Can’t Quilt Without Thread
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: making art, remodel, studio, texture, thread
Judy said,
August 14, 2008 @ 1:18 am
Hi! Lisa,
It’s amazing how getting everthing pinned and beginning stitching the quilt together can bring that wonderful peacefulness.
Lisa Call said,
August 14, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
Yes Judy - it’s a magical transformation that occurs when the piece is basted.
cher said,
August 15, 2008 @ 6:08 am
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.
cynthia said,
August 16, 2008 @ 9:48 am
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.
Mary said,
August 16, 2008 @ 11:22 am
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!
Jackie said,
August 17, 2008 @ 3:28 am
Where did you get your lovely thread racks? Not in UK I expect. Jealous!
natalya said,
August 18, 2008 @ 11:47 am
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!
Caroline Inckle said,
August 19, 2008 @ 9:10 am
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
Lisa Call said,
August 19, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
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.