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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: weB2cats
Date: 06-30-2004, 10:05 AM (1 of 16)
I'm at a loss as to how to store serger cones of thread.

I'm thinking plastic box with lid but wondering if the synthetic material in plastic would help create static in the threads (and eventual garments).

I know there's a creative group of folks here so this is where I hope to start getting ideas. I have my own sewing room that competes with computer and desk space. And my house gets very dusty for some reason. There is a closet in this room that would be good for storage but is jammed full now.

Any ideas would be aprreciated. Thanks.

Eileen
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002
Total posts: 232
From: paroper
Date: 06-30-2004, 10:09 AM (2 of 16)
I keep my cones by color in some stacking plastic drawers from Wal Mart. I have always been afraid that the boxes would discolor the cones but I have had no problem and I have used them about 10 years. Since you can see into the boxes it is easy to find the thread and since they stack together, I can stack them as high as my sewing tables will allow.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Chrysantha
Date: 06-30-2004, 03:08 PM (3 of 16)
I got some stacking boxes from Wally World, they have handles so I can pull my stuff out of the closet. They're great and theres no static involved.
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: mamahoogie
Date: 06-30-2004, 09:16 PM (4 of 16)
I just keep mine in a large wicker basket and I throw an old towel over the top to keep the dust out.
Violet
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002
Total posts: 461
From: weB2cats
Date: 07-03-2004, 03:14 PM (5 of 16)
I went to the store the other day and they had a 5-box gift set that works well. And I've even been able to get unused stuff neatly into the storage shed. Wicker baskets would take up floor space and I'm really trying to streamline my supplies into the closet. Unless I could find an oak shelving unit.
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002
Total posts: 232
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-03-2004, 05:00 PM (6 of 16)
I caught on sale some of those square boxes (plastic) that are about the size of 3 shoe boxes together. 15 or 18 inches square, maybe.. I keep my serger thread cones in one of them.. or 2 or 3 of them as the case may be..Keeps out the dust and they stack together ..They are the perfect height for serger cones..:bg: :bg:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: MartySews
Date: 07-09-2004, 06:53 PM (7 of 16)
I use those wonderful clear plastic rolling bins. I have one for serger cones; one for patterns; one for notions and small items and another one for sewing magazines. They slide easily under the cutting table that sits in front of my sofa. When company comes and the cutting table is put away, they slide into the laundry room. Everything is at fingertip when I sew. I have to sew in the living room as our home is very small. They work great.
Happy Stitching!
Marty:cool:
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: weB2cats
Date: 07-09-2004, 08:25 PM (8 of 16)
I found that I already own a rolling cart, too. As soon as I can get it cleaned out...My life story, I swear.

I'd like to display the colors of the cones. However, because of the dust factor, that would be a headache later. Now I need to get creative.

Eileen
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002
Total posts: 232
From: paroper
Date: 07-09-2004, 11:40 PM (9 of 16)
I hear that! I had some lovely swivel based spool holders that fit perfectly in a showy shelf where I stored them several years...in a room with a wood stove...what WAS I thinking?
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Sewhappie
Date: 07-10-2004, 06:54 PM (10 of 16)
I have the wall hanging thread holders, I just cut a sheet of clear plastic that hook it onto the top so that it drops over the cones. I can see at a glance what colors I have and what needs to be replaced, plus is clears up self and counter and floor space for other things!!!!!!
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001
Total posts: 1427
From: paroper
Date: 07-10-2004, 07:14 PM (11 of 16)
That's a wonderful idea! My husband is making a wall holder for my embroidery stabilizer...made like a series ofpaper towel holders. I needed a door but don't have the room for it to swing. I don't want to leave it open to the room because of dust and I really didn't want the clutter of a curtain. Thank you!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: crafteelady
Date: 09-21-2004, 11:36 AM (12 of 16)
Like the rest of you, I have limited space and use the rolly carts. LOVE them. So much easier at times. I even have my machines on top of a couple (I have 3 carts that I got at OfficeMax that have a half inch laminate top on them - sturdy enough for my D1!). I use the side of the cart and I tie-wrapped a spool holder on one side for embroidery thread; on the other cart with my serger, I did the same with a serger cone holder. I made fabric covers to fit over them to keep dust and light out. Once I am done sewing for the day, the carts roll back into line and my sewing room is, ahem, neat! LOL
User: crafteelady
Member since: 09-09-2004
Total posts: 3
From: MaryW
Date: 09-21-2004, 02:48 PM (13 of 16)
Crafteelady, welcome to Sew Whats New. :smile:

Your idea for the serger cones is really neat. If your sewing room is neat, it is a true rarity.

I am the messiest quilter and seamstress. If I am cutting threads, I let them fall on the floor. If I am snipping fabric, it goes on the floor too unless it is a big piece. I do love the idea of being able to close up the room and not have to put everything away.

How about you gals, are you messy or neat when you sew?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-21-2004, 02:58 PM (14 of 16)
A little of both Mary. I have neat stacks of the 2 and 2-1/2 gal. zip loc bags for my unfinished quilting projects. Every now and then I hear this slithering sound and look around to see an avalanche occurring! My batting fills up the treadle part of the antique Singer and the top of that has disappeared under a stack of fleece, purse making materials, etc. DH is in the process of remodeling my closet so that most of that stuff can be stored away out of sight :mad:

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: bunzino
Date: 09-21-2004, 10:43 PM (15 of 16)
SewHappy,

could you explain the plastic covering a little more? I'm not clear on what kind of plastic (ie how thick) and how it's attached. Any chance for a picture?

Thanks,
nancy
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002
Total posts: 119
From: barbeelady
Date: 10-08-2004, 06:07 PM (16 of 16)
I like those rolling bins too for storing cone threads that I either don't use a lot or new cones. I used to keep all of it in there but when I'm sewing pretty much non-stop (craft show season now) I like having the cones where I can get to them easily. That's where my plastic baskets come in. Two of them can live on the bottom shelf of this little table I have by my machines. I keep the "most-used" cones in there, staggering them to fit as much in the basket as I can. Always in search of the perfect storage solution though! Good thread!

To answer Mary about being messy or neat, I guess as a seamstress I'm neat because I can't stand threads and stuff hanging around--I have a small container near the sewing machine at all times to throw snippings in and of course the serger has its little catch-all bag. Now roomwise, that's another story! It appears totally messy, in fact if a burglar ever came, he'd think someone beat him to it and leave ROTFL! For the most part I can find what I need; it just doesn't look great in here. Like someone else, I share the room with the computer and a desk.
Tari in Ohio
User: barbeelady
Member since: 10-08-2004
Total posts: 21
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