Thursday, February 14, 2013

Organizing my Threads

I have had several requests and inquiries over the last few posts about my thread organizing.  I wanted to dedicate a post to show you all how it works, and then ultimately how you too can be this organized :)
Years ago, a friend of mine had shown me her system using these tabs and I knew immediately it was for me.  I quickly ordered a few sets and had my work cut out for me, because I had been a floss away user previously.  I feel that system worked well, but this one for me worked even better.  They last longer, you can reuse a tab if you want (with a quick switch of the sticker), quickly change them from one project to the next, store them with ease, and the best part is finding a color you are looking for with ease.
To begin organizing to these tabs is an undertaking for sure, but the end result is sooo worth it.  It is an investment within your investment.   Saves on 2 things we all need more of, time and money :)
These are the tabs you start with, along with the provided labels you start with this pile
of threads, and this can be done with your cotton threads as well as your silks.  I left the DMC on the trusty cards they were put on and are still stored in those plastic boxes-- you know the ones.  I rarely use them so I didnt feel switching them to this system would be beneficial.  The binder rings are a great way to keep your threads together for each project.  I actually hang my ring I am working with on the post of my stitching light, so they are always close at hand.
The 3 rings shown above, 2 are from the previous post, and the 3rd is Old Nantucket.
 I am near ready to remove and replace the silk tabs from Nantucket into the dry, and dust free storage bin (has a lid), to be ready for use in the near future.
All the tabs fit securely into these plastic slides.  Similar to a report cover we used way back in the day for that 'report' :)  LOL.   These slides have a hook on the end of each side which sit perfectly in a standard size file bin.  They are for folks that file with hanging folders, so instead of folders, I am hanging silk and cotton threads.
As you can see, in the above picture, the hook on the end of the slide.  I label each color with the vendor, color name and if possible the dye-lot on the backside.  You may ask why I have multiples of some of the colors listed, well they are some of my favorites and you can never have enough of them and, or are purchased before the system and I purchased duplicates.  This is where the money saving comes into play.  You can easily check your stash for the colors needed and if you have them great, you just saved $$!!  LOL.  I am easily amused.  What this system is also great for, folks like me that change a lot of colors out for another, you can easily skim through the slides looking for that perfect color and pull it out for a fast floss toss on your linen.  Especially in the middle of the night on Saturday!!  WOWZA!!!! LOVE THIS!!!!!
I purchased the plastic tote at my local Target for $12 bucks in the plastic storage section and you can purchase these great thread organizers at Acorns and Threads in Portland OR.  It is an outstanding retail shop and they are always happy to help you get what you need; from threads, linen, patterns, of course thread organizers and so much more.  They are happy to mail anywhere in the US and outside the US :)  The shipping department is friendly and fast.  Call them today to order your set --just mention you saw it on my blog (Love to Stitch- One stitch at a time) and they will know the exact system you are calling about and start organizing now!!!  I would love to hear from those of you that do get this system and let me know what you think :) You wont regret this for sure.
If anyone else has any questions, please dont hesitate to ask, I am happy to help.  Thank you for your patience in the answers, I thought it would be so much easier to explain if you saw it.
Happy Valentines Day to all!!

16 comments:

  1. Interesting! Do you know the name of the organization system? I will be visiting Portland next month and plan to shop at Acorn and Threads! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  2. Very nice! So you actually get rid of the paper sleeves on silks like AVAS and NPI?

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    1. You bet! I write all the information I need on the sticker. Brand, color or # and dye lot if I can. Makes life easy. Once I opened the skein, I threw the tag away even when I used the floss away bags. What do you do for organizing your threads? It is always fun to learn about others methods!!

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  3. I use the same system for my special threads. The DMCs I keep in those drawers used for nails, etc., that you buy at Walmart. But for all the other threads, I use this system and love it. In fact, you reminded me that I need to order more. I think I've used up a couple shipments of these things already, but I love how you can have them in the tote and just pull out what you need and put them on a ring.

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  4. What a great idea, very organised! I have just bought floss away bags for my silks and stored them on rings in a box, DMC is still wound on bobbins in plastic boxes but by colour not number. I have just finished organising my sewing space, photos on my blog :)

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  5. Thank you so much, a great system with your explanation! I do like it when you can see the colours without rummaging through the plastic little bags. Thanks again! Have a good day!

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  6. How cool! Thanks for the pictures--I bet it keeps everything so nice and tidy.

    I'm waaaaay late with my congrats for your amazing DB finish. YGG! It is amazing.

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  7. Great system! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Looks Like a great system. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great weekend!

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  9. Very interesting!!!!!!!! All my NPIs are in a drawer, makes finding what i need interesting :-).

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  10. Your blog always inspires me! Love it. Is this system called "Annie's"?
    Amy from Oklahoma

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  11. I have been eyeballing your system for at least a year. I just have one question. When you are stitching, how do you get just one strand of your color off the skein? And what do you do with your orts or longer strands of thread?

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    1. Easy, I remove the thread from the tab, cut the thread to the length I like and replace the rest of the thread back onto the tab. The thread that I cut off, usually 6-8 ply, I remove the ply that I like, and replace the other back to the same tab, just on the side. Then the thread I have left over-- the longer or orts, I add it to the tab. I dont really save any thread that is shorter then 3 inches. But, if you do (its all preference) you can add it to the tab as well. It stays need and tidy! I hope this helps :)

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  12. Thank you for sharing Shannon, you are so organised that it must make it so much easier to see what you actually have.

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  13. Fantastic system! I'm super jealous: you stitch like the wind and are organized too! Is there anything you can't do? And you're right, Acorns and Threads does have a super friendly mailing department.
    J.

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  14. Wow! Thanks for showing us your system! I will have to try this when I have more specialty threads. Very useful and well organized!!

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Thank you for stopping by! I enjoy reading your comments :)