Good News, Bad News

I got home today and found this package had arrived in the mail. I was expecting it, but not for a few days yet. A lovely woman named Roganne has gifted me with the tatting shuttles and thread of her mother who passed away recently at the age of 94. Roganne herself does not tat and wanted it to go to someone who would use it. I'm honored to have been asked and I will definitely use all of this. There are tons of hankies, size 80 thread and also several spools of ecru in various sizes as well as several Boye shuttles. There are some motifs attached and the tatting looks exquisite. Roganne said her mother had always done some kind of needlecraft and also emailed me a photo of a beautiful quilted jacket her mother made. I have tremendous appreciation for this gift and will use it wisely. Thank you Roganne.

Did you notice I also said "bad news" in the header? This morning I tried to pass a group doing the tour thing of the University as I was on my way to an appointment. I stepped off the sidewalk onto the ground to go around them. My right foot landed fine but my left foot felt like it went into a hole and down I went. I walked on over to Hovde Hall for my appointment, could feel my ankle swelling as I sat there, and then walked back to the office...limped actually. Once I got there, I told my coworker that I needed to see a doctor, thinking I had a really bad sprain. It turned out to be a break, a clean break, but a break nonetheless, requiring a cast for 3 weeks and then a walking shoe and then a foot brace. I can go back to work but will probably stay home a day or two until it hurts less and I can maneuver this thing better. I needed the tatting time anyway, right? The package above arrived fortuitously.

I sent this to my sister recently and said don't you dare buy this for me! It's one of the Artful Bras done by the Quilters of SC



I got an online newsletter from JoAnn Fabrics recently which contained some guidelines for managing your fabric stash. Well...I could follow those and probably will at a later date but I also felt it was relevant for threads so with a little "find and replace" and changing a few lines, this is what I came up with for threads.

Review & Refresh It - Threads can get disheveled. Go through your stash periodically. Air it out, secure ends and group like threads together by type and color.
Donate It - Consider what threads you no longer want to keep or use and donate them to a local charity, school, community center or theater. (or tatter!)Digitize It - Before putting it away, take photos of threads to create digital samples. Create a log with the images and notes about the size, fiber content, etc.
Stack It - Try storing thread in clear stackable bins with lids. The bins keep threads dry and dust free, and you can easily see what's inside. Maybe even number them and record the numbers in your log for quick reference.
Hang It - Alternately, using thread spool hangers to store thread on a wall or in a closet.
Use It! - The best way to keep your stash tidy is to use it. For example, you can use up smaller pieces of thread by making butterflies and small blossoms.