If you have been sewing for any length of time, undoubtedly you have encountered the frustration of thread storing and organizing.  In years past, I kept spools in cookie tins, and finally on the wall – in orderly thread racks.  walmart.com

This was fine – it got them organized, and out where I could see them easily.  But there was one HUGE drawback – the thread became so dusty that  yards and yards of it had to be unspooled and tossed to get to the clean thread underneath.  Sewing with dirty thread can really damage your machines!  Not only that – the dirt can ruin your sewing project!

After scrounging around organizing blogs and books – I discovered the most fabulous and thrifty way to store and organize a large thread collection.  I confess, I hijacked the idea from this website with very few alterations!  http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/sewing-room-organization-challenge-part-ii-thread/

Behold the wonder of it!  This black wire cart came from SAM’s club for $19.99.  I found it in the fall around the time kids start going back to college.  It is intended to hold a small refrigerator or something, but I use it for my large thread collection.  It has wheels, and is so convenient I am beside myself.  The clear plastic thread cases came from Joann’s one at a time with a coupon or sale or both.  On the top stationary rack, there are cone threads, which are on the tall side.  In the center pull-out rack, are the regular threads, which are in clear plastic cases and stacked.  Since the drawer pulls out, I can easily access the cases in the back, and also, since the cases are clear – every thread is instantly findable.

Each thread case is sorted by color, which is  nothing short of organizing ecstasy.  Organized, convenient, and dust free!  You may notice on one of the spools – a piece of tape.  That is Scotch Pink Hair Tape.  I use it to keep threads from unwinding and it is wonderful and resettable.  It never leaves a gummy feel, and saves so much aggravation over tangled thread.  I have two spools which have lasted me for over five years.  The tape is excellent for bobbin threads too – which are also kept in clear plastic bobbin cases on the bottom shelf of the thread cart.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF USING THIS SYSTEM IS PUTTING THREAD BACK IN THE PROPER CASES AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED WITH THE PROJECT!!!! 

PROVERBS 31:27

 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.