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By Jamie, June 28, 2009 5:41 pm

Like any avid sewer, I have an ever growing collection of thread. Some of this thread is thread that I use everyday to make my memory quilts. Some of it is retro thread (note the super-70s rust colored thread in the bottom of the picture) from my mom’s collection, given to me when she realized that she never has the time to sew anymore. And some of it is for myriad other projects that have happened or might happen in the future.

Instead of tucking it away in plastic organizers, I love having my thread openly displayed in my studio, on a shelf right behind my sewing machine.

A small glimpse of my thread collection.

The way the colors line up is really inspiring to me – almost like a giant color wheel that’s always changing as I use a spool and put it back in a different spot, or buy a new color and have to find a home for it.

One of the really fun things about creating my memory quilts is that I don’t have any “standard” fabrics that I use for the backings and bindings. I always use 100% cotton for the binding, and I usually use flannel for the backing unless someone has a different request or orders the minky upgrade, but I don’t actually stock any fabrics.

This means I take each individual quilt top to the store once it’s finished to pick out a backing and binding that complement it perfectly. Sometimes I end up going to 3 or 4 stores before I find just the right backing pattern that reflects the style of clothing in the memory quilt, or just the right shade of purple to bring out a little girl’s favorite shirt.

This also means that I’ve accumulated a TON of thread. No 2 shades of pink are the same, and I hate compromising on details.

Luckily I love thread!