Kathy Ruddy has gathered an array of favorite tools and resources on her website, all tested and used throughout her many years of teaching. It’s a treasure trove for sewists… you really need to check it out.
Free stage was one of her favorites as she then had the opportunity to share here favorite sewing tools.

Dear Kathy, just a little fyi, the surgical seam ripper is NOT made in Germany, the item is marked England, stainless. The ripper is fantastic and just what I needed, cannot recommend it enough. I have been using a razor blade but this is so much better.