Stitchbow ?

I kind of remember there being a discussion and I have a feeling you're right and it's a love it or hate it thing. So far I've not found anything that suits my limited space and is easy to use, except bobbins. For me, being lazy, bobbins just don't do it.

Lucille

I received a set of bows and storage book. The concept struck me as ideal as I could store my DMC in a much smaller area. In practice, however, not so ideal.

I found that the bows did not stay in the book. Therefore, every time I opened the book, bows of floss would come tumbling out and I'd have to organize them ... again.

Also, if you have older skeins of DMC, the labels won't fit on the little slot made for them.

So I have the stuff sitting around here somewhere. Should probably try to sell them on eBay. There are people who love them.

I was advised by someone that it's better and more efficient to use loose-leaf binders rather than the storage box. And she doesn't use the DMC Binder and just bought inexpensive ones in Staples instead.

That was the way I was thinking I would go, if I decide to try it at all.

Lucille

I have them - with a whole set on DMC -- and absolutely HATE them! The floss was a real pain to get on the stitchbow (despite the ads about how simple), the paper labels don't stay on the holders, and the stitchbows come out of the plastic page holders (I've tried both the official "stitchbow" pages and the standard ones from office supply store -- they don't stay in either one). If I hadn't invested the money to buy the set I'd ditch the whole thing -- but for now I feel I have to try to "get my money's worth".

Just my 2 cents worth.....

It's "ok"... I prefer to use the bobbins, but for when I don't have time to get them onto the bobbins, having the stitchbows for a temporary measure works pretty well.

-Liz

Lucille wrote:

They work great for setting the colors on floss. Otherwise, forget about them.

Phyllis Maurer

I have never used them. Right now, my floss is wrapped around the little bobbins. I went to a discount store and bought a big tackle box that has dividers that you can customize. Very cheap, maybe 8 dollars or so. It is shaped like a briefcase, but smaller. There are two levels with a pull out tray.I made compartments for the floss and larger ones for scissors and threaders and pin cushions. It is easy to cart around and the floss stays clean, but just don't knock it over while it is open!!

I used to use the plastic sheets for baseball cards. I labeled each slot with floss number and tucked the floss inside. I stored them inside binders. That worked until I got some much floss and the books got so fat.

Whatever method you choose, have fun. I found it fun to set up the storage.

Di

To me, it just looks like a big ol' headache to use and a space waster to boot.

LG

I am not familiar with the Stitchbow but dearly love my Floss Bags. I can store more than one skein of floss in them and any scraps worth saving for those last few stitches. I have the old Floss Tote but can't find a new one as it seems they are no longer made. When doing a project, it is easy to pull the colors needed, thread them on a snap ring and have them very organized for my stitching. Clarice in AZ

"scottnh" ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

For what it is worth, I heard from Lucille that she was having difficulty accessing usenet, since early yesterday evening. So don't think she is ignoring your responses, she'll be back to pick them up in due course.

Thanks Sheena. My usenet and e-mail access is still erratic and I keep getting dropped.

Thanks very much to everyone regarding the Stitchbow. From what I've been reading here I probably won't invest in it. Since I don't much like bobbins, I guess I'll stick to my old system of keeping colors separated in plastic bags in several boxes and a plastic cabinet for Kreinik and silks and/or other "novelty" floss.

Lucille

I just saw the StitchBow in my LNS this weekend, and didn't think they would match my work habits. I like the little Floss Bags, too -- since I can put multiple skeins and extra pieces (like when I cut off a length and take out my two strands). Plus, when I start a new project, I can go through all my bags, pull the colors I have, and make a new ring just for that project. Then I toss that ring of baggies into my project bag. I have one large box of all the non-current rings o' bags. It's easy to keep numerical order since you can add a baggie anywhere.

I tried the bobbins, and liked their organization, but hated winding the threads on them. I have the "tackle box", and keep spools of metallics, extra needles and beads, etc., in there.

For what it's worth! Sharon

I also use "bobbins" and a large fishing tackle box. It is nicely divide and the bobbins fix fine. I not tried the bows but they look like they would be a bit of trouble.

Linda, I was reading your post and had an idea. Remember those "Daisy Seal A Meal things people used back in the 70's? Well, they're making a comeback and my thought was that if you use one of those, you could make the sleeve to fit your floss. Say your floss is 1/2 inch wide, you could adjust the opening tighter or looser. Make sense? Then, you could use a hole punch and punch holes to fit in a 3 ring binder. Lee Ann