You asked. We don’t gatekeep. When something shows up in a live and you want to know where it’s from, this is where we keep it. Some links may be affiliate. We only share what we actually use.
The Tools On My Table
These are the things that actually live in my studio… the tools I reach for every day.
Juki TL-2010Q Straight Stitch Machine
A workhorse of a machine. Fast, sturdy, and simple in the best way. When I'm piecing quilts, this machine just goes.
Sewtites
Simplify your cutting with magnetic mats and rulers. USE CODE: AIMEEELZAYATY FOR 10% OFF
LDH Scissors
A small business making seriously beautiful tools. The ones I use the most:
• Scalloped Pinking Shears
• Midnight Edition Ergonomic 10" Fabric Shears
Sharp. Comfortable. They last forever.
Martelli 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
This one changed everything for me. The ergonomic grip reduces wrist fatigue, so I can cut for long stretches.
Aurifil Thread
My everyday piecing thread is 50 wt Dove Grey. It blends into almost everything and runs beautifully through the machine.
Wonderfil Specialty Threads
When I want to play with texture or heavier stitching, Wonderfil threads are incredible.
Oliso
Two irons I love: Oliso M3Pro Mini Iron- Small, powerful, and perfect for detailed pressing. Oliso Smart Iron - Large, hot, and lifts itself off the mat.
Modern American Vintage Clapper
A beautifully handcrafted pressing tool that helps seams lie perfectly flat.
Studio Energy
Tools matter. But the energy of a studio matters just as much. These are the things that make the space feel alive.
Sydney Lite Cabinet — Arrow Sewing
An electric lift cabinet that keeps the studio organized and lets the machine disappear when the table becomes a cutting or planning surface.
Felt Right Panels. My design wall lets me move blocks around until the quilt starts telling me what it wants to be. Use code AIMEE
The Studio Staples
These are just as important as the tools.
• Good lamp
• Dirty Quilter Hoodie
• Music playing
• Tea in my Dirty Quilter Mug within reach
This is where the quilts start.
The Learning Shelf
Quilting is a craft you never stop learning. These are books and artists that have shaped the way I make quilts.
Books I Love
• The Quilting Book
• Alice’s Wonderland Sampler Quilt
• Quilting with Tula and Angela
• The Ultimate Guide to Free Motion Quilting
• Walk: Master Machine Quilting with Your Walking Foot
• BONUS: QuiltFolk Magazine. Each issue represents a different state.
Each of these books helped expand how I think about quilts and techniques.
Mentors Who Inspire Me
Maria Shell - Based in Alaska, Maria’s improv quilting and fearless use of color are endlessly inspiring.
Allie McCathren- Based in Houston, Allie has an incredible ability to combine scraps and unexpected fabrics into quilts that somehow just work. Her recent work also explores political storytelling through quilts.
Fabric Shops We Love
We believe in supporting the small shops that keep the quilting world alive. These are some of my favorites.
• Quilt with Miss Kate
• Joy in the Seam
• Wyldwood Creative
• By and By
• Lo & Behold Stitchery
• Jittery Wings Quilt Co
• Sewtopia
• Stitch Supply Co
• Modern American Vintage