My local quilt shop is sponsoring a Farmer's Wife Club and at the first meeting recommended some notions that might be helpful. I've already mentioned here that I hope each meeting isn't only a marketing opportunity, but I have found some things very helpful!

Forked quilting pins: very fine gauge, two-pronged pins that hold seams open while you sew. A bit slippery and you have to have pretty good coordination to get them in place, but ... I like them!

Here's a link so you can see how they come. I got them with 25% off at my LQS, but got several things at the same time so not sure what they cost.
http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Fork-Pi...4514473&sr=8-1

The Purple Thing is also my friend. My machine balks at heavy seams so this helps push it right through. There are many other uses for this handy little thing. Here it is http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/086283.html

A friend came over to mark a quilt with me. She uses 3 yardsticks taped together to mark the long diagonals for cross hatching. My husband came up with a long aluminum thingy from the hardware store. I'm not sure what it's supposed to be for, but it sure does the job. You lay it across your sandwiched quilt diagonally, mark the line with chalk, then go to the other diagonal and do the same. I tuck it behind a cabinet when not in use.

Thanks for sharing your favorite finds. I like the long aluminum measuring device but because of limited space would have to use the 3 yard stick idea. I have the forked pins but they are not fine wire. Will have to pick up some of the finer steel. Do they bend easily?

Thanks, I love things that make it easier for me. I was wondering about those forked pins.

Our LQS has a similar program. Once a month we gather to see "what's new", have little demos and then get our free pattern and fat quarter. There is never any pressure to buy and it's a great opportunity to see products that might interest a quilter. We also have time for a tea or coffee and to chat with other quilting buddies. I don't buy that much but definately enjoy my time there.

Thank you for sharing......I also use the fork pins....I love them!

Forked pins are one of those new notions that I've found to be indispensable.

I don't have a Purple Thang but use a wooden manicure stick for the same thing.....one end is pointy and the other is flattened.....both ends useful as a stilletto or neatening seams just before sewing over them.

Great idea for the long metal "thing"....thanks!!

I love fork pins! I don't know how I ever lived without them! :)

1st of all, love that pinwheel quilt! 2nd, I think I like those fork pins! May have to get me some and try it! Thanks!
Oh and I bought the purple thing about 4 yrs ago, now I got to get busy today and see where I put it when we moved last!

I haven't had the forked pins very long, but haven't had any bend. They kind of squish together where the opening between the forks gets smaller, but as you put them in the fabric you just spread them as wide as you'd like.

My husband also brought home an old school carpenter's ruler which is 6' long, but folds in sections. Remember those? Some of my quilts are longer than 6' diagonally though so the aluminum thingy works great. I think you could put it behind a door, but I have different sized cutting mats, etc stored behind this cabinet and it fits right in there with those.

I use the metal strip you put on carpet edge. It comes in several size widths and you buy it by the foot. You can get it at Home Depot or carpet dealers.