Keep in mind that our grandmothers made quilts with only fabric, scissors, a pencil, cardboard for templates and if they were lucky, a sewing machine. You really don't NEED any of those items, so pick one or two that you feel you will use most and try them. Let me tell you, some are worth the chips and some are a disappointment and a waste of money. I've bought both kinds. Some will serve more than one purpose and some are truly worthless, so go easy and pick and choose. I have a plethora of things I thought would be really useful and have never, or seldom, used them. The ones that really work for you will be your necessary rulers, rotary cutters, and mats.