Good suggestions! I want to get Super Fine Glass head pins in the 1 7/8" size. You can iron over the heads (if you forget it's there, it won't melt) and there are some brands that are rated better for being super sharp and easy to work with. I bought the magnetic pin holder and think the pins that came with it are too thick and not very sharp.
If you are going to a lot of classes or working in a small space you may like a little iron. I bought a little Sunbeam at Target for $11 and it is nice when I'm doing small piecing. Usually I like hopping up to press items on the regular ironing board.
I'm talking about irons like these:
http://www.epinions.com/Irons--store...thes+iron&sb=1