JMCDA

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