Hi Amy. You are getting a high five from the Rockies! Simple is the way to go. It's about the joy of sewing, NOT about following what the marketers are telling us what we "need". My Grandmother happily used her treadle machine and said it was "silly" to waste money on electricity to sew...with a treadle you could be outside!!! Hugs from Canada.

I’m so glad I watched this. I have been thinking about getting a wool pressing mat but I absolutely CANNOT deal with bugs of any kind. Since I have a doggie door for my fur babies we get a few flys and moths every year that my wonderful hubby deals with quickly, but why invite trouble? I’ll stick with what I have always used.

Love your review of these items. As a new quilter this type info is so useful! THANKS

Amy, first I love your channel, keep it up! Second I think it's great that you call out notions that you don't use or like. I do use a wool pressing mat, I have a small one in my 'go' bag and a larger one in my sewing room. I like them and they don't smell like wet sheep to me (although I have heard that from other folks who use them, maybe some brands have the funk). I like it because my room is small and cramped and I don't have room for an ironing board so this lets me have an ironing station right by my machine. I agree that the Frixion pens aren't great for fabric, I used them a lot when I taught sewing to elementary school students (on a sewing machine!) The kids thought it was magical that the pen mark would disappear when ironed! I don't use them in my regular sewing life, like you, I'll use a pencil or a bit of tailor's chalk. I use starch sometimes, but mostly I just press or use a spritz of water. I also have the "blade saver" tool and while it works, I find I have to go back and snip the threads anyway, I hate to have dangling threads! I have a couple of magnetic pin holders and even have two (one has an LED light) that telescope so I can pick up pins without bending over. I also have one that has a device that looks like a clothes pin on it and when you press the clothes pin it releases anything on the magnet. But I also have about six regular pin cushions, I do have to hide those from my cat who thinks it's hilarious to pull out the pins with his mouth! When I was teaching kids, they LOVED playing with the magnetic pin cushion and my telescoping magnetic one. They would drop pins on the floor just so they could pick them up! You are awesome!

Interesting comments about the wool mat. In Minnesota I don't have those issues. The moths must freeze in the cool months!! I love steam and still use a wool mat, but I also don't have a cat! Love your comments about these tools. We all have to find our own way in our hobby, and we don't have to do what "everyone else" does!

Attaching a small plastic letter opener to your machine bed (I attach mine to the left) is the perfect way to clip chained pieces without any extra muss or fuss. I use double sided silicone tape and it allows it to adhere very well. It is always there; easy to use; and quick. I have a 2'x4' wool mat (I bought a wool rug pad) that is covered and sits on a wicker 2 level book shelf. I've not seen a bug in 4 years (and many say that starch attracts bugs...not spied one yet and I'm no clean/neat freak). As I glue baste many of my pieces for production sewing, I need a cover (and any who starches should consider same).

I really love my clappers. My hubby made me ones that are small, big and even a square one.

I agree with you about most of these things. I use a magnetic pin holder but I don't like the bowl type. Those pins go in evey possible direction, including into my fingers! The one I use keeps the pins in alignment so they are easier to grab. It's also handy for finding dropped needles and pins. I use spray sizing occasionally if needed but don't like the feel of starched fabric. I keep a few small produce baskets around to corral small items. My bulletin board is more about sentimental things than it is about quilting, things that make me smile and don't have meaning to anyone but me, mixed in with a few quilty items.

Hi, Amy, concerning critters in your wool…I store my wool in plastic containers with lids, in a cabinet to prevent fading, with lavender dryer sheets. No problems yet!

I have frixion pens for writing. I use chalk pencils to mark fabric. Love my magnetic bowl from Harbor Freight.

Thank you for this video. It reminded me how quilting supplies are a BIG business. I have a mechanical pencil from college and use it. I also use a white pencil to mark the darker fabrics. I think specialty containers designed for precuts are expensive and do not hold very much. I store my fabric in sturdy plastic containers with snap on lids, bought at Big Lots. My design wall is not a specialty item. I use the fuzzy side of a plastic tablecloth. The fabric sticks just fine. I would rather save $ on these things and spend $ on good quality cottons.

Howdy! Interesting topic! I have to agree that some of the tools I possess do not get used. I actually have one that I just LOVE and it is a sidewinder! It is a battery operated bobbin winder that I keep an extra spool of white thread at the ready so I don't have to unthread my machine to wind a bobbin. I have also started buying prewound bobbins because I hate being interrupted while I am sewing. Why not just wind a bunch of bobbins while you are at it? such a good question, and I do that but they seem go very fast!! Another tool I love is my wooden clapper - my seams have never been flatter!

You know what else I won't need anymore thanks to you? Bobbin keepers since I'll only be having 5 bobbins to deal with per one of your other videos I've watched! And this video is SO FUNNY to me because I don't use most of the same tools but for apparently different reasons:) My frixion pens always seem to be dry when I finally go to use one because I just don't ever use them so I stopped buying them. I've thought about getting a blade saver chain piece cutter, but prefer to spend the money on fabric and use my snips. I've got lots of starch and best press that has been given to me, but I just never bother with it. I did use it in a (water holding watercolor brush) on seams for one quilt with lots of small HSTs and wow the seams were so flat and easy to work with - but still it rarely occurs to me to use starch for anything. Got access to magnetic pin holders, but I have a few pin cushions I've made that I really like and I keep one at my pinning area and one at my machine and swap them when the machine one gets full! AND I love my little omnigrid presser/cutter mat that I can pop on top of anything and have an instant pressing (or cutting) station. Have the same one as you. I do have a tiny 7x8" wool mat and I use it whenever I'm doing a lot small squares with lots of scraps - my house is so darn dry that moisture never stays in the wool, and it's so tiny, I've not yet noticed a smell thankfully:) Fun reading everyone else's replies!

Totally agree about the thread cutter. What’s the point? Why have an extra tool when your snips or scissors are just fine? I use starch before squaring blocks, but I don’t understand the folks that drench all their fabric with starch before cutting. It seems so tedious (and expensive). Totally agree about the friction pens and magnetic pin holders . Wool mat-I love having a small one just to the right of my machine for piecing. It was a game changer for me for convenience. Don’t have a problem with critters (yet) but you’re right about the funky smell. I’m glad to learn about the folding mat you showed. Thanks!

I don’t use my little thread cutter either because it tugs at the ends of the seams and I’m afraid it will distort my units. After watching this, I don’t think I’ll waste my money on frixion pens or a wool pressing mat. Thank you, Amy! So nice to hear an honest opinion from someone who’s not trying to sell me something!

I am very frugal in my lifestyle. I watch all the beautiful unboxing of subscriptions and the advent boxes. I only want things that I need in my space. The fabric may not be something I would choose for myself. I have 2 seam rippers one was my mothers I purchased a 2nd one when I thought I had lost hers. The clappers that sell around $16 - - my husband works in Hardwood lumber, he brought home a 16 inch beautiful carved hand rail in ash.... it was a scrap. That is my clapper. I just finished a Fall clean up in my sewing room. I use old gift bags to put my projects together, I tape the pattern to the bag. I try to keep things simple. I spend $$ on fabrics. I did need a 12 inch square ruler, it came with a 6 in ruler, a rotary cutter and snips. Joanne and Michaels selling it $50 range, Walmart $27. I didn't need the other items that came with it but I will find a use for them or share with a friend.

Great Video Amy. I dont use any of these items either 1: Ironing board- I have a mini board from Walmart 2: Starch - I have some but havent used it yet 3: Blade Saver - I use the one that is built into the end of the machine or scissors 4: Frixon Pens - I use a regular ball point pen or pencil 5: Magnet thing - I have one that was a gift but i use a pin cushion too

My Rotring clutch pencil!! Yep that's what we call them where I come from😊 I've had it since the early 70s. My "no hesitation", favourite writing implement . And yes on the NO to Frixion pens for exactly the same reason. Thank you for your bright, positive energy. I enjoy your videos so So much. What a lovely young woman you are❤

I’m pretty basic with notions only because I am self taught and don’t know how to use most of the stuff. My Maum (her spelling of how I pronounce Mom) made me a pin cushion but I got her magnetic pin holder. I found it works really well if you put your pins in a bowl and set the bowl on top. The bowl will stay put if it’s not too heavy and the pins are not so close and “tight”. I love thrifting also and I found a china set at a yard sale. The soup bowl is perfect. Not too deep or heavy. The pins sit in there loosely because they’re not sitting directly on it so less finger pokes if any ☺️

LOVE my wool mats for smaller press work (used febreze on them first few times, wet hot wool is certainly "aromatic") Use my flower blade cutter (easier on the old arthritis than scissors) like my magnetic pin holder (I learned to orient pins all in same direction in as I took them out, 2nd nature now...otherwise I OCD on putting pins "correctly" into my pincushion lol) LOVE my ancient portable cutting/pressing unit +15yrs? (so much so the cutting portion warped and delaminated, just lay a similar size cutting mat on that side when needed) Be smart and don't press with unit folded! Enjoy both Best Press and light starch (I mix up diluted to spray) Otherwise I tend to get sloppy sewing with floppy fabric😊 LOVE your videos and no airs about youness...plus great wild colors and terrific results! 👍👍👍

I love the potable iron board. It’s the perfect size to fit on a folding tv tray, which tucks under my sewing table. It’s been one of the greatest addition to my sewing space.

I have and have used most …. All of those things you mentioned. I thought I needed them but now I realize I am not using them . Well the wool Matt and sometimes I starch, but mostly not. The wool matt has a hand towel folded in half over it now…. I have no idea why lol. Originally it went under the mat to absorb moisture and not ruin my cutting mat. I noticed it has been on top for awhile now…. Love your channel and your content ! Thank you so much ❤❤❤❤❤

Thank you for this honest review. Being a relatively new quilter I have “bought” into more than I should have. I don’t like friction pens or my magnetic pin holder for the same reasons. I love my snipping scissors - after listening to you I will now somehow attach them to my sewing machine so I know they are always nearby. How did you attach yours? I purchased the wool mat and for the most part love it. It’s a convenient size. However I don’t like that the moisture comes through the other side - I’m always wiping up the moisture and have to be careful of the type of surface I use it on. I love the portable one you showed and will ask for one for Christmas (yes, I’m 62 and my family still requires a Christmas list - they aren’t ready to simply enjoy the holiday for its meaning. But I’m working on it.)

My favorite tool is a metal foot long ruler. It has metric on one side and inches on the other side. I have quilted before jelly rolls and other quilt precuts were available. I made my own patterns and templates from cardboard. I only used a pencil because washable markers didn't exist. My pressing board is a wooden board covered in batting and felt. I do have a magnetic dish i made to clean the floor of any dropped pins and needles. My pin cushion is the size of a small soccer ball. I made it from scraps to hold the different pins I use and also to find my pins. Little ones tend to hide. My scissors are kept together in a plastic coffee can so I can find them. I just don't use the pinking shears as much since the seger was invented. My favorite sewing tool are the large cone sewing threads. They were stored in every way until I found the clear large plastic bins were invented. Sometimes the old ways has the best outcome. I do use precuts and have a rotating rotary cutter mat. But I've worn out a lot of sewing machines and one Seeger. Keep on quilting. It makes for a good day.

BEFORE, I really knew what quilting was all about....hexagon ruler. Never used - lots of seams to fit on point!😅.

I do like Best Press, but the other ones I can live without. I really like my pins in homemade pin cushions. I like the pins sticking up, easy to grab. I also really enjoy making pin cushions. So much fun.

As someone who has been sewing for many years, I totally agree with you! I have succumbed to so many sewing "things" over the years that just get donated or passed on because I just stick with my basics. Thanks for putting a reality spin on merchandising.

Love your review of these items. They are all items I see online and think that looks good but I've never got around to purchasing because I don't think I really need them and therefore can't justify the money purchasing them. You have made me feel so much better for not wasting my money on these things :-) Love your work!

Wow, I don't have any of those problems with the wool mats! I'm in West Tx. My 4 cats don't know it is there. No smells or bugs. Lucky for me. Good tip about spray starch!

I agree with you on the 5 tools. I do use the wool mat on occasionally when doing appliqué. I use a finger pin cushion I bought several years ago. I love the sewing clips and use a heavy magnet to hold them when sewing. Love your videos and look forward to the next. Happy sewing. 🧵🪡

Man, I'm with you on the starch. I hated the results and it wasn't fun to work with. You do you, Amy. Thanks.

I also hate the magnet bowls and the wool mat!!! Love my pin cushions

I bought the wool mat but i found that when I put it on my cutting mat it warped my mat. I had to save a large cardboard box to put under it when I use it...I mostly use my ironing board I made from a cardboard box and some batting covered with fabric. It is much larger and I love it more. I don't have any of the other things because I use the things I got when I took home ec way back in the 60's....scissors, pin cushion, fabric pencils, tracing paper....tracing wheel. Yep...old but still working...if it ain't broke...

I love this! I agree 5 for 5.

First video of yours i watched...in agreement with what you mentioned...quilting and notions has become a huge business....

I'm pretty basic, too, so you're not alone. I use an ironing board, homemade basting spray, tailors chalk, scissors, and 100% a pin cushion. I even grabbed a pack of those clips people use instead of pins and was meh about them. I now use them to hold my threads before I start sewing so the thread doesn't get all messy at the beginning of my seams.

Well, this was interesting. I have a wool mat, bought it because I used one at a class I took, but I haven't used it at home yet. I haven't noticed any critters getting into my wool sweaters, so I think I'm safe in MN. The only other thing I use is the magnetic pin dish, which actually came from Harbor Freight and is for screws and such. I like really like it because it sticks to my metal desk and I don't knock the whole bowl off like I used to. I don't feel inclined to criticize anyone else for their sewing/quilting/creating choices because we're all so individual. I just try to learn from other's experiences and try new things if I have a need. I love listening to you!

I don’t like my wool mat because when I used it on my dining room table, the steam went through it and made a huge mark on the wooden table top. There should be some kind of warning about that. I just use a regular ironing board, but I drew parallel lines on it with a sharpie so I can press strips straight. I use a mechanical pencil made for little kids to learn to write. The lead is thicker and softer, so it makes a nice line in one pass, and the barrel is kind of triangular so it doesn’t roll off the table. I have also bought frixion pens and the thread cutter and don’t use them. I use a magnetic bowl, but not for pins. I keep my Juki screwdriver and various presser feet in it, so I don’t lose them.

I don't have the thread cut so I use the thread cutter on my machine. No wool mate for me I use my ironing board. I do use the magnet pin dish when I have to use pins but I love clips. No starch the only time was when Donna had us send blocks i used it then

HA! I have been sewing and quilting for 30 years. I don't use ANY of those tools! Thank you for the video.

Totally agree

Also, I’m with you on all 5!

I agree with you completely on 3 of these. I have the blade saver and 2 magnetic pin cushions but I wouldn’t fight over them 😂😂😂

Granted, I am a brand new quilter, so I don’t have all the fancy gadgets yet but I don’t have any of the tools you mentioned and still I have managed to make 6 quilts. I am glad I watched because I was really thinking about getting the wool Matt and the blade saver and now I know I don’t need it. Thank you!❤

lol as a new crafter I thought I needed all those gagets and from experience learned simple is best I didn’t need them. And pencils are my best friend

I love your attitude and presentation! Thanks for sharing yourself with us!

I use all of thise except the starch. I have some but havent used it yet 😊. I do poke myself on my pins in the metal dish but still like it. Only use my blade saver when doing LOTS of chain piecing but its available when i need it. Have only used my wool mat for a couple months and like it, no issues with smell yet, but i dont use steam only a spray bittle with water occasionally. With frixion pens there are a couple of different kinds. Some I dont like but some I use. I love that every quilter can find what works best for them and we all can still create beautiful quilts even with all our differences and we are all better for it!!

Hi Amy! I would agree with most of your items. I have all of them but don’t use most of them! 😂 I am a simple/basic girl also! Thanks for sharing! ❤

I mostly upcycle (clothes and quilts), but when i use new fabric, I prewash. I might not iron it unless its super wrinkled since I’ve had new clothes shrink too much Frixon pens didnt impress me. I'm testing Crayola washable markers.

When do you have time to spin and weave? I go in cycles, sometimes I focus on tapestry or spinning or knitting or cranking socks. In august I picked up quilting again.

I made my own pressing station by using ironing board with 1st layer cotton batting, layers 2 and 3 old woolen washed blanket cut to size, 4th and final layer flannel fabric. Doesn't smell, washable and best of all cheap. The one specialty ruler I can't live without is the clearly perfect slotted half square triangle ruler, a game changer for hst's.

Love my wool mats. Have 3 in a row on my gigantic big board. Used to do 18th century costumes and was very helpful. Jury is out on blade saver, still new and not in the habit of reaching for it. All of the cotton army uniforms (his and mine) that I have ironed did not injure my breathing, but hey buddy engine fires are a sure way of doing damage. Bought the pens, lost them, found them how many years later, still not used. Enjoy your videos. I have a problem with anything sewing, but gadgets, oh my!

I do like my wool matts, I don't have cats or bug problems. I have Best Press but rarely use. I have found Acorn Pens work better for me. Don't own I thread a cutter, prefer my snips. I have all the marking pens as well, when I do mark I use an Air Marking Pen

I wouldn’t totally die without my wool mat, but I certainly like it. Even if the cats do lay on it occasionally. I don’t care that they do, since I’m gonna have cat hair in my quilts no matter what. Everything else on your list I don’t really use, except starch, which I do sometimes use, depending on the pattern.

Hi, Amy. I like my magnetic pin holder because it's so great at picking up pins when I've taken them out of a seam. Just turn it over, and voila! They're picked up. However, I take the pins off of it to actually use them because yeah, they're hard to pick off one by one. Thanks for the heads up on the mat and pens. I've never used them, and now I won't wonder about them anymore. Love your videos.

I love my wool mat but I don't think I'll ever buy another. I'm pretty basic too and I have all of those tools taking up space. PS --my first Cotton Cuts scrap bags came today!!? I'm shrieking with joy. Such great fabrics. Thanks for talking about them.

I mostly agree about all of these except wool mat sometimes. I made myself a wrist pincushion which l surprrisingly really like along with my reg one that has a little hanging trash bag attached😊

I have a wool mat that I use daily. I have the thread cutter, but I rarely use it. I've never used a frixon pen; I'm a mechanical pencil girl. I like my magnetic pin holder. I love starch. Love the video. Each person is different and should do what works for them.

Oh boy, I feel the same way about magnetic pin holders. I love my homemade pin cushions. I think fear of missing out is a really big issue in the sewing world. I have fallen prey to it many a times. Then we end up spending on something that doesn't really add value when we could have spent in on the more important items. I do keep a running wishlist, it keeps me from being impulsive. Many times the items get taken off after they've been there for a while and I realize I don't really need them or want them. I'm taking the wool mat and thread cutter off my list. I'm now convinced I wouldn't like them enough to warrant the cost. Great video!

I received the chain pieced cutter from MSQC … never thought I’d care but I do love this when doing hst’s by the bunch… I use a pincushion too! Lol

I agree with you on Frixion pens. They just don’t work for me. Don’t care for the pin bowl either even though I’ve never owned one.

I 100% agree with you... no wool mats

I get your wool mat issue. I used to knit with wool yarn, it’s quite the investment. Other than that, I’m with you on the rest save the cutter and the magnetic pin holder. The first because of hand issues and the last because I have a carpeted sewing room and don’t want pins caught in the carpet. That and it’s super handy to keep track of screws taken off for machine maintenance. My motto is “You do you.” I really like learning why people do or don’t use things, it’s always a help.

I have to say I really like my wool pressing mats and haven’t had any issues with bugs or an odor but I also have the Omnigrid folding mat/cutting surface that I use for some things. I don’t use a magnetic pin tray because everything seems to get stuck to them and I really don’t use pins as much as I use the clips. I don’t own a Blade saver because I absolutely love my KAI snips and scissors!!! They are so sharp and have stayed that way for a long time! As far as the starch, I do use the Best Press when I have multiple seams coming together and am having difficulty getting them to cooperate! I have multiple frixion pens of all different colors in my stash of gadgets but I tend to use my mechanical pencil more often than not! I do have to admit, I’m kind of a gadget girl and sometimes the gadgets are really useful but I do have some that simply collect dust!😊 I do enjoy learning about other quilters and their experiences. It is always interesting why some quilters love one product and have no interest in another. Our similarities and differences are as unique as the quilts we create! Thank you for sharing your quilting experience and journey with us!!!💕

I love my wool mats so do my cats if I leave them out they pee on them they are not cheap either so gave to put them away or lose them. No idea why they pee on them though they don’t pee anywhere else but the litter tray .

You'll have to pry the starch from my cold dead hands! 😂😂 Everything else I'm pretty similar to you. I can't leave pins in any kind of open container because of my cats, they WILL knock them over. So as I sew and remove pins I put them in a small ceramic ramekin, and then dump them back in their lidded container when I'm done.

I agree with the frixon pens and the thread cutters. I also use pencils and scissors. I couldn't live without my wool pressing mat. I dont notice any odor or bugs. I also dont have cats. Starch just depends on the fabric and project. I don't like pin cushions. My pins are kept in a big tin. I have and use too many pins for a pin cushion. I love to pin and I overly pin. Everbody should do and use what works for them because everybody is different which makes a better world we can all learn from.

I do use Best Press and a blade saver for cutting chain pieced units. But I'm with you on the wool pressing mat and the friction jell pens. I just received a wool pressing mat as a gift several weeks ago, and I just don't get the appeal. And I also have cats, so I can't leave it out. I never tried a magnetic pin bowl.

I liked my Omni folding mat until the silver coating started to come off. I've only had it for 1 year, and just use it for travel. I did get a great magnetic pin holder in a sew sampler box that I like, but I primarily use a wrist pin cushion I made. No wool mats, blade savers or frixion for me either. 😊

Hiya Amy you brave girl!! I have to say that I love my wool mat and my blade saver. Starch….. I use it occasionally. But I can live without it. I hate friction pens. They never write the way they are supposed to. I am not a big fan of the magnetic pincushion. They never want to come off when you’re trying to do something one-handed!! These are not a few of my favorite things either lol

I absolutely hate basting spray. Not gonna use it anymore!

I use none of the five things.do just fine!

Yeew! I agree. Those magnetic dishes are awful. Everything sticks to each other. Needles stick to scissors, scissors also attract pins, paperclips,etc. No thanks.

I don't think the wooden clapper is worth taking up precious space (or money) on.

I have the blade saver, but I like the string blade, or scissors🎉

I am in your corner with every single one of those useless tools. I have everyone but the cutter and don’t use any of them.