My family always asks me for some ideas of what I'd like for Christmas, and this year I'd like some tools, etc., related to quilting. I have the bare basics (cutting board, rotary cutter, various rulers) but would like your suggestions for your favorite tools.

Also, can anyone give me a little tutorial on scissors? I have sewing shears and one pair of little scissors, but what is the difference between embroidery scissors and thread cutters?

If you could, also suggest where is the best place to buy this stuff.

Thanks so much in advance!

I think that I'd say fabric, fabric and more fabric! But if it's tools you want I'd say a good iron.

Oh list could be so long:

Small iron to use on small side table with omni folding cutting matt/ironing matt.

505 spray basting. It's costly but the best.

High table for cutting.

Magnetic pin holding.

Gift cards to your favorite fabric shop to use towards fabric or classes.

Additional feet for your machine.

Let me know if you need more!

Here is a link to the thread I started referingto scissors hope it helps!!http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/9188.page

Do you have Ot lite that is a nice pressie also the bendable light that attaches to your machine .

Ginger sewing scissors, not cheap but oh so worth it, and if you only use them on your fabric its a long time before you need to sharpen them again (a whopping $5). My most treasured item. How about a certificate to your favorite quilt shop? omnigrid tools? Those are great for getting your angles, inches everything perfect. OH OH and one of those handles you can suction cup to the top so when you lay it down it stays put (if not then some little stickems for the four corners so it sticks more to your fabric when your using it as a tool to template your fabric? think they are sandpaper like)

What kind of quilts do you like to make ? Do you need any extra rulers for them ? Patterns, books. Extra blades for the rotary cutter. EQ software . Storage containers for fabric. Good pins, safety pins for basting , extra needles.

I'm glad you mentioned EQ software, as I've just barely heard about it but it sounds interesting...tell me more!

Here is there website...many of us enjoy designing our own blocks and quilts using this software. a couple of mouse clicks and you can take a block out of their library and make it any size you like... customize it first... You can do so many things with this software, the only limit is your imagination. The best feature for me is being able to design my own blocks... but many love it for being able to see the quilt before you make the first cut...and make any alterations to it even before you buy the first piece of fabric. Many fabric manufacturer's are making their lines available to download into EQ's fabric library.

http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/EQ6/EQ6.asp

In terms of scissors, I have found the small Fiskars scissors to be my favorites. These are about 6 inches long with straight points, have a lock to keep them closed, and no thumb holes. These are the kind you squeeze to use. The six-inch ones are the ones I look to grab all the time. They vary in price, so shop around. I have gotten them at Walmart and Target for less than they sell for at JoAnn's. I've started buying them whenever I see them on sale for a good price -- under $10 or so.

Thread cutters are usually squeeze-type cutters. You don't have to put your fingers into any holes. I prefer these to embroidery scissors -- less fussy, quicker to grab and use. Scissors designed specifically for embroider often have bent tips so you can get close to the design with the cutting edge without having your hand horizontal to the surface.

I would ask for gift cards so you can get what you need.