Taming Embroidery Thread

Wild Embroidery Thread

Do you use embroidery thread in your crafting? I do, and I inherited a bunch of embroidery thread from several places... And it is a mess! I have 2 boxes like this left to "tame" and thought I would share with you what I am doing.

First I need to explain that I go as cheaply as possible in organizing my (our) craft supplies. But I still want a pretty, organized, inspirational, craft room. I had looked at the stores and online to see what I could do and there were all kinds of nifty things out there, that I could not afford. So I turned to my trusty 3"x5" index cards. I am a firm believer in index cards, I have panic attacks if I am out!

3"x5" index card

I folded it in half, short end to short end.

I cut on the indicated lines.

Then folded the flaps inwards. I didn't cut them off as I felt it gave it more stability.

Wrap your embroidery thread around the center. I also added the color information and brand, etc.

I included any washing instructions on the "back" and cut a small slit at the top to secure the end.






And WOOT! I have beautifully tamed embroidery thread that I can easily see. Once all of it is finished I will organize it by color.

I will tell you about my containers in the next post!


Love to all,
EW

Week 6 of The 52 Week Crochet Challenge

Red Berry's 52 Week Crochet Challenge has been so much fun! It is not just crocheting something, it is challenging you on so many levels. Some of the challenges have been "Start a crochet notebook, journal, scrapbook, or blog."; "Who taught you to crochet?"; "Celebrate Spring by crocheting a flower, or make a project that has a flower motif or theme".

I look forward to each weeks' challenge and it keeps me focused at a time that my brain feels like I need duct tape to keep everything in! Lol.

This week's Challenge is Spring Cleaning! Normally I avoid anything that utilizes the word "cleaning", but the challenge is a little more detailed... "Spring Cleaning. This week it is time to organize your yarn. How do you do it? By color, type, weight?"

I am OCD - I sort it by all those examples!

My daughter-in-law and I are in the middle of moving into our craft room, so at this moment all the yarn is on cheap plastic shelves with boxes. And that works just fine for now until we work in there for a while and figure out what our "style" of working together is.



The yarn is sorted first by type/weight (in our case mostly Red Heart 4 ply worsted), then by colour.

Kristy likes to use what I call "the fun yarn". (the bulky yarns on the left)

           And I macrame, so that is on the same shelves too, in smaller boxes.






WIP's and frogging projects are on the bottom shelf. 


Here are some of my WIP's, in baggies, boxes, baskets, or clear plastic bags.

Yo-yo's to use up the smaller pieces of yarn.

"Scrap" granny squares

Crocheted towel toppers. This is in a basket so I can just grab and go.

I used to store my yarns in socks, it made them easier to take places and kept dust, hair, etc off them. It also took care of the "tail" for me - I would just tuck it into the fold. I need more socks though.








What about you? How do you store your yarn?

EW

Craft Room Update

Some progress has been made on the craft room. Of course things are subject to change. I think we have rearranged the room  and changed the furniture at least twice!

View from sliding glass doors.

View from sliding glass doors towards the kitchen.

From the sitting room/kitchen area. Can see the sliding glass doors on left. This is Kristy's "work station".

From sitting area looking towards the fireplace. My desk with my sewing machine.

My yarn stash (and wheelchair) - I had to have a pic of my - oops OUR yarn ;)

And this is why Kristy needs her own area to work...

Sorting through my craft stuff is VERY distracting! I have to keep myself on task, but am not doing very well - hehe. So much fun. And I haven't gotten to the boxes in the garage yet!

What have you all been up to this weekend? I love hearing from you :)

EW

My Peanut

This is my grand-daughter, her favorite show is Scooby-Doo.

Efelants & Woozles

"Oh NO! Scooby tripped into our trap!"

She is such a character and so much fun to watch!

EW

BAMCAL CAL Progress

Here is another Frostbloom Block by Shan Sevcik I finally finished. It was not difficult at all - it was me trying to find motivation to get anything done! Like I said - life hit hard. But am getting back on track :)

It is in my grand-daughter's chosen colours

A side view to show how dimensional it is - FUN!

Now on to the next block :) and a few other projects that are always in the works!

I am tickled pink when you leave a comment and I try very hard reciprocate! I truly appreciate the time you take to view and comment on my blog. Love to all

EW

Week 4 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge

Week 4's Challenge is "How did you learn to crochet or who taught you?"

I learned to crochet from my great grandmother.

She taught me all kinds of things, but when I sit down and crochet I always remember her and have to smile. The first stitch she taught me was the chain stitch when I was 4. and I learned that quick! I had a chain stitch going from one end of the house to the other!

Once I showed her how well I knew how to do it (I am sure it was more along the lines of once she was tired of constantly tripping over the chain.) She showed me how to make a granny square, which to this day is my favorite motif.

From that point on I was always crocheting something!

How did you learn to crochet? Do you have any fond memories of learning a craft? crochet, knitting, sewing, music, cooking?

EW

Week 3 of the 52 Week Crochet Challenge

Life hit hard these past couple of weeks, so I am behind on my challenge, crocheting, craft room, everything!

Week 3 was Celebrate Spring by making a project that has a flower motif or theme. 

I did look at my Pinterest Crochet Boards, and decided that I had  been wanting to make this little bird house with the hanging flowers. I like houses, birdhouses, birds, butterflies, flowers and dangly things. And if it's sparkly - all the better!

This is my inspiration:

TeenyWeenyDesigns

TeenyWeenyDesigns Etsy Listing

You can see more of what I chose for inspiration on this Board. Once my project is done I WILL post a picture or two!

And thank you all for the lovely comments on my new craft room, it is a work in progress and changes daily.