I like Olfa's frosted rulers: http://www.amazon.com/1071820-QR-6x24-Frosted-Advantage-Acrylic/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/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=33141212131333314&Store_id=417&page_id=23&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-cushioned-quilters-square-n-blocker-14-x-20.aspx
as well as cutting/pressing combos: http://www.junetailor.com/store/p-73-quilters-cut-n-press-ii-12-x-18-grid.aspx

Thanks for those suggestions!
heartnsoulquilts wrote:
Right now I'm looking for:

• 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.

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/

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!!

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?

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!

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?

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.