I love it when a plan comes together!

Last week, I showed you the new thread cabinets in my workroom, with various threads getting sorted and stowed in them. Over the weekend, I tackled the last group of threads – goldwork threads! – and I’m so glad to have them sorted, because I have some exciting projects looming!

It’ll be nice to know what I have and what I don’t have.

Here they are – three drawers of metal threads. One drawer is devoted to Japanese threads, smooth passing threads, twists, and pretty much any couched gold thread aside from pearl purl.

The second drawer houses purls of all kinds, including pearl purl, and spangles.

And the third drawer contains all colored metal threads, including colored purls, passing threads, silk wrapped purl, gilt sylke twist, and the like.

I was so happy to fit everything into three drawers… until… until…

I found a stray box. And inside that stray box was…

MISCELLANEOUS.

Why does that always happen? I’m convinced that “miscellaneous” drawers – in fact, practically anything under the title of “miscellaneous” – exist only to defy our self-righteous sense of organization! Just when we think we’ve got everything honed down to a specific category, along comes Miscellaneous!

And so now I have a Miscellaneous Goldwork Drawer. (Why fight the inevitable?)

In it are several packages of beautiful beetle wings (not quite metal threads, but I use them in conjunction), some tubes of Sadi threads (which are not a fave, but can come in handy for demos), various felt boards for cutting goldwork threads, all the silk threads I use for couching gold threads, several cubes of beeswax, and, for good measure, to make the drawer feel important, I’ve decided to stow my goldwork tools in there, and most especially my silver mellore.

Here’s the residue after I cleaned out all my goldwork boxes, just so you understand exactly how disorganized my threads were. In a box marked “Goldwork Threads,” I found a rather motley collection of silks of all types, of cottons (I use that bright yellow floche for padding now and then), and three scraps of paper.

One scrap of paper was devoted to detailed directions… to a grocery store. Because we all know that goldwork and groceries have much in common, right?

On the other scrap, my Christmas idea list for gift giving. I could have used that at Christmas…

The third scrap was a last name and a phone number of someone whose name I do not recognize. No clue. If you called, and I didn’t return your call, it’s because you were stowed away among my goldwork threads. I’m so sorry.

Cabinet Resources

I really like my Bisley cabinets. But I know that they are a luxury. I’ve scrimped and saved for them for a year, just waiting for them to go on sale again.

Here are a few less expensive alternatives recommended by readers:

1. The Helmer drawer unit on casters, by IKEA. It runs about $40, plus shipping. It arrives flat and it requires assembly.

2. IKEA also makes another cabinet – the Alex drawer unit – but it’s decidedly more expensive (at $119), requires assembly, and the drawers are not fully enclosed, so light and dust can be a problem with thread storage. Additionally, the manufacturer recommends that it is strapped to a wall to prevent tipping (strap included). If you are creating a work space away from walls, this could be problematic.

I’ve not tried either of those, but in case you’re looking, they were recommended by readers who have them.

And now, with a little order restored to yonder workspace, I can move forward on some pending projects, which I can’t wait to share with you! As with everything in the hand embroidery world, these will unfold slowly – preliminary work and planning still in progress – but I’m excited and itching to move forward.

So, what are you up to with your needle and thread these days? How about with organization? Have you conquered your workspace lately? Share your recent adventures – I’m all ears!