Thread Stash..

Over on Sew, Mama, Sew they are having a fun giveaway and one way to enter is to show off your thread stash and answer a few questions about it. I thought it would be fun, so here we go!

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?

I tend to use the same colors over and over again- I would say the top 2 rows are my most used colors of thread, they seem to work work most of the fabrics I buy and I just gravitate towards them. I restock them time and time again (and I hate the feeling that I might run out of some of my favorites).

Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?

This depends on the project, sometimes I tend to match it semi-perfectly if it is going to be seen (as in topstitching, quilting or if a neutral won't look right)

Do you ever use contrasting thread?

Yes, I do like to change it up a bit! (I find this is especially nice in projects that are for children)

Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?

Not always, probably about 75% of the time they are both the same, but the other 25% they are not. 

What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?

I go with what catches my eye best (if you squint a little you can isolate the main colors, basically the main colors will sort of pop out and I go with that otherwise I just wing it!)

Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?

I say go with what you like or make a little test swatch (sew with the colors you are trying to decide between about 1" apart using the stitch length and pattern you will be using, then decide which is best)

Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?

Most often used thread

if I can't find a color on the first wall, I check here:

Thread for the serger:

 

Almost out of thread spools and other various ones that I really don't organize:

vintage: 

bobbin boxes, organized by the color and machine:

Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?

Sometimes. I just acquired more thread from my grandma so for now I try to only replenish my most used colors, white, black, dark gray, and browns. The rest of the time I use what I have on hand. 

Do you “invest” in thread?

I say yes! to this because having good thread really can make a project better and last longer.

What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)

I think I have almost every kind of thread in my collection. (elastic, invisible, all-purpose, serger/overlock, upholstery, buttonhole, embroidery, vintage, heavy-duty, quilting, hand-quilting, silk....