Some lessons are learned the hard way. When I dismantled my wall hung thread rack when I moved I was shocked to see the outward sides of the threads were fainter in color than the thread on the backs of the spools. Obvious UV damage had occurred! This was distressing to say the least especially since my thread rack was no where near a window!
Passive window light as well as room light can damage thread as well as fabric!
So while 95% of my threads (300+ spools) were safely tucked away in plastic drawers the ones I had kept out had been compromised and I am keeping this lesson in mind as I design my new studio! While it is ever so pretty to see all that thread and that fabric on open selves this time all my storage will be closed to protect my investments!
For the money I am thinking that Ikea is going to be my go-to for this project. Since I will already be installing a full wall of Ikea cabinets with doors this seems to be an easy choice. The Helmer drawers seem ideal since they will keep my threads free from dust as well as light and yet be small enough that I can roll banks of them close to my sewing or embroidery area when in active use and they can be rolled back when it is time to clean up (hahahahaha- as if.) I plan to label each drawer by color and each unit by brand. I still need to figure out how many I will need but that means math… and some measuring!
Are your threads safe and sound in your sewing space?
I have my thread stored in dressers I was lucky enough to find for storage. The drawers has dividers and spools fit perfectly. I have always wondered what the dividers were initially for. Lol
Bottom drawers are so deep my patterns stand up right also perfectly ♥️
As a matter of fact, these are the exact drawers I have my thread stored it – in Bad Ass red no less!
Perfect!! I just moved and I am trying to figure out storage and organization. Question, which cabinets from IKEA for your fabric storage?
Yes. My threads are in bins and plastic cases on wooden shelves under a window. Some are still wrapped. My plants are in trays on the top shelf.
Yes. My threads are in bins and plastic cases on wooden shelves under a window. Some are still wrapped.
I have IKEA Galant cabinets for thread storage. I have 5 of them tucked under the table of my longarm. The top drawer is shallow but great for storing prewound bobbins, color charts, etc. The bottom drawers are perfect for cones of thread as well as smaller spools.
Hmmmm…you are right, I love looking at my threads on the wall but I’m moving my sewing space and redoing a few things, I think I’ll look at thread organization as a new add on to the room. thanks
I don’t do machine embroidery so I don’t have big cones of thread . I use hot wheel carriers I bought at Wal Mart . They are clear and 2 sided so I can readily find the spool I need. And the 4 I have store nicely in the closet on the shelving surrounded by plenty of fabric.
That struck a chord! I too kept all my ‘special’ variagated threads on a wooden wall rack – right above a radiator. They too bleached with the sun and not sure the hot air coming up from the radiator did them much good. I used Ikea’s Alex drawers to give them a better home – made dividers with white foam board and used a hack to make the drawers open fully. Can’t beat Ikea!
Although I haven’t quilted in years, I feel I still have some in me….one of these days! My art is now focused on silk, painting with dye on silk. But I do sew to create wall hangings and the occasional wearable. Currently designing a separate building for a studio/guest quarters. So, I’ve been paying close attention to your design ideas. Those 9’ tall IKEA closet things caught my eye big time!