Show Us Your Stash ~ Thread

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  I usually buy for projects.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? Usually, yes.  Except in quilting, I usually do white.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  Sometimes in quilting using white (but then, most of my quilts have lots of white in them).
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  Depends on the project.  Yes, I have in the past use a different color in the bobbin. 
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  In a quilt, for example where there are blocks with color surrounded by white sashing, I stick with white.  In clothes I change threads.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  I heard if you can't find the exact match you should always go a little bit darker than the fabric.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  Oh... shudder... you mean you want to see my drawer with strings hanging out all over the place..>?  So embarassing!
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  Sometimes I do because I gravitate towards certain colors and I justify buying the thread because eventually I will likely make something with a similar color!
    * Do you "invest" in thread?  Not really.  I usually buy what I need.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  Elastic, Quilting, All-purpose.

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  Whatever is on sale or whatever I can find in thrift stores, etc.!
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? Nope. I go with whatever I feel looks good...and invisible thread if I think I don't want to look at the seam at all!
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  All the time!
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  Depends on the project and how lazy I'm feeling.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I stick with a neutral color that looks good with all colors of fabric.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  I have also heard that if you can't find the exact match you should always go a little bit darker than the fabric.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  Considering my thread is in many places, it's hard to get just one pic of it. I have a stash of serger spools, a second stash of smaller spools, and a third stash of "whatever's left."
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  If it's a good deal, absolutely!
    * Do you "invest" in thread?  Sometimes I find great deals on craigslist when people purge their spools. So yes, I would consider those purchases "investments," even if they don't cost much money!
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  Elastic, Quilting, All-purpose. Never tried Wooly Nylon but would like to!

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  A bunch is hand-me-downs from my mom.  I know you're not supposed to use old thread, but how can I throw it away? My purchases have been mostly natural, white and black.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  No.  When piecing I just use natural or white, because it won't be seen.  Otherwise, I do try to get close, but will go with what I have unless it seems really off or important.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  a few times.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  yes, unless I'm piecing.  Then I might just use things up.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I tend to go with natural or one subtle color.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  From now on I'm only buying "nice" thread like Gutterman, so that I can use it for any project.  I do lots of quilts.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  It's really small.  I have warm colors an cool colors separated.  They fill up 2 plastic thread containers.
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  no.
    * Do you "invest" in thread?  when it's on sale at Hancocks!
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
Polyester/cotton handed down.  I only buy cotton.

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? I choose colors that really speak to me at the moment.  Color calms me very much.  I do of course choose threads for projects, but I just love the colors.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? I do match the color for my project.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Sometimes.  I plan on using contrasting thread more often.  It adds some pop to the project.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  Yes.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I would use the background color of the fabric.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Not at the moment.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  I have a very small thread collection, but I will see what I can do.
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  Yes most of the time.
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Yes I do. It is almost like buying yarn.  I am taken away by the color and quality of the thread.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  I have cotton, elastic, and all-purpose.

 I use a plastic storage bin to keep my thread in. I also use one for my embroidery thread. It stays under my desk on a little shelf withing easy reach. I would love to win some good thread. I'm usually buy it when it is half price at Hancock's. I had a lot of thread leftover from when I used to make pageant dresses. This looks like a lot, but really a lot of it is old. I have to go through and throw some of it away from time to time.




How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? Usually by what project I am working on.

Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? It depends on the fabric. I do try.

Do you ever use contrasting thread? Yes, many times.

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

What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I try to go with the most dominate color. I usually will try a couple of samples before I decide.

Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? My Home Ec. teacher always said to go with a little darker shade.

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

Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Sometimes, because I live an hour away from a fabric store.

Do you “invest” in thread? I do to a certain point. I don't like to keep a lot of stuff that I don't use often.

What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) Sewing thread, embroidery thread, some quilting thread (mostly for pleating), some hand embroidery thread

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  My grandma started me out with a pretty thorough supply of thread.  Whenever there is a sale on thread at my local sewing store, I buy a few more colors that I think would be useful.

* Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  I either match the color as closely as I can - OR - I use completely contrasting thread for a different look.  I don't like when thread is supposed to match but doesn't.
 
* Do you ever use contrasting thread?  All the time!  I love it!

* Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  No.  I sew a lot of bags with contrasting linings so I often use one thread on the top and a different one on the bottom.

 * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  That's a perfect time to use a contrasting color!

* Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  I think it's important to use good quality thread - it makes every sewing project much easier.

* Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
I keep just the basics at arms reach ... the extras are stashed away in my closet (less clutter!):



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

* Do you “invest” in thread?  I do buy a lot of the standard colors whenever they are on sale.  I think I have 10-15 spools of white thread in my closet right now.

* What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  All-purpose works best for me.

The following questions are related to this blog post.
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=8780  Answer below or on your own blog.

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? usually buy it when I buy the fabric and always keep the staples around like white, black, gray, beige
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? oh no, sometimes i like to contrast it sometimes I even use clear to hide it.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? umm yes depending on the project
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? not always...i have a quilt top i'm doing with clear on top and black bobbin.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? gray in the same tone as the fabric. 
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? buy good quality thread - don't use bargain thread it just binds up and causes more pain then the savings.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? sure.
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? yes and love to stock up during sales
    * Do you "invest" in thread? yes, I try to always buy good quality and the right weight for the project.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) quilting, all purpose, silk

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? I bought sets that were already matching
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? No, I like to contrast a lot
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? YES!
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? Mostly
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I'll use something that will blend if I want it to, or Standout if that's what I want to do
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Usually I google help topics before I start just to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help with proper tension
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? Which BOX? ha! I have about 6 boxes full, in various locations of my home
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? YES!
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Yes, I have fun thread, expensive thread, everyday thread and specialty threads.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) Elastic, Quilting, Embroidery (Rayon, Cotton and Poly), All purpose, Upholstery, ummm...

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? most of my collection is serger cones that I use for my serger and I'm stuck with four of each color.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? No.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Yes. I love them.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? Usually not.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I have been using a 40 wt. very light blue on most of my projects lately.  It seems to go with everything and picks up whatever color surrounds it.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? I try to find 40 wt. when possible. I like the texture of it.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? Yes,I can.  I have 2 wooden cone racks mounted on the wall, 1  plastic thread spool box, 3 zippered see thru bags with different colored poly/cot spoools.  Unfortunately my camera needs dumping at the moment.

...because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Yes.
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Yes, I do.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) All of the above, wolly, embroidery, metallic(which doesn't work in my machines) blenders, different weights, jean threads, Gutterman, poly/cot, cotton, poly.  I love collecting threads.  They always come in handy when I need it and I don't have to drop everything and go buy anything.

    * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  I choose some neutral shades - mostly earth tones that I use a lot.  Otherwise, I'll try to match the thread to a specific project.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  Yes!
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  Not always.  I just tried different ones for the first time recently on a quilt.  Worked great!
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I'd probably go with a neutral tone.
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? No
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) I have some elastic and mostly all-purpose. 

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? As I required them.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? I try
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Seldom
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? Almost always
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? Go with the most prevalent colour.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? Sure
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? once, I bought some mulitcoloured rayon thread, never used it though
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Well I never buy the cheapest thread, gutermann or coats usually
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) all-purpose, upholstery, invisible and cotton wrapped polyester

    * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
  I go by what I need for a project mostly. But occasionally I will pick up a color that strikes my fancy.

    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?
  Not always. Sometimes I like for it to stand out.

    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?
  I havent yet but I would like to.

    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?
  It depends on how much of that color I have. Sometimes I substitue white if it isnt going to be seen since I always have white on hand.
 
   * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?
I havent come across that yet.
 
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
  not really. I am just learning myself.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread
collection?
My camera is not working

    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?
  Yes
   
* Do you “invest” in thread?
  Sometimes.

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

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? 
I first started my collection with hand-me-downs from my mom; then I acquired a large sum of spools from a thrift store; now I add colors as needed for each project if I cannot find a match from my stash.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? 
If I don't have an exact match (which is rare, amazingly enough), I have been known to compromise with a color that is slightly lighter than the fabric.  I have found that lighter thread, rather than darker, is less noticeable as a substitute.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? 
For top-stitching on some projects, yes.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? 
Yes, almost always.  The only exceptions are for reversible projects with contrasting fabrics or if I'm trying to stretch the life of a top-stitching spool.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? 
I match the thread to the most prominent background color of the fabric.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? 
Opt for the BIG spools of basic colors: white, black, ecru.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? 
Sorry no, because they are packed away in gallon Ziploc bags awaiting a better storage solution (giant pickle jars??).
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? 
No, I've never done so.
    * Do you "invest" in thread? 
Only when I run out of a basic color, then I stock up when they are on sale.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) 
All-purpose cotton wrapped polyester, 100% polyester, invisible nylon, elastic, gold denim, heavy duty coat.

* How did you select colours for your personal thread collection? They are mostly left overs from projects I have finished or thread that I have bought to match fabric for a future project. I always have lots of black and white and a particular blue that if for repairing my partners jeans.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? It depends on if it is important for the look, I try to get the best match I can or if I can't then it is better to choose a contrast colour I think
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Quite often, again, it depends on the look I am after.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? Usually, but I have used two different colours to help teach a friend about tension
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I try and pick my favourite of all the colours
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Just get the best you can afford, it is just as important as fabric choice, it needs to last for as long as your garment
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? These pics are from my BurdaStyle tutorial here: http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/small-thread-spool-holder-for-under-aud-5-00



The photos are a little old now and I had since made another because I filled the first one up so it is double height!
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the colour (without a particular project in mind)? Oh yes, I have a beautiful purple that I can't wait to use and a green that I don't ever want to use, it is so pretty!
    * Do you "invest" in thread? No
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) Mostly just all-purpose but I have top-stitching for my jeans and shirring elastic too.

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  At first, I just bought thread when I needed it.  Now, I buy what I want and pick colors instead of basic white and navy.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?Now yes definitely match to main color of fabric or some very nice contrast.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?Yes especially on hems and top stitchint
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?yes
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?Doesn't bother me
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?Go with your gut!  Most humans have an innate love of color.  Find it!
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?Too messy!  But here is my favorite color chart!
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?Yes when it is on sale 50% off
    * Do you "invest" in thread?Well, yeah, for the serger.   When it is on sale!
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.Elastic, Guterman poly, Guterman cotton, Guterman serger thread, a bit of C&C here and there

For some reason, the Guterman display and color charts make me very happy.  My newest purchase is hot pink!  I prefer the pinks and lavendars and soft greens.  I chose them from my memory of the fabric and I am never wrong!  I don't have many gifts but that is one of them.  



Borrowed this pic from Seattle Fabrics

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/gutermann%20chart.jpg



Kathy
www.toomanyhannas.blogspot.com