Good Morning, Quilters!
I have been an errant blogger of late, but I haven’t forgotten about YOU! I have been busy celebrating Christmas and the New Year with family and taking some quiet time to think, plan and organize.
I love the early days of a new year when everything is a blank slate–including the untouched calendar waiting to be filled with activities, goals, lists, hopes and dreams and of course, doodles!
WORD OF THE YEAR
One of the big discussions in the blogosphere at this time of year is the idea of choosing a word for the year-a word that suggests a guiding principle.
In 2015, I chose the word focus–a play on my interest in learning more about photography and my need to avoid distractions.
By the end of the year (Squirrel!) I was so harried (Squirrel!) I never chose a word for 2016. (Perhaps I should have chosen Squirrel!?)
MOTTO FOR 2017
My motto for 2017 is Make New Friends
I don’t mean it literally–but as a reminder to be open to new ideas and fresh ways of looking at things, exploring new possibilities and avoiding ruts.
Remember the old Girl Scout song:
Make new friends, but keep the old…
One is silver and the other’s gold!
MAKING NEW FRIENDS-MY THREAD STASH
One of my frustrations in my sewing room is my thread stash.
I LOVE thread, but finding the right thread is a nightmare and leaves my sewing room looking like a tornado hit!
All of my thread is stored (neatly) in boxes. However, when I’m auditioning threads, I have to open all the boxes to see my choices–leaving my room a mess!
HOW A THREAD NERD LIVES DANGEROUSLY
Last week I had six June Tailor thread racks installed on my sewing room wall.
I know this is not the best way to store thread–light and dust can damage thread.
However, I have decided to throw caution to the wind and store my threads (on a wall with minimal sun light) in a way that suits the way I work--even if it means I have to replace threads more frequently!
I spent several happy hours silently organizing my thread. It was oddly calming and therapeutic…
This will transform the way I work–a fresh look and a NEW FRIEND!
Isn’t it pretty???
What about YOU? Do YOU have a motto or word for 2017?
Is there something YOU can look at with fresh eyes?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Signed,
YOUR Friend,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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121 comments
MoonlightingQuilts
Well, crap, Lori! Now I want one (or four)! My challenge with on the wall thread storage is dust. At some point, I’d love to hear how you plan to handle that. In the meantime, I have chosen “perspective” for 2017. It’s all in how you look at things and choose to react. Once again, wonderful blog. Thanks.
Jane
If not now, when? Okay, so I have 4 words, but this is my motto for 2017. Having just moved and realizing I have so much: ideas, plans, fabric, thread, it’s time I get in gear. Lori, your blog is not only inspirational, it’s helped me renew my passion for quilting. Thank you! And to all the responders–it’s great to know we’re never alone in thoughts and ideas. 🙂
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Love your motto! So glad we have found each other!
Monica Hendewerk
The minute I open your post and saw your wall with all the beautiful thread on it I had a big smile on my face. I do have all my thread on my wall. I don’t want to open millions of boxes to find a thread that I like. Nor do I want to open all those boxes to put Threads away. I have threads that range from 40 years old to just purchased on my wall. I use. None are faded nor is there enough dust on it to make any difference. I don’t dust them off or anything. I just use them.
The one extra I have is that I made all of my racks because the June Taylor racks do not have the right spacing for the embroidery spools which have the wider base on them. I’m pretty proud of my accomplishment!
My thread is not only functional but also quite beautiful. I get lots of compliments on it.
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Thanks-so glad to hear that it hasnt been too dusty and that you enjoy them. I really think I will enjoy my thread more now.
Marta
A comment about dust on thread. When something messed up my bobbins, it took awhile to figure out it was dust on the thread. I have become a fanatic about covering my machine if I will be gone from it for more than 20 minutes. Realized the heat/air conditioning vent is right over the table there. I can easily and quickly cover with a large lovely silk scarf inherited from my mom-in-law. Recently I bought 2 of those very small lint rollers to use on the spools- just in case there is dust there. I also reel off about 18 inches of thread from a spool and hold it up to the light before threading my machine. I was surprised how much dust was revealed on some of them.
One more hint that was shared with me when I was a quilting newbie 6 years ago. I was saying I was grateful for so many spools of thread from my mom. Experienced quilters told me, “Not so fast ! Hold the thread in one hand and stretch out about 16-20 inches and hold other end tight with other hand. Wrap it around each fist and pull. If it breaks, it should not be used in a quilt. If it holds well, go for it !”
Marta
From Thurs…my words for 2017…I have decided I need some Mindfulness about my Words. Thus I am writing on small notecards and taping one in every room in the house until incorporated into my mind for the year. Cull, Pare, Downsize!
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Lean and agile–thats what culling does for us!
HollyAnnW
I dare say, Lori, I think you sew so much that your thread supply is turned over rapidly enough that you needn’t worry about it rotting from old age. Now dust is a constant bane, especially here on the prairie. I really like the idea of a tulle drape. That thread photo would make a unique banner for the blog … makes me think of spring with all the bright colors. We could use some “spring-y-ness” with this winter we’re having — too cold for too long. Happy New Year!
Susan Ramsayworldpresscom986
Re: Cotter pins….they can be found at the hardware store.
Anita
There is an upside to having your thread out in the open, you will use them more often when you are no longer reluctant to pull out bunches of boxes to find just the right one. I’ve had my threads on the wall for several years and not had any problems with fading or dust. I never had the organizers though. Just nails in the wall. I don’t want to do that in my new house so I’m saving for a couple of the June Tailors.
My word for 2017 is homework. Making my new house into a home instead of just a house and getting back to work quilting for a living.
Christine
Ha! My word for 2017 is FOCUS. So far, not so good…bad cold. But I feel it coming. It is also good to have that positive ‘this year I’ll _________’ even if it doesn’t spell out quite the way I imagined. I do plan to doodle more this year. Discipline, discipline.
Marie Nelson
My word for 2017 is PURGE! If it doesn’t work, doesn’t fit or doesn’t make me feel good wearing it, if it hasn’t been used in years, is a duplicate or triplicate (think rulers), if it doesn’t make my heart sing, if I am saving it for “someday” and have been for more than a decade, if its only excuse for being is to take up space…I am going to work on releasing it to the Universe! And those boxes and bins and bags of fabric scraps left over from finished quilt projects that I have been accumulating for the last 20+ years…I am hoping I can get brave enough to pass them along to one of the local groups who makes scrap quilts for the benefit of sick and or needy person.
Bernadette
Yes your thread is beautiful, I am also glad you enjoyed your family. I have thought about several words and ended up with ONE, I would like to focus on one task allowing it to get completed.
Lee Brinkley
The thread is beautiful!!! I, at one time, had my embroidery thread on these racks and enjoyed gazing at the colors!!! It is very calming!! I loved the pics of the puppies!! Are they Ausie Shepherds? I love your blog and all of your encouragement! Best wishes for a fabulous 2017!!!
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Thank you. Yes –Aussies.
Judy
I like the idea of a word and then a motto to keep one on the straight and narrow. I know my word needs to be “finish”, as an earlier poster put it. I wasn’t brave enough to list every project. I would be looking at failure. I listed about 6. They are large and will take some time, but when they are done, a true sense of accomplishment will take over to propel me to list the remaining ???? and get started finishing those, as well. Thanks to all for their comments. It helps to know others struggle with the same things. Overzealous to start and lagging behind at the finish. Onward and forward to get those projects done!! (Or given away for others to finish! lol) Happy New Year all!
Janet Licari
That is an impressive collection and looks beautiful arranged in orders. Have you considered making an easy to lift cover (wall hanging) that could shield your threads from light and dust? Much easier to dust a wall hanging!
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Greet idea!
Mary K Finn
“Stay focused” – focus on finishing old projects. Be mindful of starting new projects that they are truly items that will bring beauty/pleasure to myself or someone I love.
P.S. Love your thread collection and the way you arranged all the beautiful colors!
Mary
Love your thread solution. If I had more wall space where I have good light, I’d copy it immediately. I fell hard for a wonderful and appealing little wheeled 3-shelf cart at IKEA and got one for myself for Christmas. My idea was to take all those extra things off my sewing table to clear that space I use. My new cart is cute and handy, but it’s already full. And I’m afraid my sewing table — like horizontal surfaces around me tend to do — has filled filled with other sewing items. Maybe I need 2 more carts!
My motto for 2017 — Be mindful about the pleasure at hand in all the good stuff.
stl76girl
My word for the new year is, “Finish”. I have far too many UFO’s languishing in bags and bins. Several of them are over a decade old. I have a quilt rack filled with nearly two dozen little quilts that should be wrapped around a little kid and not around the wooden bar of a rack. So this year, I have joined a UFO Challenge and listed 36 UFOs (3/mo), and it is my goal to finally finish these 36 UFOs which include nearly all of the little quilts on the quilt rack.
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You will feel so virtuous at the end of the year!!
June Neigum
My word is organize. It is a carry over from last year. I have organized my scraps into color ways instead of lengths and it has been a god send. My yardage is on little bolts on a shelf in my closet. Still need to be rearranged in colorways. I had to take down my thread wall to do my organizing but going back up soon. I have had a “thread wall” a long time. I love thread as much as I do fabric. Some of my thread is over 20 years old (not all of that time exposed to the elements) but I found a neat product to help with breakage of my “old” thread. Its called Thread Magic Cube by Taylor Seville Originals. I found it at Joann’s and it has helped with the breakage problem of my old thread which I rally do not want to get rid of. I also have found a good way to keep the thread on cones from unraveling off the cone. Go to your local florist and ask her to save the nets that come on certain flowers for you. They work wonders for cones and most florists throw them away.
I like the tulle suggestion for covering the thread as I like see my thread wall art.
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Great ideas and tips!!
Paula Hedges
My word for 2017 is Learn. I want to learn how to get the most out of EQ7. I want to get comfortable with FMQ on all my machines – home, mid-arm, and longarm. I want to learn how to say no when saying yes is not good for me or my family. And most of all, I want to learn how to put balance in my life – business, family, and fun – without feeling resentful, guilty, or have to explain my choices.
Lori Kennedy
That sounds like a tall order–the balance part–LOL! Send any and all tips my way–I could stand to LEARN a few things…LOL!
Paula Hedges
So I’m not the only one? I promise to share if I find the secret to success!
JanineMarie
I love your thread “art installation.” Really, it’s art! It must make you very happy to look at when you are working.
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It does!! I just love it!
meh4092
You could always find some nice fabric to throw over your thread to protect it a bit, look at that fabric for awhile and then change it.
mickie mclaughlin
Love this idea.
Kim Vogel
Although I understand your concerns regarding the degradation of the thread from storing it this way, the fact that you are likely to use it more often balances the issue. I would think you would be more likely to “grab a new spool” if you didn’t have to go searching for it. You might consider marking them somehow so that if a spool sits for a long time, you would know it is an “older” spool and perhaps likely to have problems while quilting. Anyway, it looks AWESOME!
Elizabeth Kuntz
I did have a talk with my hubby this morning and I said that I wanted to start using new words this year. Retro words. The two that came to mind was Lolligag and shenanigans. Don’t ask!!! They just popped in my head 😀
Elizabeth Kuntz
okay, when you said you had to open all your boxes to find the threads you needed to use your room ended up trashed. That is exactly how I do it too! I’ll spread out my boxes on the floor and pull threads out and audition them side by side. I’m liking the wall idea more and more. Dust be damned!!!
Rita
Those threads look sooo beautiful! Making friends is a good theme for the year. And I`ll add being as kind to myself as I am to others.
Becky Shaffer
Lori, I love another quote by Libby when she said it was okay not to finish a quilt. She said, “Don’t finish that butt-ugly quilt and give it to charity. Charities don’t want butt-ugly quilts either”! She was such a great teacher and lady. It is so sad that her serious health problems have prevented her from teaching and doing all the things she used to do. We never know….seize the day!
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I agree-sad about Libby and another of my favorite teachers-Sue Garman. Seize the day–alwsys a great motto!
Lynne Capehart
My word for the year is GRATITUDE. I am keeping a gratitude journal and trying to find something to be grateful for every day. My husband is in the early stages of dementia, and I need to remind myself of positive things to keep on an even keel. So, gratitude for having time to sew, gratitude for having a little time to myself, gratitude that his dementia is not full -blown and may not be for a few more years. Etc.
BJ
I used the same set-up for thread in a previous home but also installed a curtain rod a bit wider than the racks. In a room full of gorgeous fabric, it was easy to change out the curtains, and light and dust were kept at bay. I made it wider so I could push the curtains to the side and expose all the threads at once when necessary. I used clip-on rings to hold the fabric so I could re-use it (if it didn’t fade too badly). It was a better way to work than the clear boxes, so good luck with your new system!
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Great tips!
Becky Shaffer
Someone once said, “Finished is better than perfect”. I try to keep that in mind when I’m afraid to start something because it might not be perfect. It helps and it sure is nice to have some finished quilts!
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Agree!
Penny Mattson
My word for the year is HOPE because by the end of last year I felt so hopeless. I also have a phrase of the year; Choose Joy. I repeat it often.
I also keep my thread on a wall rack. I have been even more aware than usual of color lately and love seeing it. I don’t worry about it getting dusty, just blow it off ;). I also make lots of scrap quilts and burn through whatever threads have the least amount on the spool; used up five spools on the last quilt. Since they are scrappy anyway it doesn’t matter if all the thread matches. Today I am of to the city for…new thread!
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I hope2017 is a great year for you!
Karen O'Brien
My word for 2017 is a phrase – “Just get started!” I am the ultimate perfectionist so I am often fearful of learning something new because I know it’s not going to be perfect. Taking your Craftsy Divide and Conquer FM class has propelled me to jump in and let the quilting chips fall where they may – so to say – and be “OK” with that. Thanks for the virtual encouragement and instruction!
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Lets get started!!
Ruth Wingfield
I love the way you have organized your thread! It is so easy to find what you want like that. I am spending January organizing my supplies also. I just may have to invest in some of those thread racks!
KEK
SPARKLE–find some; add some.
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I have a bottle of glitter Ill send you!
Maureen B. in B.C.
So beautiful; such rich colours … juicy seems to be the word. I love the convenience and “artiness” of seeing them all on the wall, but my issue is keeping the bobbins with the thread. Filling a bobbin half empties a Mettler spool. BUT just recently I discovered these bobbin/spool holders that look like oversized plastic cotter pins, and come in several colours. They work on all types of thread spools, unlike earlier models. I’m in love with these cotter pins! Unfortunately they won’t fit on the pegs of a wall-mounted thread holder because of their length. But then, I don’t have the massive collection of threads you have, Lori. Thread envy IS the case, as a previous blogger wrote.
My word this year is “donate”. It felt very good to donate some quilts to the local crisis centre before Christmas, I want to do more of that.
Maureen B. in B.C.
Oops, I edited and lost the “thread”, so to speak … Filling a bobbin half empties a Mettler spool, so don’t want to do it twice by mistake because I couldn’t find the first one I filled.
QuiltE
Had never thought of them as cotter pins, but good description! They really are the greatest for keeping spools and matching bobbins together. I scooped a bunch when our Fabricland closed, but I have seen them at times in regular LQS’!
KJ
Thanks. I am on the mainland and 5 minutes form a Fabricland.
For everyone else, these bobbin holders really are great.
KJ
I love those spool holders. No worries about the bobbin falling off the spool. Sadly, I only have one package. I am in BC too. Where did you find them here?
Maureen B. in B.C.
Fabricland. I emptied the supply in Nanaimo, then hit Victoria. They still had some left when I left town ?
Cave Creek Maggie
Your thread looks amazingly organized and colorful and inviting! I love it! My word MUST be “Distracted” because, although I love your thread I LOVE your dogs!!! OMGoodness! They are so sweet and beautiful and expressive~just look into their eyes! What is their breed?!? I need a friend like that!!! (Missing my Rosie!)
dawk2012
My word if forgive, myself and others. I choose this word with trepidation because like asking for patience, it requires practice, which requires conflict and pain. However, life without either is not life. I want to live free, in kindness and joy again. Love the thread display, and I have some Christmas $$ to spend. Off to buy some racks.
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Joanns–coupons!
KJ
Wonderful sentiment and nicely put.
annwalsh2015
I love it! I might just have to try something like this myself. I have been storing my threads in plastic containers to keep them protected from dust and sunlight, and while I don’t have near the stash that you have, I do have several lovely colours that would enhance the decor of my workspace if they became “wall art”!
Sally
That is a crazy amount of thread. I agree – so pretty!!
KJ
That wall of thread is amazing. Your dogs are adorable.
My word is health. I can apply it in many areas
-when grocery shopping, go for the healthier options
-when baking and cooking, go for the healthier items
-make sure I pet the kitties often for a mental health boost
-don’t let work bog me down and interfere with my health
-walk away from people who negatively affect my mental health and surround myself with people who make me happy and challenge me
-exercise where possible
-do some quilting and crafts for a healthy attitude but
-don’t sew too long or it affects my physical health
That was a nice mental exercise. Thank you.
Lori Kennedy
You can never go wrong with health!!!!
LaurenM
That’s funny. I just took all my thread off my June Tailor racks and put them in plastic containers because they were getting too dusty.
Lori Kennedy
Argh!!! I may live to regret this–but for now, I’ll enjoy!
Karen W
Happy New Year! No, Lori, I haven’t found my word for 2017 yet. We leave for home tomorrow (yea) – we’ve been across the country, visiting kids & grandklds for the holidays in south FL, but it’s time to go home — reorganizing, projects (a half-done quilt in the frame), & normal routines are waiting… I have my threads in different storage arrangements & we live in a sunny, dusty climate, so I made dust covers for my thread racks. At first they were clear plastic, but then I got some dark oil cloth & made new ones. When I need access, just lift off the soft cover & the rest of the time they’re protected. My favorite solution, though, is in my upper corner cabinets (glass-windowpanes) w/ large turntables on the shelves. Just spin & select (they face away from the sunlight). They look pretty thru the glass, too.
Lori Kennedy
That’s a great idea, too! I have more thread that didn’t fit on the rack….
Nancy Birger
If any of your threads are duplicates, you might want to store those in one of your boxes. I love all of the color on the wall.It is very cheerful.
Lori Kennedy
Great idea!
Holly
Welcome back Lori. What a beautiful thread display, you certainly have a BIG supply of threads. My word for 2017 is magical. Happy New Year.
onecreativefamily
Love your thread idea. In my sewing room I have taken closet doors off and on the wall in there are my threads. I have a light that I turn on when I need to see. I still seem to have a mess at times, but much easier to keeping organized. Planning is my motto for 2017. I don’t feel so scattered and more able to focus.
Michele
Re: the new quilting foot. Your word should be “play”! I keep a stack of quilt sandwiches (about 12″) ready to try new threads, tools, etc. I learned this from Patsy Thompson. It is much less painful than trying a new technique on “the good stuff”. I got my new foot and tools, and had a donation quilt ready to quilt. I had fun, and it came out great, even though I chose to combine 2 circles and a wavy line instead of something more simple.
Lori Kennedy
Sounds wonderful!
Christina
I love the picture of your thread wall! It looks like a rainbow! And WOW do you have a lot of thread!! I used to store my thread on the thread racks also but I hated the dust. So I bought some storage bins with draws and organized my threads that way. This way they all stand and don’t become a jumbled mess.
Beth Hardy
Hi. I did get on a preorder list and was lucky to receive the new bernina foot and rulers. Now I’m scared to use them. I was wondering why you say “if you don’t have a bernina, try Amy Johnsons craftsy class.” Do you have a recommendation on where to learn. Love my Bernina shop, but they are not particularly helpful with the new foot.
PS I share love with my Bernina 770QE, not so much our snowy Wisconsin winters.
Lori Kennedy
Beth, At the time I wrote that article, BERNINA was warning people not to use an off brand foot-as it nulls your warranty. Now that BERNINA’s foot is out–go for it! Because the foot is new, many of the stores and salespeople haven’t had time to truly play and experiment with it. I have a foot now and am playing, playing, playing–but am not ready to offer tutorials until I am more skilled–hopefully by June or July I will start offering tutorials on ruler work.
I LOVE my BERNINA 770QE too! My favorite machine ever! Winters in MN…quilting weather!
June Neigum
Turtorials on ruler work would be great!!!! As most of the tuts on Youtube are for long arms that the needle moves not the fabric which is a whole different technique. My mid arm quilting machine came with rulers and all the extras. Just don’t have the confidence to try them yet.
Patty Klein
You can get a white shower curtain or just some pretty fabric. Attach it to the top, or above your racks and make a cover for your thread. Helps keep out dust and light.
It is a beautiful display, and that in itself can be inspiring.
My words for the year are quilt and finish.
Patty
Kaylene Nelson
OMG… I can’t imagine having that much thread. I get confused with what small stash that I have. But, I have trouble not bringing more thread home with me each time I shop. Love looking at all your thread!
Becky Shaffer
I remember Libby Lehman once saying that you don’t need to finish every quilt. She said when you’ve learned what it has to teach you, you can move on. So culling sounds like a good word to me.
Lori Kennedy
Becky, I LOVE that motto–“when you’ve learned what it has to teach you, you can move on!” I might have to quilt that on a pillow or something! Congratulations on your new grand baby! Two baby tutorials coming in January–inspired by you–albeit a little late!
Marta
First great grand baby girl due in Feb..Looking forward to your tutorials.
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