Everyone has their own way of managing their floss/thread stash, especially depending on the space available and the size of the stash. I've used a few different methods over the years as my crafty spaces changed and the size of my floss collection grew (funny how it never shrinks...it only grows :). I thought I'd share the various methods I've used over the years and how I do it now.
I remember as a teenager I used the proverbial shoebox or one of those plastic sewing boxes. Remember those? I know we had one very similar to this one:
I definitely remember when the floss bobbins became "the thing." I dutifully bought the little plastic boxes and "bobbinated" all my DMC threads. I loved the organization of it and they were cute, for sure, but I hated actually using the bobbins. I hated the kinks in the floss, I hated winding them, I hated numbering them and they were kind of a pain to corral.
I never did use bobbins for my overdyed and hand dyed threads. Eventually I stopped using the bobbins and just bought new DMC whenever I needed it. I started putting color groups together on binder rings, which I still use.
At some point I began using the photo boxes you can get at Michaels. I had a box for each brand (Gentle Art, Weeks, Classic Colorworks), which worked quite well for a few years. The threads are protected, they're still organized and easy to get at.
When I began designing full time, I made myself a thread wall. Which, let's be honest, is pretty great. It's fun to look at and boy, the threads are very handy! I made these bars with pre-painted trim from Lowe's and large cup hooks. They're attached to the wall with a couple of screws and they don't weigh very much.
But even that has drawbacks - the threads are exposed to more light, and dust. Plus it takes up valuable wall space.
The latest evolution of my floss storage is a three-way system. I will be keeping my complete sample rings on the inside wall of this closet (which is still a work in progress!) :
These are mostly for color selection, color reference and designing. Very occasionally I'll have to grab a color from these rings, but I always replace it.
Most of my hand dyed working threads are currently living in the drawers of this little secretary in our studio.
One drawer is Weeks, one is Classic Colorworks and one is Gentle Art.
I'm Robin, the designer behind October House. You've found my blog, where I ramble on about stitching and sewing and anything else that catches my fancy!
I love quiet colors, gentle stitches and making things by hand.
"My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read." - Abraham Lincoln
Sharon
September 22, 2024
I have large rings, two for each brand (so far), that hang in my craft closet from the wire top shelves. I really love them this way. They are alphabetized within each brand, DMC by number. I also have them listed online using Xstitch Plus, along with my linen, beads and charts. I love to organize!
Love your pattern designs by the way!