nanacc

I use wooden skewers (bought at WM or dollar stores in large pkg) as stilleto or point turner. Usually cut them in half and smooth ends with emery board. Emery board makes quick pencil sharpener. Have old permanent rollers(with stretch closures) to roll strips of scraps. They close and keep strips neat. Hanging jewelry organizer next to machine for thread or other needs. DH's diabetic test strips come in flip-top containers that are just right for used needles. Put damaged rotary blades in his 'sharps container' for syringes.

moonwork42029

I use the "free orange peeler" from Tupperware to turn corners without worrying about "poking through".

Blue painters tape is the best thing for temporary holding.

SlightlyOffQuilter

I use blue painters tape on my rulers to help me remember which line I am using as a guide , like when using my 5 x 24 ruler for cutting long 2 1/2 inch strips, I just put the edge of the tape along the 2 1/2 inch line on the underside of my ruler. it makes it easier to find the correct line each time plus the tape acts like a non skid and keeps my ruler from shifting while cutting ! Double bonus !

quilttiger

Large clamps (found in the hardware section) for holding down rulers to the cutting table, especially the 4 by 36" ruler. One clamp is enough to hold the ruler at the far end while I hold down the end closest to me, for example.

MrsBeasley

Those foam sanding sponges are Wonderful to remove threads and lint from my work. (I keep one in the bedroom to use as a lint brush too). I picked mine up at the dollar store, hardware aisle.

judylg

I do the same with broken needles and bent pins. This is a good thing.

renda

1st -I use a ball winder to store my binding until ready for use. Just slip an empty toilet tissue cardboard over the winder and holding the binding gently in my hand, crank away and my bind is neatly wound around the cardboard.
2nd - I taped a small piece of batting to my long arm quilting machine and when I clip threads, just stick them to the batting and when it won't hold any more "strings", I simply gather them up, discard and I'm ready to go again.l

Retired Fire Chief

I use a tall Planters mixed nut can as my trash can for threads and unusable scraps next to my machine. I put the plastic lid on the bottom of the can so it doesn't slide on my table. And my husband gave me one of his small heavy rubber mallets to use to pound fabric where numerous pieces of fabric are seamed together, really reduces the bulk so the block will lay flat.

weezie

Lot of things mentioned here I use and some good new ideas for me, too. I had a big bag of smooth decorative rocks given to me many years ago. I have them in different sized plastic containers (so I can stack them inside one another when not using them) and when I have a big piece of fabric to cut, I use these buckets of rocks as weights to help secure the fabric while I smooth and straighten it.

anorton

Chopstick from Chinese restaurants work great for getting into points after turning. They are free and usually decorative, to boot!