Above the basics of sewing machine, rulers & rotary cutters I find Elmer's washable glue and a heavy starch (both using a dry iron) to be essential. They really improved my cutting and piecing.

For me:

Basics (other than the ones you mentioned) rotary cutter, 24" x 36" mat, 6" x 24" ruler, and 12 1/2" square up ruler.

Nice to have: June Taylor shape cut ruler (great for cutting strips), wrist pincushion, and I love my Gizmo http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...13SFWVGD6STET3 (I do lots of chain piecing--really speeds up the cutting apart of pieces without the danger of accidentally cutting the pieces).

Luxuries: I am using my EQ7 program more than I thought I would (I like planning my own patterns with it) and good marking tools (I have Frixxon pens and chalk pencils).

Here is the opposite of what you are asking for! Just in case you would like to know, what NOT to buy,..read through this and discover what many of us have 'wasted our money' on.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...y-t202622.html

Miss Eleanor is AMAZING! i have a couple of her cd's and want to get the Victory Quilts next. MSQC is equally as great! yes, you need all those little tools and gadgets, they really WILL come in handy! you never know what you might come up with once you look at a couple youtubes and get some omnigrids in your hand! you may even find an iron or two that suits your fancy! ;)

I agree with you on the green mats - much better!