I have to share a story with you about cats and threads. I once had a tuxedo cat named Elvis. I did a lot of cross stich while recovering from an injury and he never left my side as we sat on the couch. I was merrily stitching away and all of a sudden my thread felt wet. I looked over at the side where my thread was resting and see it coming straight out of Elvis' mouth. He just looked at me with the thread in his mouth as if to say 'carry on, Mom'. He had it positioned in his mouth so it was just sliding directly through. I'm pretty sure he was convinced he was helping by holding my thread.
You are a wonderful teacher! I am an old school cross stitcher but like learning all about the changes within the hobby. That being said, I think I'll stick to bobbins for storage❤😊
I've been stitching most of my life. All different styles. Cross stitch is my favorite. I have a wall with some of my favorites. But, then I took a long hiatus and now I'm retired, and watching videos with the new tips and tricks. I used to make stamped cross stitch ones, and now trying Aida. I've really enjoyed your videos and all the things you've taught me make it much easier in organizing my threads, and all the newest styles that I never used before. I've liked and subscribed to your channel and looking forwards to seeing what you can teach me in my future. I've watched many of your videos already. I'm making Christmas ornaments this year, my project and loving it. Thank you! From Pennsylvania, USA
Cross stitch does have a way of drawing you back in! I'm glad you're enjoying it and that my videos are helpful to you 😄 Making Christmas ornaments is such a lovely project to have ⛄🎄🎅😄
This was so helpful. I'm new to cross stitching and was wondering if it was possible to pull a single thread out of the bundle while it was looped. New subscriber. I look forward to more flosstube videos from you.
Thanks for showing us a storage system more sophisticated than the hot mess I've got going on! And yes, my cat would love your peg board display - I'd have to store mine in a locked filing cabinet. 😹
A lot of my life is a hot mess but at least my threads are organised 😂 I'm amazed our cat visitor doesn't try to mess with my threads! I think that's pretty rare.
You could run your single strands of curly thread along a damp sponge with just water to straighten them. Works a charm. Also making the slip knot very loose helps. Great info.
Yes, that's definitely something I could try with the damp sponge, and I agree it's easier when the slip knot is looser. So glad you enjoyed the video 😄
Just subscribed. I’m getting back into Crosstitch after 30 years away and your videos look very interesting. Looking forward to seeing what things I’ve forgotten about.
The cross stitch bug always comes back I reckon 😂 I had a break for a while too. Hope you'll find lots to enjoy here as you dive back into cross stitch 😄
I, to, am resuming the X-STITCH bug. Finding I need to "kit" each project as I get it/ or find it. I like using the new pouches, especially those with a vynal area in front, to readily identify the project. To "kit" a project, to me, means to gather all supplies*only include finishing items if already decided upon* into a bag(preferably with a zipper). Each of my project bags is large enough for the pattern, not folded. Smaller Pouch for called for threads - already numbered and on "Floss drops" with the 1 (loop method) or 2 threads already separated and looped through the top end, of the floss drop; ready to just add a needle & starr/continue stitching. Always a pair of scisdors/Snips, extra needles-in a storage tube, in a needle book, in the selvedge of the folded or rolled fabric, 4 WonderClips and now, a magnetic needle Minder. Figure out where to put the tiny tails you cut off, maybe a lint roller brush, ot tape upside down on a firm surface... and remember to get up/ walk a bit 5 min, every 40-60 minutes; to remind your head to look up and hips to move to return blood circulation to your, sit-upon-bones & muscles... always have a light bright enough for you to see the holes for your needle/floss. Some X-STITCHers use a 16" or 18" pillow in their lap, to raise their work; others sit in a recliner, keeping feet elevated. I always have two no-spill water containers from which I drink my water; bladder says full, oh gee,, gotta stop, get up, walk/use an assistive device and move! Not course, my Charged/charging cell phone is nearby. Often I am watching/listening to "old movies," and I also watch PBS, Nova, etc. Or other RUclips FLOSSTUBE Videos & maybe even learn a thing or two! Enjoy. I always stitch my initials and the 4 digit year of completion, somewhere in the design, or on the label when fully finished: in a frame, or with a backing, or on a stand.
I also choose to purchase my floss from 123 Everything Cross stitch. Per DMC skeins, you save money + they are an online store and carry several of the overdyed flosses and fabrics. They gave excellant service and reply by email...when you leave something in your cart. I often select floss for several project for a bulk order & to save on shipping. I do list In my X-STITCH "journal/planner" each project, designer info, fabric chosen, floss brand & numbers/names, start & end dates, how I fully finished each project + gift to ??? ...
Love your videos! Just wanted to put out there for your USA fans that A Stitching Shop in Denver, CO sells Annie's Keepers. The labels by Sirious Stitches is also a company from Denver, CO and I bought them the last time you showed them in your video. Thanks!
I take my needle tip and find a single piece of floss. I find it the easiest and a time saver without pulling a six strand out and putting it on the drop. It saves me time and a step. I have seriously never had any problems with it tangling.
I know a lot of stitchers find directly pulling out a single strand really great, which is why I included it even though I prefer not to do it. It's more the curliness than tangling that I don't like so much. It's great to find the way that works best for you 😄
I guess my UK ancestors are showing because I call it thread too. 😀 Finally, I understand floss drops. I don't really have a place to store them though. I'll probably stick to my bobbins. Great video. New subscriber here. Looking forward to catching up on your vids.
Thank you, and it makes my day to hear you are enjoying my videos...and that I could explain floss drops for you. But yes, they do need a bit more space for storage and bobbins are so lovely and compact. I am sure I've seen some floss drops that are bobbin shaped so you can attach the thread like on a floss drop but then wind the thread round the body of the bobbin shaped floss drop for storage. I have no idea where though, or if I've just imagined that 😂
I’ve always used bobbins and never thought about trying floss drops but you explain it excellently (and they look amazing). I have a question, what do you do with a thread that you’ve finished working with if you don’t park? Just reattach it to the floss drop? The answer seems so obvious now I’ve typed it out but want to make sure.
I was a bobbin user when I first started...I don't think floss drops existed then as it was a while ago 😂 I do love my floss drops now, and yes you are correct, if I have a partially used thread that's big enough to keep then I pop it back on the floss drop, usually on the opposite side of the main bundle from my working thread.
I have the floss drops hanging on long hooks that stick out from the pegboard. I have them in the order on the DMC thread shade card with each column of colours on the card taking up 2 long hooks. I number the floss drops so I know where they go. I'm planning to make a video showing this at some point but hope that helps a bit for now 😃
Probably a silly question but say we are using dmc threads and the colour is 625 is a ❤ symbol. Would it remain the same for every project you did that used dmc thread, so would 625 always remain a ❤ no matter what the pattern was? I hope you understand what I am trying to ask
This is definitely not a silly question! But no, the symbol used for each thread colour will be different in each pattern. That would make life easier, but then you would need a LOT of symbols, and could risk some of them being a bit odd or having similar symbols next to each other on a pattern which increases the risk of making mistakes. I don't even keep the symbols the same for each colour across all my patterns because I like to carefully choose the symbols each time to make the pattern as easy to read as possible.
It changes to what the designer needs for the individual pattern. So in other words, the symbol would change. Don’t stress, just go with the flow….stitching is meant to be relaxing, there are no stitching police or rules. Do what makes you happy, that’s what stitching is all about. Well, there is one rule….no knots! Never tie a knot on the back. It will show up as a lump,on the front side…..but if you make a baby bib, I do knot the floss, a very wee one but I make it secure to go through the gazillion washings that baby item will need to go through.
For the moment I keep my thread on cardboard DMC because I have a box in this dimension. If I put all my DMC like you, on a plastic, it needs for me another solution for storage. It's complicated. Maybe one day, I will find a good solution...
It's definitely always complicated and no one solution fits everyone...and I've definitely changed my storage methods over the years to suit my budget and space!
Thank you so much for your videos! They are great! I love the Kate floss drops!! But I’m curious about whether the stickers will fit on those. It doesn’t look like it and I also love the look of the stickers. What is your plan? Will you just use the number from the thread skein? :-)
Thank you, and I'm happy you're enjoying my videos 😊 The stickers I use definitely don't fit on the Kate Blandford floss drops so yes, I'd just have to cut out the section of DMC label and put it in the slot. But I have to say that this is a bit fiddly, and having used the floss drops a bit, I also find the hole for the thread too large so the threads slide around. It's all personal preference but the Annie's Keepers floss drops are much better for me.
Can you make a video that shows a good way to store the floss drops where they are organized/easy to find the color you need? I like the advantages of the drop floss and I want to switch but I have over 400 to 500 DMC colors at the ready. To store the floss drops on a ring is too project specific. I need the system to be able to adapt to any WIP I have in front of me and be able to easily select any color.
Yes, I can definitely do this; in fact I keep meaning to do an office/craft room tour to show all my storage including my thread wall but I just haven't got to it yet! I also have all the standard DMC colours and a few others so it is a lot to store! Until I get to that there is a bit more info and a picture of my thread pegboard in this blog post www.catkinandlillie.com/post/storageforembroiderythread so hopefully that might help.
It's probably not super easy to see to be honest! You'll see the fatter bit on the ring where the hinge is, and opposite that is where it opens; there are 2 sections to the ring that have kind of grooves that interlock. You can pull these sections apart to open the ring. I find it easiest if you separate these slightly first by pulling one side towards you and one side away from you then pull the 2 sections apart from each other. Sorry it's a little difficult to explain in writing 😬 Let me know if you manage it!
Thank you 😊 The pegboard is from Ikea www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-10321618/ It's so useful with all the different accessories you can get for it 😄
Oooh, well that's quite a personal preference and I would say it depends on how you use the threads. If you generally go looking for specific shade numbers then having them in number order will be quickest and easiest to find the one you want. If you want to be able to pick your own colours and/or design patterns then having colours grouped together can be really helpful. I personally like to have mine in order exactly as on the DMC shade card so colours are grouped and that helps with designing, but it's not too hard to find a specific number...I can find it on the shade card and then go to that spot on my pegboard with all my threads on it.
@@catkinandlillie Thanks for your answer. Yeah I think like you. Yesterday I've spent all my afternoon to storage my DMC by number. Finally it's better. When we read a chart, often it's by legend and number to find. I keep my threads on DMC cardboard, maybe I will find another solution in the futur. For the moment I have done that.
The link is in the description; scroll down to 'Products mentioned in this video' and then look for 'Sirious Stitches DMC floss drop labels.' I hope that helps 😃
![MURDER DRONES Series Finale [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/p6mhC5Iatns/mqdefault.jpg)
I have to share a story with you about cats and threads. I once had a tuxedo cat named Elvis. I did a lot of cross stich while recovering from an injury and he never left my side as we sat on the couch. I was merrily stitching away and all of a sudden my thread felt wet. I looked over at the side where my thread was resting and see it coming straight out of Elvis' mouth. He just looked at me with the thread in his mouth as if to say 'carry on, Mom'. He had it positioned in his mouth so it was just sliding directly through. I'm pretty sure he was convinced he was helping by holding my thread.
Oh my word, that really made me giggle 😂 I'm sure Elvis really thought he was helping you!
My cat would just eat the thread 😂 I always have to keep them closed.
Elvis 🤣🤣 I also have a tuxedo stitching buddy that you can see in my avatar. Little chunky Anna ❤❤
That’s so sweet!!😂❤
Elvis flossing and helping!
I am enjoying watching many of your videos today and learning so much. You are such a wonderful teacher. Thank you for your content.
Aw, thanks so much 😊 It's lovely to hear my videos are helpful to you!
You are a wonderful teacher! I am an old school cross stitcher but like learning all about the changes within the hobby. That being said, I think I'll stick to bobbins for storage❤😊
Aw, thanks so much 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed seeing other options but bobbins definitely do have advantages 😄
I've been stitching most of my life. All different styles. Cross stitch is my favorite. I have a wall with some of my favorites. But, then I took a long hiatus and now I'm retired, and watching videos with the new tips and tricks. I used to make stamped cross stitch ones, and now trying Aida. I've really enjoyed your videos and all the things you've taught me make it much easier in organizing my threads, and all the newest styles that I never used before. I've liked and subscribed to your channel and looking forwards to seeing what you can teach me in my future. I've watched many of your videos already. I'm making Christmas ornaments this year, my project and loving it. Thank you! From Pennsylvania, USA
Cross stitch does have a way of drawing you back in! I'm glad you're enjoying it and that my videos are helpful to you 😄 Making Christmas ornaments is such a lovely project to have ⛄🎄🎅😄
Very exciting project for you. My suggestion is that you all your initials and the 4 digit tmyear; maybe on the backing?
This was so helpful. I'm new to cross stitching and was wondering if it was possible to pull a single thread out of the bundle while it was looped. New subscriber. I look forward to more flosstube videos from you.
Yay!! Welcome to my channel and I'm delighted to hear my video was helpful 😄
Thanks for showing us a storage system more sophisticated than the hot mess I've got going on! And yes, my cat would love your peg board display - I'd have to store mine in a locked filing cabinet. 😹
A lot of my life is a hot mess but at least my threads are organised 😂 I'm amazed our cat visitor doesn't try to mess with my threads! I think that's pretty rare.
@@catkinandlillie You should print that first sentence on a t-shirt 😂
@@catsarethebestpeople5790 Oh my goodness...I absolutely should. Don't tempt me...I might just do it!
@@catsarethebestpeople5790 If not a T-shirt I could 100% do a cross stitch pattern for it! My next project maybe?! 🤣
You could run your single strands of curly thread along a damp sponge with just water to straighten them. Works a charm. Also making the slip knot very loose helps. Great info.
Yes, that's definitely something I could try with the damp sponge, and I agree it's easier when the slip knot is looser. So glad you enjoyed the video 😄
Or use the Elvis cat as in another comment...❤
Just subscribed. I’m getting back into Crosstitch after 30 years away and your videos look very interesting. Looking forward to seeing what things I’ve forgotten about.
The cross stitch bug always comes back I reckon 😂 I had a break for a while too. Hope you'll find lots to enjoy here as you dive back into cross stitch 😄
I, to, am resuming the X-STITCH bug. Finding I need to "kit" each project as I get it/ or find it. I like using the new pouches, especially those with a vynal area in front, to readily identify the project. To "kit" a project, to me, means to gather all supplies*only include finishing items if already decided upon* into a bag(preferably with a zipper).
Each of my project bags is large enough for the pattern, not folded. Smaller Pouch for called for threads - already numbered and on "Floss drops" with the 1 (loop method) or 2 threads already separated and looped through the top end, of the floss drop; ready to just add a needle & starr/continue stitching. Always a pair of scisdors/Snips, extra needles-in a storage tube, in a needle book, in the selvedge of the folded or rolled fabric, 4 WonderClips and now, a magnetic needle Minder. Figure out where to put the tiny tails you cut off, maybe a lint roller brush, ot tape upside down on a firm surface... and remember to get up/ walk a bit 5 min, every 40-60 minutes; to remind your head to look up and hips to move to return blood circulation to your, sit-upon-bones & muscles... always have a light bright enough for you to see the holes for your needle/floss. Some X-STITCHers use a 16" or 18" pillow in their lap, to raise their work; others sit in a recliner, keeping feet elevated.
I always have two no-spill water containers from which I drink my water; bladder says full, oh gee,, gotta stop, get up, walk/use an assistive device and move! Not course, my Charged/charging cell phone is nearby. Often I am watching/listening to "old movies," and I also watch PBS, Nova, etc. Or other RUclips FLOSSTUBE Videos & maybe even learn a thing or two!
Enjoy.
I always stitch my initials and the 4 digit year of completion, somewhere in the design, or on the label when fully finished: in a frame, or with a backing, or on a stand.
I also choose to purchase my floss from 123 Everything Cross stitch. Per DMC skeins, you save money + they are an online store and carry several of the overdyed flosses and fabrics.
They gave excellant service and reply by email...when you leave something in your cart. I often select floss for several project for a bulk order & to save on shipping. I do list In my X-STITCH "journal/planner" each project, designer info, fabric chosen, floss brand & numbers/names, start & end dates, how I fully finished each project + gift to ??? ...
Just ran across your video. It is great! Thanks for showing how you cut your floss into lengths.
Thank you and you are very welcome 😊 I'm glad my video was helpful to you.
Love your videos! Just wanted to put out there for your USA fans that A Stitching Shop in Denver, CO sells Annie's Keepers.
The labels by Sirious Stitches is also a company from Denver, CO and I bought them the last time you showed them in your video. Thanks!
Thank you...glad you love the videos 😄 Thanks so much for sharing the shopping info for USA folks 😄
I take my needle tip and find a single piece of floss. I find it the easiest and a time saver without pulling a six strand out and putting it on the drop. It saves me time and a step. I have seriously never had any problems with it tangling.
I know a lot of stitchers find directly pulling out a single strand really great, which is why I included it even though I prefer not to do it. It's more the curliness than tangling that I don't like so much. It's great to find the way that works best for you 😄
Thank you❣️❣️
You're so very welcome 😊
Another good video. Thank you Kat ❤
You're welcome; glad you enjoyed it 😄
thank u floss drops in my cart
Yay!! Glad I could help 😊
I guess my UK ancestors are showing because I call it thread too. 😀 Finally, I understand floss drops. I don't really have a place to store them though. I'll probably stick to my bobbins. Great video. New subscriber here. Looking forward to catching up on your vids.
Thank you, and it makes my day to hear you are enjoying my videos...and that I could explain floss drops for you. But yes, they do need a bit more space for storage and bobbins are so lovely and compact. I am sure I've seen some floss drops that are bobbin shaped so you can attach the thread like on a floss drop but then wind the thread round the body of the bobbin shaped floss drop for storage. I have no idea where though, or if I've just imagined that 😂
I’ve always used bobbins and never thought about trying floss drops but you explain it excellently (and they look amazing). I have a question, what do you do with a thread that you’ve finished working with if you don’t park? Just reattach it to the floss drop? The answer seems so obvious now I’ve typed it out but want to make sure.
I was a bobbin user when I first started...I don't think floss drops existed then as it was a while ago 😂 I do love my floss drops now, and yes you are correct, if I have a partially used thread that's big enough to keep then I pop it back on the floss drop, usually on the opposite side of the main bundle from my working thread.
How do you organize the floss drops on the peg board for storage?
I have the floss drops hanging on long hooks that stick out from the pegboard. I have them in the order on the DMC thread shade card with each column of colours on the card taking up 2 long hooks. I number the floss drops so I know where they go. I'm planning to make a video showing this at some point but hope that helps a bit for now 😃
Probably a silly question but say we are using dmc threads and the colour is 625 is a ❤ symbol. Would it remain the same for every project you did that used dmc thread, so would 625 always remain a ❤ no matter what the pattern was? I hope you understand what I am trying to ask
This is definitely not a silly question! But no, the symbol used for each thread colour will be different in each pattern. That would make life easier, but then you would need a LOT of symbols, and could risk some of them being a bit odd or having similar symbols next to each other on a pattern which increases the risk of making mistakes. I don't even keep the symbols the same for each colour across all my patterns because I like to carefully choose the symbols each time to make the pattern as easy to read as possible.
@@catkinandlillie thank you
It changes to what the designer needs for the individual pattern. So in other words, the symbol would change. Don’t stress, just go with the flow….stitching is meant to be relaxing, there are no stitching police or rules. Do what makes you happy, that’s what stitching is all about.
Well, there is one rule….no knots! Never tie a knot on the back. It will show up as a lump,on the front side…..but if you make a baby bib, I do knot the floss, a very wee one but I make it secure to go through the gazillion washings that baby item will need to go through.
@caitjohnson6021Have you tried pinstitches for ending your thread? It's quite sturdy, and it doesn't leave any lumps.
If I may ask, how. do you store the small left overs of floss - do you keep them side by side with the whole bundle?
Yes, I put full lengths of my working thread on one side of the main bundle of thread, and short pieces (less than a full length) on the other side.
For the moment I keep my thread on cardboard DMC because I have a box in this dimension.
If I put all my DMC like you, on a plastic, it needs for me another solution for storage. It's complicated.
Maybe one day, I will find a good solution...
It's definitely always complicated and no one solution fits everyone...and I've definitely changed my storage methods over the years to suit my budget and space!
@@catkinandlillie yes, DMC make us crazy 😳🤪
Thank you so much for your videos! They are great! I love the Kate floss drops!! But I’m curious about whether the stickers will fit on those. It doesn’t look like it and I also love the look of the stickers. What is your plan? Will you just use the number from the thread skein? :-)
Thank you, and I'm happy you're enjoying my videos 😊
The stickers I use definitely don't fit on the Kate Blandford floss drops so yes, I'd just have to cut out the section of DMC label and put it in the slot. But I have to say that this is a bit fiddly, and having used the floss drops a bit, I also find the hole for the thread too large so the threads slide around. It's all personal preference but the Annie's Keepers floss drops are much better for me.
Thank you for the updated information! You made my choice much easier!! :-)
@@dawwsome Yay! So glad I could help 😄
Can you make a video that shows a good way to store the floss drops where they are organized/easy to find the color you need? I like the advantages of the drop floss and I want to switch but I have over 400 to 500 DMC colors at the ready. To store the floss drops on a ring is too project specific. I need the system to be able to adapt to any WIP I have in front of me and be able to easily select any color.
Yes, I can definitely do this; in fact I keep meaning to do an office/craft room tour to show all my storage including my thread wall but I just haven't got to it yet! I also have all the standard DMC colours and a few others so it is a lot to store! Until I get to that there is a bit more info and a picture of my thread pegboard in this blog post www.catkinandlillie.com/post/storageforembroiderythread so hopefully that might help.
Thanks! We call them Floss Drops too. (or as well, lol)@@catkinandlillie
Embarassed to ask but how do you get the floss drops onto the ring? I can't see how to open it 😢
It's probably not super easy to see to be honest! You'll see the fatter bit on the ring where the hinge is, and opposite that is where it opens; there are 2 sections to the ring that have kind of grooves that interlock. You can pull these sections apart to open the ring. I find it easiest if you separate these slightly first by pulling one side towards you and one side away from you then pull the 2 sections apart from each other. Sorry it's a little difficult to explain in writing 😬 Let me know if you manage it!
@@catkinandlillie thanks for the advice, I'll try it out! 😀
Love your video. I do have a question about the pegboard behind you that is so pretty and pleasing to the eye. Where did you buy it?
Thank you 😊 The pegboard is from Ikea www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/skadis-pegboard-white-10321618/
It's so useful with all the different accessories you can get for it 😄
Another question... it's better to storage DMC Threads by color or by number ? THanks
Oooh, well that's quite a personal preference and I would say it depends on how you use the threads. If you generally go looking for specific shade numbers then having them in number order will be quickest and easiest to find the one you want. If you want to be able to pick your own colours and/or design patterns then having colours grouped together can be really helpful.
I personally like to have mine in order exactly as on the DMC shade card so colours are grouped and that helps with designing, but it's not too hard to find a specific number...I can find it on the shade card and then go to that spot on my pegboard with all my threads on it.
@@catkinandlillie Thanks for your answer. Yeah I think like you. Yesterday I've spent all my afternoon to storage my DMC by number. Finally it's better. When we read a chart, often it's by legend and number to find. I keep my threads on DMC cardboard, maybe I will find another solution in the futur. For the moment I have done that.
I can’t find the stickers
The link is in the description; scroll down to 'Products mentioned in this video' and then look for 'Sirious Stitches DMC floss drop labels.' I hope that helps 😃
What size is your pegboard?
Sorry I missed this...just measured and I have 2 next to each other, with each one being 85 x 56 cm.
Floss drops: Designed for people with NO cats lol
Yeah, it's always a risk 😂 I'm very lucky that our visiting cat is actually pretty uninterested in them but I suspect that's a rare thing!