When I started quilting I had a sewing machine and a scissors, plus normal sewing notions, like pins, ripper, etc. When rotary cutters came out I got a mat, a 6x24 ruler and a Dritz rotary cutter, which I am still using. That's all I had for many years. The last couple years I have bought a few more rulers, a new mat, and a portable ironing surface. I have everything I need to make most anything. My favorite rulers are my 6x12 and my 6.5x6.5.