If you are on JoAnn's mailing list and get their flyer, you can use the 40% off coupon and could even get one of the more expensive models.

I think a light box would be very helpful with tracing.

Wow, how nice of her.

Why not take a class together to learn a new technique.

Does she enjoys going to quilt shows? Retreats? Maybe some special tools. How about a nice cutting table!

Again, thank you all for your wonderful ideas! Although I decided (for a variety of reasons) to go with the 24" square Sew Steady table, I will keep all your ideas in the back of my head for future reference. Thank you. :thumbup: :thumbup:

We both turn 60 next year within a few months of one another, and I think I'll suggest that we save up our money and go to a quilt retreat together. I couldn't afford to send us both this time, but we could do it next year (with a bit of advance planning).

To act as a "placeholder" while she's (unknowingly) waiting for her Sew Steady table to come in the mail, I made her a purse with some of the fabric I got the last Fabmo distribution (http://www.fabmo.org) we went to. I wanted to give her something in the meantime, and that seemed like a fun thing. :)

Anyway, thanks again everyone for your terrific ideas. Someday, when I've finished ironing and folding everything,* I'll post a photo of all the fabric she gave me.

*I've made it a habit to wash and press everything that goes into my stash; that way it's ready to go whenever I am.

You could get her a hobby knife set. this is great for aplque. It makes cutting out little detail stuff a breeze and also small sharp curved scissors. Penny PS...congrats on all your fabric.