What would you want to start your sewing/quilting supplies over?
 

A friend recently lost her belongings (at least it looks like almost all of them) in a house fire. I ran across a box in my room here with five seam rippers so took one out and had it in my purse for when I saw her again --I was at the quilt shop this evening and she popped in --- that seam ripper is number one in my effort to give her a new start at the numbing time she is going through. So my question is this, if you were to assemble a basic replacement tool and library for yourself or someone else, what items would you choose. I need some input here. Remember I have 4 generations of stash to sort through as well as my recent stuff. I need some ideas as to what is important and what is icing and what is food for the soul.

WilliP

Ruler and cutting mat. Rotary cutter. Thread selection. Fat quarters. Pattern books.

Which books? Just wondering --- I think the local library has their book sale going on tomorrow and I kknow there is a great pattern book selection . My friend does a lot of miniature work.

Yep. I agree.

The pattern books are completely up to you, though, as the internet has a lot of patterns. I agree with the other--it is totally what I have helped another lady get.

I'd add a magnetic pin cushion and some pins, to that list, however.

As well as above. Pins fabric and did she loose her sewing machine? Thread scissors iron. Wadding and fabric for a complete project just to give her something to do.

I would buy the best quality I could afford and perhaps have fewer items. Olfa cutting mats and rotary cutters for sure. I go through several scissors (they seem to disappear only to be discovered on my husband's desk) so I've gone to more is better in that category. Sewing machine needles. I'm not a fan of fat quarters, personally. In this case, I might clean out my fabric closet and ask her if she wanted to come over and "shop", the fabric she doesn't choose I would send to a charity. I think we all have fabric that says "What was I thinking?"

First I'd let her borrow a machine, if you have an extra. Though she probably know what she wants to get, it might help to let her sew on a loaner till insurance comes thru with a check.

I would buy credit for her at the local quilt store so she could choose.

You are certainly a good friend. I would start saving coupons for JAF for notions. It sounds like she could use everything. I would start with a mat and rotary cutter, some fabric and thread, the seam ripper is a good idea, but she needs to sew something before ripping!! Depending on what she lost, it sounds like she needs a lot of things. Do you belong to a guild? Maybe you could get a group of members together to help her. Good luck
Sue

My favorites are:

Clover thin quilting pins
Kai scissors and Kai rotary cutter
Fiskars cutting mat
Creative Grids ruler(s) 12" and 24"
Auriful thread, white and beige
Rowenta iron
homemade iron pad, 30" square

This is very kind of you to help someone in need. I would like to help donate, please pm me.