C.Cal Quilt Girl

Can't go without old dritz mat and ruler, trusty fiskar cutter, 3-4 rippers, flat flower pins :)
Useless are chanell cutter, JT fringe and fancy fleese templates, they were way on sale so I don't feel too bad.

Linda B

Some of my favorite items:
1. my Pfaff sewing machine
2. my Pfaff 1/4 inch foot with guide edge
3. my Gingher rotary cutter
4. my Fiskars softouch scissors
5. my Gingher large handle embroidery scissors
6. my Gingher 3 1/2 by 18 ruler
7. my Rowenta travel iron

Some things I have that I don't use:
1. Sidewinder bobbin winder (too slow, too little thread)
2. 17 inch Olfa turntable rotary mat (too stiff in turning)
3. Rotary blade sharpener (just doesn't work worth a darn)

PuffinGin

I have a pincushion that looks like a little wide-brimmed hat which I made over 45 years ago. I know it's age because I made it out of the fabric I used to make my bridesmaid's dress for my brother's wedding. It's kind of dirty and scruffy looking but I came up with my own pattern and have used it since. Well along with lots of other pincushions (including the standard tomato with attached sand-filled strawberry).

Least useful: Darice mini-iron (4"x2.5" ). I planned to use it on a heat-resistant ironing cloth on a table that's perpendicular to my sewing machine table. For those quick seam presses, I thought. The problem is that the cord disconnected (built to be removable) whenever I used it. It was an impulse buy I bought when out of town so I couldn't return it. I've decided it's better for me physically and mentally to get up and use my regular iron and ironing board I usually have set up in the next room. It gives me a chance to stretch and it's a whole lot less aggravating.

mzsooz

I have a power strip hung above my table. I plug in the sidewinder, light, iron, etc. When I come down to sew I just flip the switch on the power strip and walah... everything is on. When I'm done, flip switch and all power is off. Don't even have to turn off my iron that way!!

IBQUILTIN

I have that desk top needle threader, and was even able to use it in the car while traveling. I love it. You just have to be sure to get the needle in there with the hole in the right place. Also love my Morgan Hoop for applique. What a Godsend that has been,.

sewcrazygirl

My favorite is the rotary cutter, couldnt sew with out it. Worthless was the sidewinder, it worked ok for my Janome but when i bought my viking it wouldnt cooperate. Also Dritz Tracing paper is useless, it doesnt work at all.

sewitseams

i have a bobbin winder i use a lot and it works well. also like my cutting mat that rotates. had to have a rotary cutter which has a pinking edge - think i have used it once. best non quilting tool in my sewing room is a "tide to go stick". i am always getting a spot on the project i am working on.

plainpat

Hello.Can I ask for more info on the Simplicity bias maker ?
Does it work alone, or do you need other equipment with it?
I've bought too many "must haves" especially specialty rulers,
so kind of leary of new gadgets. TIA,Pat

Donna Hall

I love my Quilt In A Day half square triangles square-up ruler espescially when I have so many of them to make.
I have brought so many thimbles that I can not use for one reason or another.

cat-on-a-mac

I have the same opinion as Linda about my rotary blade sharpener. It seems to make the blades worse instead of better.

I've only been quilting for a short while, but have realized the best tools may be the duplicates (scissors, seam rippers) that I keep on my ironing board. I'm constantly searching under scraps and squares for these 2 tools. Keeping an extra set by the iron has saved me a lot of time.