I love having a big mat, my rotary cutter, June Taylor's Shape Cutter, and the 2 rulers I use most is 6 x 24 and 6 x 12 (for squaring my fabric). Of course, the trusty seam ripper and a small pair of scissors for snipping threads. (I use my sewing scissors much less than I used to because rotary cutters are so much easier, but they are useful at times as well.) I also like to have a small "cut and press" because I don't always like to have my ironing board up. This gives me a 12 by 18 inch surface to cut on and flip for pressing....it isn't necessary but I do use it as I build my squares. Welcome to the world of quilting. It is a very contagious hobby that I have only just begun a couple years ago myself.