Show Us Your Stash ~ Thread

My personal thread collection, I am realizing, is far too small. I usually buy thread to match the color of the project I am doing.  I don't think I've ever bought a spool of thread just because I liked the color.  What a wonderful idea!

I have occasionally used contrasting thread for design purposes.  Sometimes I like how it turns out, sometimes not.  It really depends on what the contrasting thread is supposed to be contributing to the overall piece.

I use the same color in the bobbin as on top unless I don't have enough.  Then I try to get as close as I can.

If a fabric has large areas of contrasting colors, I go with my gut...whatever I think looks best - or I ask the kinds saleslady for her opinion!

I don't really have any tips on buying thread.  I want to increase my stash of thread but first I need a better way to store and organize it.  The little stand I have for it is far too small.  I'd like to mount something on the wall of the room that is rapidly becoming my sewing studio!

I don't think my thread collection is really even worthy of a photo - it's so meager - which is why I would LOVE to win one of these thread collections 

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? purchased with fabric, for projects (a few just because they make me happy)
* Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? nope
* Do you ever use contrasting thread? yes!
* Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? most of the time
* What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? i pick my favorite, or the favorite of whoever it is for
* Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? get good thread - bad thread is just well, bad...for your machine and for your aggravation level!
* Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
(on the way)
* 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? not really
* What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) cotton, cotton/poly dual-duty, elastic, embroidery, heavy duty, jeans

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? Since Im new to sewing I look for colors that will match my project, Im not brave enough for contrasting thread yet!
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? As closely as possible, sometimes its hard to find the right color though
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Not yet!
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? I usually do
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I usually choose thread that matches the color that covers the most area of the pattern or the lightest color
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Get the best thread you can reasonably afford. Its typically stronger and doesnt create as much lint
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? My "collection" isnt on display yet, just in a plastic tub until my craft room is done.
   * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Yes! There are so many pretty colors out there!
    * Do you "invest" in thread? I consider buying better quality thread and investment in my projects
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) I have quilting and all purpose

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
I inherited a box of various threads from my grandmother.  Others I've just collected as projects call for them.

    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?
Not always.

    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?
Yep.

    * 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 choose the one I like best/the best match I can find for any of the colors/a neutral/the background color (if there is one).

    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
The "when in doubt, go with the darker thread" advice has served me pretty well.

    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
It's all just tossed in an old cardboard box right now...not very pretty.  I should organize that someday.

    * 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?
Occasionally.

    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
All-purpose, hand and machine quilting, polyester embroidery, denim.

Insert Quote
 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? Conservatively! At least at first. I tended to buy colored thread in amounts only what I needed for a project and always had a largish stash on hand of cream and white.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? I think projects look much more professionally finished when they do... that said--I just made some red knit pj shorts that have white thread because I was too lazy to go find some red. Hey, they're pjs!
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Yes, typically when I'm doing a hem on something for my daughter in a fun stitch.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? I used to always leave it neutral and have since decided that I hate that. You have to mind your tension much more that way. So, unless I'm sewing something with shirring or say quilting with clear thread, it always matches now.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? Either the same as the largest background, or if it's for my daughter, something that matches one of the smallest amounts of colors in the pattern.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Shell out for good thread. I hate Coats and Clark dual duty. It feels like crap and lints up. I use the best I can find when possible. I did just order some thread on discount from connectingthreads.com. They have their own brand (like they have their own fabrics). It's not as good as mettler from a fraying/linting POV, but it is much better than coats. I'm not sure I'd buy it again though.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? I'm in the process of building my sewing room and just bought two lovely racks. So, I'm not ready yet ;(
   * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Nope. I have thought--pretty color and definitely likely to match something I do down the road and bought it.
    * Do you "invest" in thread? If you mean buying only high quality, yes. If you mean having all of the colors of the rainbow available to me at all times, no. And it's irritating sometimes--like they day I had to stop in the middle of my project and run to the store because I just simply didn't have shocking teal blue.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) Yes? except wool. I'd like to expand my serger thread selection now that I'm sewing more on it.

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? I try to but often just "make do".
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? no, that would show my crooked seams.
    * 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 play that by ear.  Normally I just continue with the same thread.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? No, but I will be reading everyone Else's to learn more.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? sorry, but no pretty display
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? no, I am very much on a budget.
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Well, all purchases are investments of a sort.  I try to buy the best that I can at the time.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) elastic, all-purp., quilting

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  A lot of my thread has come from work I've done for other people, so it's been their choices and I just use up the leftovers, and I've inherited a lot of old thread

    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  I usually try to match

    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Not often, but usually when serging an edge that will be visible

    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  when I'm doing something quick for myself I like to use up whatever color bobbins are around

    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  neutral - usually white or beige

    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  if you're trying to match but don't have a perfect match lighter is better!

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

    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?
After having a daughter I stocked up on pink and purple

    * Do you "invest" in thread? yes, when there's a sale/coupon I'll stock up if I'm getting other things anyway, especially black & whites, and i think of that as an investment.  I also buy more expensive brands

    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  Mostly Gutterman polyester, but also elastic, heavy duty/upholstery, extra fine/heirloom, 100% cotton, serger cones, woolly nylon and a bucket of inherited thread that I've been using up in my serger

I wish I had more thread colors! I am just beginning to sew a bunch so I am in the " getting all the supplies" phase.

 * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? Usually by selecting colors I have in most fabrics.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?No, sometimes contrasting thread looks great.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? Yes, especially on appliques.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? No..for me I am lazy so I usually use a neutral.
Not always
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I would just pick one of the colors and thread that somewhat matches.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Nope
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? Well it is pretty measly..I have maybe 16..
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?not yet..
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Well I have been looking to get a thread lot off of ebay or what not.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) I have 1 elastic and the rest are colored thread for dual purposes.

* How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  I purchase threads used specifically for different projects, then the leftovers go in the "stash."
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  80% of the time, I do.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  Only about 20% of the time.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  Depends on the project (or if I'm being lazy on the inside of a garment).
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I usually match the predominant color
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  If you're new to serging, take advantage of the free lessons that may be offered where you purchased your serger.  They can teach you a lot about different thread selection
    
   * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  No....I'm pretty sensible.
    * Do you "invest" in thread?  I try to buy better quality thread when it's on sale.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  I have quite a variety....a little of everything.

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?
I buy whatever I need for a particular project, whatever's on clearance at Hobby Lobby, or a color I see and love.
Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? Usually.
Do you ever use contrasting thread?
on rare occasion - and even then it's often an analogous color, not a strict contrast.
Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?
almost always, except if I just want a bit of a different color on top and don't feel like changing the bobbin
What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?
neutral, or the neutral for the fabric
Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?
I *need* tips and suggestions!
Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?
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?
If it's on clearance I may get a few spools of a neutral
What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)
I honestly don't really know what thread to use, so I have a little bit of everything.

    * How did you select colors for your personal thread collection?  Usually for a specific project.  Sometimes though, they are just so pretty and you never know when you'll need that particular color.
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  Not always.  Sometimes I really want my quilting to show so I use contrasting thread.
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  Yes.
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  I prefer to do this but sometimes I don't.
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  It's amazing how neutral colors can blend in, or now with so many variagated threads out there, you can usually find something that will work.
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  don't expect the same needle to work with all threads and it's okay to play with your machine and bobbin tensions.
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  Yes but not sure how to post pictures here.  I'll try and post a picture in my blog and link that here.
Here's my blog...www.pointlessquilter.blogspot.com  I just uploaded a picture of my threads.  
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  Of course.
    * Do you “invest” in thread?  Yes.
    * What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.)  Mostly quilting threads which now can include all different kinds - from cotton, rayon, metallic and am excited to try Superiors new silk thread coming out soon.

How did you select colors for your personal thread collection? I want all colours - just like I want all fabrics so I either match a fabric or just fall in love )
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? no - sometimes I just 'have' to sew something and I dont' want to wait... and use what I have (excuse to have lots)
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread? yup - lots of fun
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? sometimes...
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I try not to get too serious about it...
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? Love the thread you buy and enjoy the project - don't take this too seriously
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? the disaster area that is my sewing studio isn't ready for pics! LOL
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? absolutely
    * Do you "invest" in thread? Yes and no - falling in love is more emotional than that
    * 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?  I buy when I need thread for a specific project
    * Do you always match the color perfectly to your project?  I try
    * Do you ever use contrasting thread?  not so much
    * Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread?  depending on what the project calls for
    * What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors?  I will often change out my thread for different colors
    * Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread?  buy with coupons
    * Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection?  it's a mess currently -- in a plastic box to keep off the cat hairs
    * Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)?  not so much
    * Do you "invest" in thread?  not really
    * 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 have a pretty small collection. About half are from finished projects, the other half I inherited from my grandmother. (Yes! This means I have wooden spools--though I do use them, so I have a fair number of empty wooden spools now )
* Do you always match the color perfectly to your project? No.
* Do you ever use contrasting thread? Yes--especially quilting,but also topstitching.
* Do you use the same color in the bobbin as the upper thread? Yes--I sew from either side as seems easier, I can only imagine the resulting craziness if I used 2 colors at the same time.
* What if a fabric has big areas of very different colors? I pick what I think looks best--might be something in the middle range of values. Or something light or dark.
* Do you have any tips or suggestions about choosing thread? I get 100% cotton for quilting, but for clothing, pillows, etc I use cotton/poly. NEVER EVER get the super cheap stuff, it breaks. (And if your mom gives you a bunch of it, just toss it.)
* Can you show us a picture(s) of your thread collection? Don't know how to get a pic in here. But it's all in one thread-carrying box from Joanns.
* Do you ever buy thread because you fall in love with the color (without a particular project in mind)? Never--even thread is pricey, and I don't have $$ to throw away.
* Do you "invest" in thread? Yes--I love the variegated 100% cottons for quilting!
* What types of thread do you have? (elastic, quilting, all-purpose, wool, etc.) Mostly Dual Duty, Sulkys for quilting, and some older brands (Star, Talon) on wooden spools.