Sienna's GiGi

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

Momyar

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 !!!

jlm5419

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.

ploverwi2

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

jcrow

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.

BellaBoo

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

KwiltyKahy

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.

Wanabee Quiltin

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

GrannieAnnie

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!

sak658

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