My grannie quilted also. She sewed anything thing from barbie cloths to wedding dresses. Even before she passed 3 years ago, she didnt use any special tools. Sewing machine, measuring tape, newspaper for making patterns, hand quilting hoop. My mom gave me grannies quilt books that they had purchased for her, inside the books were template plastic for making templates that she never used. She was a wonderful seamstress, and person. I'm the only offspring that quilts or sew for that matter. She had 2 daughters and several of grandkids. I wish she were here to see my projects. I was also given one of her sewing machines, I never use it. Maybe her wisdom would pass through the machine if I did!