterscache?

#1-My treadle

#2- Rotary cutter

#3- QB

Billy

I like my Little steamfast Iron for piecing and a good seam ripper. LOL

June Tailor shape cut
5x18 ruler with lip
Add a 1/4 ruler for PP
Rotary cutter
Rowenta iron
Gingher scissors of all kinds
Sewing machines(love my 2 baby's)

My rotary cutter and my green mat. My 'purple thang' and little button pins I found at JoAnns. I got the pins because they were cute, but they are the sharpest pins I have!