I did everything by hand for the first 4 years that I quilted, I only started machine piecing when I need to get something to the quilting stage quickly, I was making a coverup quilt for my Dad when he was going through cancer treatments.

So, bare necessities are fabric, batting, needles, thread, and either a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat, or something with which to make stencils and a good pair of scissors.

I do mostly machine piece now, though all applique and quilting are still done by hand.

You're Welcome!

All you really need to make something nice is fabric, needle and thread and maybe a quilt hoop.

what I would like to have is a chef and house clearner, Oh I already have that, my DH.

Give me a sewing machine, ruler, mat, rotary, serrated scissors, marking pen, Wonder clips, thread, needle, iron and baskets of pre cuts and I would be a happy quilter. All my extra quilting items are gravy. If I didn't have pre cuts I'd have to have my Go and dies.

I need everything I have, could not part with any of it.

I remember that story.

Has anyone mentioned chocolate? I'm pretty sure that's a bare essential.

I read that needles were very scarce, no general store for hours away in most places. The needle that was to be borrowed was stuck in a potatoe so it wouldn't get lost in transport.

Besides some of the items listed above, I could not do without graph paper and colored pencils. I like to sketch out my quilts before starting them. Sometimes, I'm not thrilled with the layout, and will cut out the little paper blocks and re-arrange them to see if I can find a better layout.

Ditto for list above...plus a pin cushion and an iron and my fabric inspectors (cats).:)