This  photo is a completed half of my first Star and Sprigs border. The first one of 4 borders. I am enjoying every one of those leaves and buds.
I also included my tools. They are: Crayola washable markers of many colors. They have thin tips and wash off by leaving the fabric in cold water for about half an hour or so. I also use chalk pencils for the dark colors. My needles are size 10 and 11 straw needles. Small appliqué pins (about 1/2'' long). My trusty thumb thimble (hot pink blurb). Where I keep several needles threaded with threads of various colors plus the pins. It fits on my thumb or index finger. Not shown is a washable glue that I used on those vines. The egg cartoons are organizing the various sizes of leaves and buds. I am all for recycling. The threads are size 50 -100% cotton from Gutermann, Aurifil, and some silk threads. I am mostly using what I have on the color I need. I am left handed and good quality thread is a must. Oh! I also sometimes use "Thread heaven" which is a thread protectant and conditioner.