GrannieAnnie

a good mat, good rotary cutter, SEAM RIPPER (with a comfy handle and fine point), 5" x 24" ruler (my first had a lip on it that helped hold ruler in place). A good scissors and one of my newer favorites, a little nipper. The nipper is always open and it's great for snipping threads and cutting tiny amounts of fabric.

ArtsyOne

How exciting to be starting to quilt! I have had the same 5" x 24" lipped ruler for more than 30 years and could not do without it. I use it for cutting across the width of fabrics and it also has angle markings on it so that I can cut bias binding strips. I have a ton of other rulers that I never use, so I would consider this ruler to be the one to have. I also couldn't do without my small, very sharp embroidery scissors that I use in tandem with my seam ripper. Have lately discovered basting spray and don't know how I've managed this long without it. The two last items that I consider to be important are a good rotary cutter that fits your hand comfortably and a large cutting mat that covers your table. With regard to the rotary cutter, I must have about 8 of them and there's really only one I use consistently - it's the small yellow Olfa. Welcome and have fun!!

QuiltnNan

welcome to the board. i could not live without my 6.5x24" fluorescent ruler. of course, the self-closing rotary cutter and self-healing mat go along with that.

jlm5419

When I started, I got a June Taylor cut and press, a 6"x13" ruler, and a rotary cutter, in addition to standard sewing supplies. I still use all, and have added rulers and a large cutting mat.

Neesie

Welcome, from Texas! I would advise having several of the small (clear) 6" rulers (fairly cheap, at WalMart). These are good for measuring seams and marking seam lines/guides, etc.; these little rulers have countless uses! Place one by your sewing machine and then place the others in various places, around your sewing area. Keep an extra one, in a "safe place," for when you can't find any of the others! Seriously.

misskira

Hand sewing needles too! For binding. Sharp pins, iron, seam ripper, rotary cutter, ruler and mat. Start with the basics and add as you "need" things. have fun!!

Peckish

To answer your question, I thought about what items I take with me on retreats.

Sewing machine
needles (both hand and machine)
scissors
rotary cutter
ruler (what kind will be a personal choice - people like their rulers for different reasons)
cutting mat
seam ripper

glue is something I can't live without, both liquid school glue and glue sticks. I hesitate to add it to a list of things for brand-new quilters, but fortunately glue is both cheap and easily available.

patchsamkim

Someone else did mention the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler...that is a tool I would NOT want to be without...such a time saver. Everyone has listed so many necessary tools. Start with the basics, and then see what other tools you may need. A longer ruler (6x24) a shorter ruler (maybe 4-1/2x12-1/2) a square ruler (6x6) would be the minimum of rulers that would be helpful for a new quilter. A good seam ripper is useful (I like the Clover one). A good pair of scissors, and a small snips. Of course a rotary cutting board and cutter.
Have fun!

Buckeye Rose

The best lighting you can afford!....the light on my 6600 just doesn't cut it so I have a goose necked lamp setting behind the machine and it makes a world of difference....am searching for a reasonably priced ($70 online is way out of line) LED to put under the harp of the machine.

AliKat

I would add a good square up ruler for your quilting. I prefer the Martingale - That Patchwork Place one.

If you have any 'special needs' due to arthritis or something that makes the steps of quilting awkward, then there are more suggestions. I like my alto's QuiltCut 2 as I can cut more and more accurately. This is for when you have been quilting a while though.

When I started other quilters gave me my stash. All it took was going to a class at my LQS and joining local quilt groups/guilds.

Have fun.

ali