Here are a few of my favorite things. (Links included to make items much easier for you to find on the web and for a slight affiliate commission. I'm nothing if not an enabler. 😉)
First off, check out the specials at Fat Quarter Shop!
You can never go wrong with a convenient and beautiful fat quarter bundle or Aurifil thread.
Starch can be a great help, so fabrics don't stretch out of whack, especially when they are cut on the bias (at a diagonal). I like fragrance-free Best Press and a fine mist bottle.
As a splurge, I like the Oliso iron with legs that pop up without you tipping it. No more singeing my ironing board when I lose focus. The best deal is at Piece N Quilt. Use my referral link for $10 off.
Any time I design a quilt, I use EQ8. Amazon has a terrific price right now. This is such a useful gift!
Pins and a dish are essential. You can't beat the Harbor Freight Magnetic Parts Holder, and I prefer skinny Clover Glasshead pins.
Perhaps you don't want your pattern pieces to get all mixed up. Personally, I can't even find the fabric I was cutting pieces out of, so there's much room for improvement. Anyhow, Alphabitties are good for that. Attach with some Clover Wonder Clips.
Rotary cutting tools are a must. My favorite mat size is OLFA's 24" x 36". Brand and size do make a difference. This one allows me to lay out yardage and cut without further folding, which improves accuracy. It's a self-healing mat with flexibility, that can be cleaned with soapy water. Just make sure it lays flat when it travels in a warm car to prevent warping.
For extras, I love the OLFA 12.5 rotating mat. It's great for squaring up blocks.
My favorite rotary cutter is the OLFA Splash. It's easy to change the blade, comes in fun colors, has a comfortable grip, and is very affordable. Upgrade the blade to their Endurance model for lasting sharpness. As for rulers, my favorites are the OLFA 6" x 24", and 12.5" square. Smaller sizes are very handy for maneuverability and transport. For paper-piecing, I love the Add-A-Quarter Plus, and for HSTs I favor the Bloc_Loc 6.5".
For book lovers like me, take advantage of C+T Publishing's Black Friday sale. Use code BLACKFRIDAY30 to save 30% off everything.
And if you are in for an industrial quilting machine, Juki is a favorite coming in at under $1,000 for durability and a beautiful stitch.
A drop-in cabinet for your sewing machine is extremely helpful for quilting. Arrow has cabinets at deep discounts. Use the code THANKS for 20% off and free shipping (excludes Black Friday deals).
Or a low-budget solution is available at Joann's for $129.99.
This year Cricut machines have hit the best prices I've seen.
And if your quilter is well-stocked in fabric and notions, classes would be fun. Creativebug is running quite the deal.
What's on your quilting wish list this year?
