Thread Catcher!

Thread Catcher!My name is Jennifer, and I’m a slob when I sew.  I’ve been thinking about making a thread catcher for a while now (years).  Tonight was the night.
My husband laments the fact that I track threads all over the house.  I clip threads from the seams of my quilt blocks because my quilt needs to be tidy.  Then I throw them on the floor, where they stick to my feet, the dogs’ feet, and anyone else daring enough to visit the studio.  The ones from the longarm are great – sometimes they are a yard long.  I try to get them in the trash can, but you know, I’m not that invested in keeping the floor clean when I’m working.
IMG_5432.jpgI found an easy tutorial at Confessions of a Homeschooler.  I deviated a bit, of course, to accommodate the fabrics that were at the top of the scrap pile.  It happened to be a Jolly Bar of valentines fabric that I’ve been chipping away at since I made the Tea Cozy for Heather.   Jolly Bars are 5″ x 10″ pieces of fabric.  I like the scrappy look this has.
IMG_5487.jpgMy pin cushion is one Jolly Bar strip folded in half.  I filled it with sand, since for the life of me I can’t find the crushed walnut shells I bought.  I pieced the larger sections, making sure the text fabrics would be aligned correctly in the finished piece.
I really like the way it turned out, and it was so quick and easy.  I think on the next one I’ll adjust the strap to be a bit shorter.  I might quilt one and see how I like the look.
They feel like a great project for a group – everyone could finish it in one sitting.  I have some ideas on how to make it fancier, but that requires some research.  I think ultimately I will have to make a few more of these for an upcoming craft sale.

7 thoughts on “Thread Catcher!

  1. Hi Jennifer,
    Your first sentence sounds like you are at an addict’s meeting for quilters. I think you had a great system in place for tracking those who have visited your studio – if they dare. This catcher looks great, and your idea for a one-day group project is fab. Maybe a teaching idea for you beyond the craft sale. ~smile~ Roseanne

  2. The thread problem never ends. I often just put threads on my shirt and then roll them up in a ball – crazy. I love your counter and backsplash – just gorgeous. Oh yeah, I think the fabric for the bucket is so much fun.

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