I would get a starter stabilizer set. Threads I would hold off until you find what you machine likes, than you can invest in a small set. I get my prewoundbobbins from my brother from allstitch.net for my brother. The box last forever. You just need the class 15 which is compatible with the SA156. I still have a lot 2 years later. It lasts longer than buying the brother thread and winding your own and is also way cheaper than the brother bobbin thread. For quilt blocks it really depends on the stitch density I have used both cutaway and tearaway for quilt blocks. I only use tearaway if it is light stitch design like redwork. For towels you will need topper and whatever backing you want to usesome use tearaway some use washaway. Most starter sets come with basics like mesh, topper, tearaway and cutaway. I am using floriani but I have also used kensseewingcenter brand.