1. Rotary Blades – Sometimes I forget to change out my rotary blades, but when I do change them, a sharp blade is so great for cutting. A pack of new rotary blades is such a treat to have on hand.
2. Scissors – All scissors eventually grow dull. Plus, its great to have a variety of sizes. I have this small pair of crafting scissors that I keep in a zipper pouch for taking on the road. I also have this bulky pair of sewing scissors that are perfect for cutting through multiple layers or denim.
3. Hera Marker – This little tool is so handy to have for marking quilts. I didn’t know it existed until a few months ago. It is for marking lines or patterns on your quilts or projects without using pencils or fabric marking tools.
4. Basting Spray – Basting spray is so great for using when layering your quilt top with the batting and backing. It is SO MUCH BETTER than using pins, but it also costs money. I don’t use it often in an effort to reduce the cost of an already expensive hobby, but it sure was nice to use the basting spray my mother-in-law gifted to me a year ago.
5. Gift card to a Fabric Store – Picking out fabric for someone is kind of like trying to pick out clothes for them. It’s kind of tough. You never quite know what they like. If you want to give fabric, I recommend going the gift card route so they can pick it out themselves. Jo Ann’s Fabrics is always a great place to start. Etsy also has tons of great fabric shops. Maybe you have a local quilts shop you could run into to retrieve a gift card.
6. Chocolate, gummy worms, or Starbursts – Sitting at the sewing machine with a little pile of dark chocolate is my dream come true. Find a favorite treat and wrap it up pretty for storing in her sewing drawer.
7. Zipper pouches – I am always taking my projects on the road. A small zipper pouch sized to hold a few needles, thread, and a little pair of scissors is handy.
8. Hand Quilter’s Thread – The lady at my local quilt shop said hand quilting is growing more and more popular right now. Like most sewing supplies, there is great quality hand quilting thread and some that isn’t as great. Usually quality is reflected in the price. While I compromise some supplies, I have learned that high quality hand quilting thread has been a privilege to use. I buy Valdani thread right now from Sunny Day Supply, and I love it!
9. Tote – Once again, a nice big tote or large bag for carrying a quilt is quite handy. I almost always sew my bindings on by hand, and I usually save that part for a trip in the car. Having a good bag for protecting the quilt and holding a few supplies is convenient.
10. Organizers – Are all quilters and sewers like me? We end up with plenty of supplies and scraps and other little pieces that all need a cute place to live. Think outside the box with this one. Maybe a cookie jar for holding lots of colorful scraps. Or a fun coffee mug for holding basting pins. This bread box is my favorite for holding my binding clips.
So what am I missing? What are your favorite supplies to find in your stocking on Christmas day?
