Remember that telescoping magnet we talked about a few weeks ago?

That thing is So Dang Handy! If I didn’t convince you that you need one for needle-hunting-and-retrieving, let me show you a new use for it.

And dagnabit, it might even be a Better Use! Why I didn’t think of it earlier, I have no idea. All these years…

It makes a terrific thread holder!

I’ve been sorting and trying and comparing threads a lot lately, and the other day, I ran out of space for sorting.

If I only had some handy-dandy little peg arm thingy sticking out of the wall, where I could hang skeins to sort them, I said to myself.

And, lo! My magnet called to me. It said, Extend me. I’m awfully grippy. I can do it!

And, lo! It did do it!

And I’ve been using it to hang threads on ever since.

Of course, for this to work, you have to have the right kind of surface close by. I have the sides of my metal cabinets right next to me, so that works well. I also noticed that it sticks to the main shaft of my light. And it also sticks quite readily and almost a bit too eagerly to my Needlework System 4 stand, but I don’t like using it there, because there’s too much movement and I wouldn’t want to knock it off and end up with thread on the floor.

So there’s a new use for a telescoping magnet. Works in a pinch!

This week, I’m putting my mind to coming up with a simple dowel system to drape threads on. Nothing fancy – just a little something for stray threads while I’m working on projects. I have the picture of what I want in mind – if it comes off, I’ll share it with you.

Accessorize your Magnets!

And who would’ve thought you can even accessorize your magnets?

Marilyn sent in a photo of hers, with a case she made for it. She said she buys the telescoping magnets at hardware stores and makes cases for them using scrap needlepoint canvas and stash threads – and she gives them as gifts. Brilliant idea! Love the case!

That’s our Tool Talk for the week! Coming up later, a beautiful new book on the market (sorry to throw temptation in your way, but … it’s gorgeous), and the stitching gets underway on the Secret Garden project. I’m sure there’ll be a few other little tidbits in there, too.

Do you have any favored needlework tools that you repurpose and use for something other than their original intended use? Would love to hear about them! Feel free to share them with us in the comments below!