A pin cushion, thread, pins, needles to name a few

My favorite thing would be: at Hobby Lobby, one package that contains a seam ripper, measuring gauge and
a pair of the neatess scissors all for only $1.99 I have a set almost at all my machines. Then you can
buy a small box of chocolates with the rest of the money.

I just got a lighted seam ripper from Keepsake Quilts and it's great and around that price. I also love my magnetic bowl and Walmart has them cheaper then the auto shop.

Favorite ??? Most used --- Jack the ripper

I have never seen a purple thang at my JoAnn's. I bought one at a LQS and paid $7. Recently found them for $3.50. $1.50 is an awsome price and even though I love mine, it wasn't worth $7. $1.50 is the right price for that little thing. I love the quilt clips to hold the binding on.

I love my open-eyed needles. I can tuck the shortest tail in between the quilt layers by inserting the needle, then snapping the short thread in the needle eye, then pull it through.

You can never have enough seam rippers. I like the new green ones (Clover, I think).

I've bought Purple Thangs from jhittle. It's a great little device, also seam rippers,pins, needles are always good.

you could put different quilt paterns on the tins at the top

I'm surprised no one has mentioned one of my favorites - Glue Sticks!!!

Tate

I love my little wooden iron, siletto, and my seam ripper

Thanks for some ideas as my guild party is tomorrow night. We have a 10.00 limit and I am going to Joann in the morning with a coupon. My group says a sewing related item.

ohhhh i want one of those !!!!!

Frixion pens-they are awesome!

I love the long thin flowered pins and also my Clover brand seam ripper. The seam ripper is my best friend, lol.

Quilter's Rule Quick Rule for drawing the diagonal line on squares to make HSTs. $3 for the small one or $4 for the longer one.

My Needle threader and my seam ripper...LOL

I love my needle threader but my absolute favorite is Beeswax - I use it for threading needles, hand sewing and serger looper threading.

I have two useful bits of equipment in addition to the ones listed here:

1. Quilters Rule Quick Quarter - 1/2" x 6" Patchwork Ruler http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/acatalo...st_Rulers.html
This is about £3 sterling or $4.70 USD

2. Extendable Magic Pickup Tool
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3903212485...84.m1439.l2649
I paid £1.98 including P+P - about $3.10 USD

Flat pins and schmetz 80/12 sewing needles

You could even make her (if it's allowed) one of the pin cushions with the thread catchers attached. The tutorial was given on her several months back I believe. I have made several of them, and I use mine ALL the time and love it. When I make mine I use a different lining to coordinate with the outside fabric and they look so cute. It doesn't take much fabric or time.

I'm crazy about my square straight pin holder that has a magnetized bottom. It helps me keep up with my straight pins and needles. Now I don't sweep them off my sewing table onto the floor when I move fabric around when I'm sewing.

I bought a stiletto that cost $3.00. It is a nice looking tool and is very handy. There is also a button hole cutter in the same range.

Glass head fine silk pins, the longer the better. A gift certificate, a seam ripper (never can find one when I need one!!) is a great idea, a timer (I set it when I have something in the oven, or have to get to an appointment, saved a many cake when I am lost in sewing heaven).

seam ripper, magnetic pin holder

I second this! I have had to buy multiples of the "Thang" as I seem to use it multiple places! I find it friendlier than an awl or sharp stylus.

Where do you find rotary cutter blades for less than $5.00? The last time I bought a single blade, it was over $6.00.
My favorite cheap sewing aid is a ruler from Office Max. It cost me less than $2.00 and is exactly 1 1/2 inches wide,
which is perfect for cutting strips for string quilts. Thread, sewing machine needles and measuring tape as already
suggested are good ideas. May I suggest two identical tapes so that they can be connected to make that center point
measure. I've been unable to find a ruller with -0- in the middle. Hobby Lobby didn't know what I was talking about.

Maybe you cow ld make one of those caddies to hold a hot iron. Surely the materials would not cost more than $5.00.
How about a pin cushion? Easy to make and cost almost nothing.

Great question and even greater answers for us all. I like a leather thimble but not sure how much they now cost. Metal ruler at WalMart's in the office supply section, as I cut up wooden ones and even try to kill off the plastic ones ouch!!

I collect all types of pin cushions. There are so many designs on the market or even better sew on of your own.

Pins. I like the very long corsage pins. I can get only a few for less than $5 but they are worth it.

Believe it or not but a package of paper re-enforcements. I have discovered they are wonderful for holding the bobbin thread tail on top of my bobbin. I hate having all those little threads hanging out of my bobbin holder. So I put the loose end of the thread on top of the bobbin and then add the re-enforcement to hold it.

I've also started writing (very small 100% if it's 100% cotton) on the bobbin so I can tell if it's cotton or polyster.

Good luck and have fun !!!

Needle threader, marking pencil or chalk, seam ripper, thread snips or scissors, tweezers.

I have an odd item that has become one of my favorites. I got it at a model train show, of all places. I think it was intended to be a paint mixing tool; it is stainless steel, has a tiny spoon-like shape on one end and a rounded spatula shape on the other end. The spoon comes in handy for finger pressing, and both ends are helpful when turning sewn items right-side out, helping get the corners sharp. I think I paid 3.99 for it. I liked it so much I had to find one for my sister, so I found a set of clay carving tools that contained a similar tool at Harbor Freight.

Oh! Just had another thought. I have some plastic airline tubing, maybe 5/8" diameter, and cut slices maybe 3/8", then cut the slice open. This makes a handy wrap for bobbins to keep them neat. You can get the tubing at Home Depot or similar stores, sold by the foot. One foot will make a lot of bobbin wraps.

Me too! It is the best notion of all and good for many purposes.

What about one of those little things you look through and it's the opposite of binoculours (sp?)? It shows you if your color choices are distributed evenly. I THINK I paid $5 for it. I love it and can't get by without it.

I would think most all would buy the seam ripper or measuring tape. I would look for something different and not as likely to be thought of to swap. Here are a few things that I have given for $5 max exchanges.

http://www.sewunique.com/cf.htm
http://sewtrue.com/Store/Magnetic-Seam-Guide-P442.html
http://clover-usa.com/product/75916/...im_Chaco_Liner

My first thought was the seam ripper, too. BUT I really like the kind that are flat and fold into the handle. They don't roll off the table and there is no cap to lose.

I would say a good seam ripper or a marker that washes out. Also you could make a darling pin cushion.

I'm old and stiff and one of my new favorites is an extending magnetic stick that I can pick up pins, scissors, seam rippers, whatever with------also works great for the piece of stainless steel that I drop with every meal.

And the magnetic tool bowls instead of pin cushions.

ALL AT HARBOR FREIGHT!

Oh I love my telescoping magnet...got it at Harbor Freight...it was cheap...but works great....