Notions
I’ve been sewing since I was 7, and quilting since I was 20 something. The notions I use are what I’ve found works for me and what I could easily get. I didn’t get taught my experts that said this or that was a must or the best. So… take this information for what it is, and if it doesn’t work for you, find something that does!
There are the basics for getting started, such as rotary cutter, mat, seam ripper, pins, and scissors. I did several YouTube videos that you can review here:

There are a TON of tools and gadgets out there, and I know I’m guilty of picking up a few here and there. But what I find is that often they will be left unused and I’ll fall back to the ones I’ve used for ages. For example, I’ve tried a variety of rotary cutters, but I always go back to my Olfa cutter w/ the ergonomic handle.
As I’ve been quilting and picking up quilting supplies for the past 30 years, I now have quite a collection. But what I’m going to show you here are the ones that I use ALL THE TIME. These are the basics that will get you started on your way to quilting.
Two must haves – a rotary cutter and mat.  I love my Olfa Ergonomic rotary cutter, I’ve tried a variety of others, but continue to go back to this one.  My current rotary cutter mat is an Olfa 24” x 36” mat, which I’ve been using for years.  But a new one has piqued my interest, the Martelli 30” x 60”, and I’ll be getting one in the near future.   Check out my YouTube video playlist on  Rotary Cutter Mats.

Hot Chocolate Coasters
Sailing Ship Coasters
Scissors, yep, you’ll still need a few good pair of scissors. I love my Gingher 8” sewing shears,they are so smooth and stay sharp, and I love the weight of them in my hand. Reminds me of the sewing scissors I used as a kid when I made my own clothes. I also have several pairs of Tooltron spring action snips, they’re great for snipping threads at my sewing machine, as well as trimming up threads on machine embroidery work.

Other odds and ends:

  • Wonder Clips, a must have for doing binding work. You can get these in a variety of different quantities, be sure to get ones that come in their own container.
  • Clover Patchwork Pins-Fine
  • Best Press spray starch (scent free)
  • Seam Ripper – can’t say I really have a favorite. The one that came with my sewing machine works great, and I have another one that is super sharp.
My Labrador Owns my Heart