I love my June Tailor Shape Cutter, they have ones that have 1/2 inch slots and 2 1/2 inch slots. I have the 1/2 inch slots, it's much more usable for me.

I second a good seam ripper, sharp/thin pins and bent safety pins. Those are pretty obvious items that I use all the time. My other favorite notion is a good pair of fine point tweezers. I use it to pull threads tightly (when I am trimming) as well as pulling stray threads (when I've ripped seams out). I have only one pair so when I lose them in all my clutter and NEED them, I am searching frantically for them. I got mine in a quilt shop so they are not like eyebrow tweezers.

A magnetic pin cushion and spray basting. And a vintage Featherweight sewing machine. Treat yourself to any book by Eleanor Burns.

A magnetic wand has saved me a few times. I Hand quilt on the sofa and a lost needle can create havoc (or pain)

do you have the address for scissor sharping from Ginghers?

Definitely need a 12X12 square ruler, its invaluable for squaring up your blocks. I use my stiletto ALL the time, so useful to have. I also agree about the small tweezers, I bought them on a whim as they were on sale and find myself using them all the time for various things. Get a small 2X6 ruler too, its good to have for small trimming jobs

One of those little finger sweaters that keeps your finger from being burned when your ironing...my next purchase for sure. I hate steam burns.

I use only a couple tools.
sewing machine
mat
rottary cutter
6x24 ruler
nice pair of scissors
iron

I own a 12.5x12.5 ruler it hangs out in the drawer. I also have a 6.5x12 ruler it rarely gets used. I bought a circle cut template to make a quilt. Used it the one time its hung out in the drawer since. I think my sister is going to use it to make circles for her sons bedroom walls so it MAY get used again. I cut triangles with a square/rectangle ruler that is marked with 45 or 60 degree marks.

do you have the address for scissor sharping from Ginghers?

My suggestions would be a good basic quilt book. Fons and Porter have one which to me is the altamite. If you want to try applique get Becky Goldsmith and Linda Millagans book The New Applique Sampler (learn to applique the Piece O'Cake Way. With those two books and this board you are set to go.