
Once upon time – when I was but a child – my mother had common sewing tools. I have similar tools today: a red pincushion and a pair of orange-handled fabric scissors. Those who own fabric scissors share a common rule: THOU SHALT NOT USE THE FABRIC SCISSORS ON PAPER (OR ANY OTHER NON-FABRIC MATERIAL).
When my mother started quilting, her tool kit expanded. I have followed her lead, becoming a quilter and acquiring modern tools of the trade.

Common quilter’s tools include:
- Cutting mat (background), rotary cutter (bottom left), and specialty rulers (three shown);
- Thread in neutral colors;
- Long, thin pins on a magnetic pin holder;
- Small pair of scissors;
- and a good seam ripper (for un-sewing, sometimes called Jack).
Q: What is the difference between a beginning quilter and an experienced quilter?
A: The experienced quilter keeps her seam ripper handy.
I used most of the tools – plus a few others – earlier today making quilted Christmas cards.

Posted in response to this week’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: “… it might be interesting to go for something rather Common… Whether it is the every day, common object or the things that you have in common, or crossing the town common.”