Can’t Quilt Without Thread

Thread Racks and Abstract Contemporary Textile Painting / Art Quilt Structures #97 - In progress ©2008 Lisa Call

Thread racks installed in bedroom studio

 

Ready for Texture

Two days ago I prepared Structures #97 for the surface stitching. Last night I spent the evening with my builder working out what might be the final floor design so tonight I was ready to sit down and start quilting Structures #97.

Problem was all of my thread was jumbled up in plastic bags, placed there when I packed up my house a few months ago. It was all tangled together due to neglect and shuffling about the studio. Not very presentable or useable.

I use dozens of colors of thread on each textile painting and the thought of selecting the colors I wanted for this piece, without having them organized, hurt my head.

More Studio Set Up

So I spent a couple hours tonight putting the mettler thread back in order – around 190 spools.

[yes, I store it in numerical order by color on the thread racks - you can read more details of my super organized thread inventory of around 500 spools in this post about my thread.]

I moved the Valdani thread in plastic bin tonight as I don’t really have room on the wall for all of it.

My bedroom has more color with the thread racks on the wall. They may only be there a couple of weeks if I don’t have to go through a long building permit process. I should found out tomorrow what the approximate start date is on that project. I love the floor plan we came up with and am excited about the remodel.

Tonight when I sat down and spent about a half hour actually sewing and adding the texture to Structures #97 I was at peace. Making art, specifically textile paintings, is definitely my passion. It felt great to get organized and back to this part of the process.


Posted by Lisa in: Making Abstract Contemporary Textile Art
Tagged: , , , ,

9 Responses to “Can’t Quilt Without Thread”

  1. Judy says:

    Hi! Lisa,

    It’s amazing how getting everthing pinned and beginning stitching the quilt together can bring that wonderful peacefulness.

  2. Lisa Call says:

    Yes Judy – it’s a magical transformation that occurs when the piece is basted.

  3. cher says:

    nothing beats the zone of quilting-good to hear you were able to get some time in doing that. Exciting to reach the next step towards your remodeling being started as well.

  4. cynthia says:

    It’s so exciting to read about your remodel project and I’m inspired how you’re still finding the time to make art as well. I’ve realized that I’m not the multi tasker I thought I was and can only concentrate on one thing at a time. So hard to switch gears.

  5. Mary says:

    Hi there–I seem to have lost you on my blog list for awhile so it’s nice to be back! And you are so organized it makes me feel sort of ashamed when I look at my own…..mess…..but I’m hoping to have time this fall to sort it all out. You’re an inspiration!

  6. Jackie says:

    Where did you get your lovely thread racks? Not in UK I expect. Jealous!

  7. natalya says:

    Lisa, your incredible organization skills impress me as usual. i’ve been away from blog reading for while, it’s nice to catch up and see all you have accomplished! i am looking forward to getting into the quilting zone myself soon… i miss it… good luck with all your permits!

  8. Wow Lisa
    I am so envious of you’re thread holder, my thread box is getting seriously over crowded and all the threads tangle up.
    I may have to up grade to this design.
    Caroline
    X

  9. Lisa Call says:

    Thanks Cher.

    Cynthia, Right now I’m not doing a lot of active work on the remodel stuff so I have time for art. As you can see from today’s post – it’s not getting the kind of attention it used to. But it will again once the remodel is finished.

    Mary – everyone works at their own pace and rhythm. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m one of those achiever types.

    Jackie – the larger thread rack was custom made by the ex. The smaller ones came from a craft/sewing store – probably Joannes.

    Natalya – good luck getting back into that zone.

    Caroline – the racks are such a great way to keep the tread organized.