KyKaren1949

Tia, I'm a fairly new quilter, so I just bought many of these items. I took lessons from a very talented lady who has been quilting a long time. She recommended the following:
Sewing machine, 18 X 24 or 24 X 36 inch mat, 45 mm rotary cutter, extra blades, extra needles for your sewing machine, good cotton thread (no polyester), good straight pins (she recommended Clover glass head pins, seam ripper, rulers that are accurate and be sure to buy all the same brand as they sometimes measure differently (she recommended Omnigrid), pin cushion, "betweens" needles if you're going to hand quilt and a hoop. Then, to begin a simple pattern like a Turning Twenty or simple nine patch and good 100% cotton fabric. Start simple and gain confidence. I also use the www.about.com site for much information. She's a friend and does a great job with info. There are many helpful sites online for beginners as well.
Don't get discouraged, keep practicing and practicing. You'll become addicted so quick!! Good Luck!

bammy1

I'm new too. What is a wand magnet and stiletto? What are the glue sticks for? Why the starch?

amorerm

great suggestions. I'll have to remember some of these. We're doing to scare her thinking about all these things but she can get a little at time when she starts a new project and buys fabric, etc. for the project.

smitty

FABRIC !!! and good basic book, especially on rotary cutting.
Fons & Porter have a good basic. try Amazon.
welcome to the the Quilters world ! oh, you may also need some will power to stay off this site & get some work done.

perci2

i really use my 2 1/2 inch wide 18 inch long clear ruler alot!!
tiger tape to sew accurate 1/4 inch seams is great also. :D

brendaln

You also gave one beautiful baby on your Avitar.

danade

The best, sharpest scissors you can find. A large, fabric-cutting pair and a very small pair. You don't have to spend a lot, either--you can use JoAnn or Hancock coupons. I'd ask the cutters in the store for recommendations.

Dana

donnalynett

I love my rotating cutting mat and wonder why I waited so long to get one!

brendag

Hello, I liked your idea to help her. But I would like to ask where did you get that snoopy. I am a snoopy lover.

ladyredhawk

a good book that shows you how to quilt. don't do short cuts until you sew it the right way first, you will find your own short cuts and they won't be where you thought they would be. and yes several seem rippers will come in handy. good luck