Books may be something that isn't a good buy if you don't use them. I have bought most of my books on amazon so the expense isn't so bad. I have also bought books at the guild silent auctions. I usually get them for $4 or less. There have been a few times I have bought a book from one of the guild speakers after I have listened to their lecture then I have a better idea if it is a technique or design I am likely to need/use. Our guild has a book library. I will check out a book I am thinking of buying and see if it is something I really want. There have been times that I have decided not to spend the money on one for myself. My kids know about my wish list on amazon and last year for Christmas my youngest daughter bought 11 of them off amazon for a gift for me. Many of the books I like are out of print so the used ones on amazon are wonderful. I especially like the books on designing/techniques.
I have 3 shelves of books. I have read them all and am always thumbing through them for ideas. I may never make some of them but I get ideas for colors or use part of a design to go in one of my quilts.
My daughter got me the book, "Block Bender Quilts" by Margaret Miller. It is a technique that really intrigues me but I haven't quite figured it out yet. I need time to do it step by step and not just read how to do it.

When I first retired and wanted to learn to quilt, I bought a Grace Z44 Hand Quilting Frame. My husband took days to set it up. I have never, ever used it. I tried hand quilting in a hand frame instead but just couldn't get the hang of it and I didn't find it relaxing. Guess I'll try again when I get even older, but the set up frame is just a constant reminder. :(

As for the marking pencils...I have a couple of many kinds but still haven't found a really good one yet. I just use the dressmakers chalk and a regular #2 pencil for the light colors. I have pretty much gotten use out of all the machines/gagets that I have bought.

If you ever find the right marking pen, please pass on the word. Thanks!

I have wanted the accuquilt go for a while now I am going to have to rethink and study it some more. I am thrilled to hear about lots of the "busts" to help me not make those mistakes I can't afford to make. I know I have bought fabric that just sits there as my stash builds and really nothing that goes together as a quilt. I have bought some dud books, but now I study them and always make something from the books I have been buying lately. Hummm, guess I learned from my scrapbook days to think and think and really do without to see if I can live without it forever. LOL

AccueCut2 - Grace quilting frame. The first two unhandy because I don't have a place to leave it out and the same for the quilting frame. Just to big and took up to much room. Rulers, also.

Flip n Set Ruler. So much easier to do the math for your set in triagles when setting a quilt on point. If you need the math calculations let me know and I will post them here.

Go online, see if they now have a DVD instruction video.

round hoop thing that was supposed to make FMQ easier. Never use it. Fortunately it was not too expensive.

Check online and see if instructions have been transferred to a DVD.

I have really enjoyed reading this thread. There are many things that I had "wanted" to purchase but after reading some of the comments I am sure glad that I didn't waste my money. As for sergers, I love mine and it has paid for itself over and over. I will check out the "thimble lady" thimbles as I have not found one that would last very long. I found one that is leather (deer skin) with the elastic inside and a pocket with little plastic discs inside the pocket. I bought several at about 6 bucks each. I sometimes put a nickle inside the thimble and it helps to prevent the needle from going through the leather and pricking your finger. I have a hint too...I use surgical gloves and cut off the fingers for my index finger to grab the needles. It works and fits snug and doesn't fall off and can be used many time over.