Small batting sandwiches (I use cheap muslin from joanns, and batting scraps from projects), lots of different thread types to see what you like, topsticthing needles, machingers gloves, supreme slider or sew slip, practice practice, practice. Me personally all my practices mostly have been stencils, and simple meander. Books are nice, but I honestly learned the most from watching craftsy. I adore Patsy Thompson she is awesome on craftsy and in person as well. SITD monopoly on top but cotton on back to match.