"That purple thing" is a purple colored, plastic, skewer length, thin gadget that is sort of slightly curved, blunt-pointed at one end (end I use to flip put interfaced pieces...like for machine appliqué), and flat T shape at other....don't use that side myself.....just a must have for me.....I don't use to guide fabric while sewing, have bamboo skewers or stiletto for that. I posted the subject because I was just a bit surprised at the price difference at that moment.....