As a fairly new quilter (just started last May) I would read and feel like I had to go out and get this or that because all the quilters have it so it must be a necessity! Well, about the only things I have used on a regular basis is the cutting mat, long ruler, and rotary cutter. I did purchase a new machine in December and that has really been good. Those pins you talked about....I bet I threw out 1/3 or more of them because they would have blunt ends that wouldn't go through the fabric or bent when I tried pushing through. Kinda gave those up in favor of the elmer's glue and I did purchase a set of those clover clips. I do like the clips. I am sure as I get into more complicated stuff I will want or need other things. But, as my grandmother often said....some lessons are best learned the hard way! or 'ain't no lesson like a bought lesson.'