Needle threader, marking pencil or chalk, seam ripper, thread snips or scissors, tweezers.
I have an odd item that has become one of my favorites. I got it at a model train show, of all places. I think it was intended to be a paint mixing tool; it is stainless steel, has a tiny spoon-like shape on one end and a rounded spatula shape on the other end. The spoon comes in handy for finger pressing, and both ends are helpful when turning sewn items right-side out, helping get the corners sharp. I think I paid 3.99 for it. I liked it so much I had to find one for my sister, so I found a set of clay carving tools that contained a similar tool at Harbor Freight.
Oh! Just had another thought. I have some plastic airline tubing, maybe 5/8" diameter, and cut slices maybe 3/8", then cut the slice open. This makes a handy wrap for bobbins to keep them neat. You can get the tubing at Home Depot or similar stores, sold by the foot. One foot will make a lot of bobbin wraps.
Last edited by jlm5419; 06-18-2012 at 07:52 AM.