Best online store for quilting tools?

[Margo C.]

What online stores have the best selection of quilting tools? I'm just getting started as a quilter, and I'm looking for resources, both for my own shopping, and for places to direct family who want to get me quilting tools for Christmas.

[Hannelore N.]

If you can, Margaret, support your local shop. But if that's not possible, I bet Margot can come up with a whole list of places. I take it you are in the US?

[Margo C.]

Lorchen is right, Margaret. A Google search shows 4 quilt shops in Brooklyn and 4 more in NYC. I've seen good things about the City Quilter, but I'm sure the others also have good tools for you to choose from.
We need to support our local quilt shops so they will stay in business. Besides the best quality fabric and selection of supplies, they offer classes and advice that you don't usually get from chain stores.
As for gifts, a gift certificate to one of the local shops would be fun to get!

[Margo C.]

I do visit my local shops regularly--but I'm not as familiar with online stores, which is why I'm asking about them specifically. Does anyone have suggestions for good online resources for tools?

[Margo C.]

What kind of tools do you need? basic cutting rulers? specialty rulers? marking pens? rotary cutters and mats? quilt patterns? a comprehensive basic how to book? Will you be doing your own quilting? There are specific tools for the quilting too...

Take a look at Keepsake Quilting in NH. They will send a great catalog when you sign up for it, or you can look at them online. They are expensive but a great resource. http://www.keepsakequilting.com

Also, Connecting Threads has a nice catalog that you can get mailed, and a nice website. Great prices on fabric, and sale books and tools. http://www.connectingthreads.com

It's so exciting to be just starting this wonderful hobby/business!!

[Betty J.]

In addition to those already mentioned, like http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/ as well as http://www.nancysnotions.com/
I would like to support my "local" store (about a half hour away down a very busy road), but they so often don't have what I need and I can so often find it on the Internet in ten minutes flat. The other two stores reportedly "local" are so hard to get to and require going on the toll road. And then I get there and they don't have Superior Threads (or others I like) or the colors of fabrics I need or even carry the stabilizers I like. There is one in the next state over that takes about an hour to get to that is pretty good. Sigh.

P.s. If it's longarm stuff you need, my DIL likes http://www.thegadgetgirls.com/

[Betty J.]

Thanks for those suggestions!

What kind of tools do you need? basic cutting rulers? specialty rulers? marking pens? rotary cutters and mats? quilt patterns? a comprehensive basic how to book? Will you be doing your own quilting? There are specific tools for the quilting too...

Right now I'm looking for:[list][*]more basic rulers (right now I've just got a 6" x 24")[/*][*]an assortment of pins I can try out[/*][*]organizers for thread, cutting tools, etc.[/*][*]a small pressing surface I can keep at my sewing area (no room for an ironing board in my apartment[/*][/list:u]
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, but those are the ones off the top of my head. Part of the reason I'm looking for online resources is also just to browse and see if there are things that might be helpful that I don't even know exist yet.

[Margo C.]

I like Olfa's frosted rulers: http://www.amazon.com/1071820-QR-6x2.../dp/B000PCWMZE
(Scroll down for other shapes and sizes)

However, my favorite all purpose ruler is the 3-1/2" x 12" Rotary Mate designed by Trudie Hughes:
http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...p;Item_ID=4010

Get the very best fine silk pins you can afford. Here is a brand that that has glass heads that won't melt: http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=2407

These organizers are great for threads and small tools: http://blockboxcompany.com/

A June Taylor has a small pressing surface: http://www.junetailor.com/store/p-70...r-14-x-20.aspx
as well as cutting/pressing combos: http://www.junetailor.com/store/p-73...x-18-grid.aspx

[Rita C.]

I have the June Taylor 'Quilter's Cut n Press 1' and it is a great little ironing surface but I have found that the cutting mat side is not such good quality and has slightly buckled because of pressing on the other side with a hot steam iron. If you get one, use a dry iron and a spritzer which might stop the buckling. It is a very handy size for using at your sewing table or right beside it.

The key thing that I have noticed with online shopping is to try and get the shipping as cheaply as possible. Hancocks of Paducah have free shipping at the moment (a Christmas promotion) which is a big bonus for me in Ireland. There is also Quilt In A Day which have special offers on all the time. The Missouri Star Quilt Company also has an online store and lots of tutorials on youtube.

I love my 'Creative Grids' 6 1/2 X 24 1/2" ruler and my 'Sew Easy' 6 1/2" square ruler because they have very clear markings on them that are not so big like those Omnigrid ones that are all yellow and so thick that you can't see the fabric underneath! I also love Eleanor Burns 'Flying Geese Rulers' and have them in two sizes. Her method for making flying geese is the best I have seen. And I also have her 'Triangle in a Square' ruler. Both of these rulers are great for doing stars and other traditional blocks.

The only ruler I don't have that I would like is a 6 X 12" ruler which would be handy but as I have the bigger one I don't feel that I can justify €19 to buy one. Happy hunting. Rita.

[Nancy R.]

I do support my LQS (they kind of laugh when I come in), but I get a lot of my rulers, cutting mats and storage containers from http://www.joann.com. They often have quilting supplies on sale at 50% off. I get extra bobbins for my machine from http://www.nancysnotions.com. I get books from http://www.connectingthreads.com, looking for the 40% off sale they frequently have. I get replacement rotary blades and boxes of batting from http://www.hancocks-paducah.com. I agree that you have to watch out for shipping costs and take that into consideration when shopping around.

Nancy

[Nancy R.]

I have a Cut n Press from June Taylor and had the same problem as Rita until the cutting mat just came unglued to the pressing surface. I through it away. The cutting Matt was way too warped to do any good at all. Somewhere on this forum I read a recommendation for Sew Easy pressing mats. I ordered the large one about a year ago and positively love it. I plan to order the smaller version to keep next to my sewing machine. Here is a link: http://www.guardian-tablepad.com/sewez.html. I prefer the Olfa frosted rulers that Margo mentioned, too. I think sampled all the brands of rulers and Olfa frosted definitely won. I like Art Bin's Super Satchels for most storage. I pick them up at Hancock Fabrics when I have a 50% off coupon. My favorite marking tools are the mechanical pencils with ceramic leads from Sewline. I get them at my LQS. Welcome to the quilting club! Have fun!

[Nancy R.]

For an ironing pad, I use half of an old wool blanket folded in quarters, it works pretty well, but I have to admit that the table underneath is not terribly impressed with the steam, but since this was aquired as scrap from the MoD , I'm not too bothered.
Another alternative for storing threads is to go to the diy store and have a look at the storage drawers for screws & nails etc, and if you just happen to have a reel of thread in you pocket you can check out which ones it fits in the best :wink:

[Paula D.]

For me, the best online store is the one with the best price! Before I buy anything, I google the product and find the least expensive way to go. On occasion, I find a new store this way, which is always a good thing. It's cool to find an online store that's having a special on what you're seeking! Holiday time is great for finding a sale. One thing I NEVER do is shop at JoAnns, or Connecting Threads. I find the quality of goods at these places consistently inferior. And those coupons? Anything I'd look to buy, like an iron, is always excluded. I despise coupon games! :shock: :shock: :shock: Equilter is always a great place, and of course, Superior threads are, well, superior!

[Hannelore N.]

Make your own 'pressing surface'. That way you get it exactly the size that's ideal for you, especially if workspace is limited. Get a piece of MDF, stretch a layer of wadding over it (secure at the back with a stable gun). Do the same with a layer of cotton fabric. Turn over and cover the back with a piece of felt or fleece (glue that down), so your mat does not slip around too much and the staples are all covered. If you use that mat a lot, you'll just have to occasionally put on a new cover, but it's cheap. If you don't feel like making it yourself, get any man you can lay your hands on to do it for you. A lot of guys love to help out a little, helpless lady!

[Hannelore N.]

Ha, Lorchen, if you only knew. Part of the reason I got into quiltmaking is that I love building things (and what is quilt construction if not building something? You're just doing it with fabric!), but don't have room for a woodworking shop. I've been coveting a particular cordless drill for years. My boyfriend, on the other hand... well, if you gave him a hammer he might well ask you what it's for. Your MDF pressing surface idea is great! I might even make a dedicated pressing table...

And thank you, everyone, for all your very useful responses!