I have a $70 vice. It’s good but not great. Plan on upgrading it one day. I have a loon ceramic bobbin, whip finisher and scissors. The ties I’m making the thread is hidden behind the chenille so I only use Denville flymaster plus 210 thread in white. You can get all types of colored thread but if hiding it, it’s a waste of time and money. I have a multi colored set of sharpies and what thread might show when finish I color with a sharpie and you’ll never know. Now as far as material the sky is the limit.