HI
A friend of mine is retiring after thirty years of working with special needs children. She told me she wanted to take up quilting. She bought a sewing machine.. I have taken up a collection at work and thought I would make her a starter kit (i.e. mat, rotary cutter, ruler...etc). My question... What is the one thing you think absolutely needs to go in the kit... And do you have a favorite brand?
Thank you. Any other suggestions would be fun as well.

thread snippers! What a great idea for a retirement gift!

Definetly a stitch ripper, i am just learning and find i "unsew quite a bit" i would be lost without mine.

CHOCOLATE :lol:

rotary cutter Olfa, extra blades either 45 or 60
Mat
Fabric scissors
snips
rulers 6 x 24 at least, also 6.5 square
basic quilting book ?
good thread in a neutral color
extra bobbins if she doesn't have a good stash
1/4 " foot if her machine doesn't have one
thin quilters straight pins

wonderful idea - magnetic pin holder and extra sewing machine needles

an I.O.U for lessons?

Cute handmade pincushion, safety pins for basting, quilting gloves, fat quarters or some other fun fabric collection. What a fun idea!

a gift certificate to a LQS...

and i luv kat sews idea of the iou for lessons

1/4" foot for her sewing machine. It really helps keep the seams even.
What a great friend you are to do this for her.

fabric sissors, tape measure