Jay
I was thinking about this one all day, and came to similar conclusion to yourself. So i compiled a list of the materials i have in my flytying kit that i could not be without.They are good for all types of fly tying.
So see what you already have and what you may need.Try to prioritise them so you can build up the collection.I have tried to put them in some sort of order.But its difficult, i've been tying since i was 10 and have lots of stuff (a lot of which doesn't see much use) but shortlisting the stufff i use most was surprisingly easy.
so here goes
Unithread 8/0 in black and olive.
Pearsalls silk in yellow,orange and purple (5,6a,9)
Glo-brite floss in orange,yellow and lime(7,11,12)
Peacock herl
Hares mask and ears
Moleskin
Fine wire in gold,silver and copper
Medium tinsel in pearl, gold and silver
Big bulk pack of natural CDC
Partridge brown back feathers
Partridge Grey neck feathers
Moorhen/coot wings
Cheap black hen cape
Cheap badger, red game and grizzle cock capes.
Ice dub, in black peacock and peacock
Pheasant tails
SLF in claret and olive
Small tungsten beads (1.8mm,2mm)
Mallard blues
Marabou bloods in olive,black and white
Coastal deer hair patch.
Black foam
Fritz in black,white, orange and chartreuse
Peacock krystalflash
Hooks, kamasan or similar
B170 size 12-16
B175 size 10-14
B110 size 12-16
Jardine Red hooks size 12-16
Hopefully this gives you some ideas, and if anyone has anything else to add i hope they let you know.
Sandy