Storage Solutions Was Re: New start was: Did you remember to change your clocks?

This is what Bobbie V just got

like, I like a lot! Cheryl

The Annie's Keepers could be placed in a rolling hanging file cabinet. Mine are in Rubbermaid archive hanging file boxes. I have bought 3 storage packages, that is 900 skein keys and 40 hangers. I can get them into 2 hanging file boxes. Individual keys can be removed and placed on project rings. The Hanging strips have labels (ex. DMC 000 - 312) as well as the keys are labeled. I REALLY REALLY love the way this is set up as I precut my floss to length when I was using the Loran storage system. I then had to put my floss on project strips or in floss bags. The floss bags had to be opened and closed each time I needed floss. Some times the bags would rip. I plan to use removable labels on the back of the keys with the symbol needed for may project. I can easily pull empty keys and place on a ring when I go shopping, no list to write. A regular hanging file folder keeps any duplicate skeins that I have. My collection of #5 pearl cotton for temari can be placed on the keys whole and retwisted in place.

Just a very Happy consumer. Bobbie V.

Queen City x-stitcher ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

What is happening here ? Is this all in HTML or something ?

Cheryl this is the actual link

Needle only sells individual parts I bought the Storage system for $74.99 less my discount at CNW Bobbie V.

And CNW is soon to be no more!

C

Nice idea. For personal stuff - I have my stash in the little baggies. But, decided to do slatboard (like peg board) for the closet (door removed) in the office. Have stuff on rings hanging - stays clean, and I can find things. Also, have 2 rolling carts with stuff.

But, just a question- have you gotten sample rings? The rings generally have "short" skeins on tags. Since you're really designing, selling - you should be able to contact a bunch of the thread companies and get either sampler rings, or good sample cards (some have them with a wrap of fiber on a card - multiples on one). I find it a lot more convenient to use the sample rings rather than full skeins. But, for the Caron stuff - the samples are expensive - but it's pretty easy to make your own. Just a thought.

ellice

Actually, I've only come across one thread company that offers rings (Carrie's Creations). I made a mistake at the beginning and presented myself as a retailer (which I am) as primary and designer as secondary. I wasn't aware at first that "designer" gets you more places than "retailer."

There are places that have a designer program. That is, you buy their product at wholesale and use it in a design, and then they replace what you used free. Since I'm crunched on time already, it would take me a coon's age to keep track of all that and I'd rather just pay my way just for convenience's sake.

I wish DMC and Anchor offered a program like that, though (not that I've checked). I'd jump on them in a heartbeat.

Zweigart has a different program, but it's a good deal for me.

Enchanted Fabrics has a designer program that I like and use.

Aside: Wichelt does not have a minimum order and they don't gouge on shipping and handling. If a shop says they have a minimum order (at least from Wichelt--don't know about Hoffman or Norden Crafts), they're lying. I can see why a shop would want to save on shipping by ordering a little here and a little there instead of one big order, but Wichelt, at least, has no minimum.

Weeks used to be very good about getting rings from them. I got mine right away. But, if your business registrations, etc are as a retailer first, then you're right - definitely issues. The retailers have to pay for their sample kits. Walsh, and Rainbow Gallery had nice punched cards with samples wound on them. Walsh also has instructions for using their various threads. I'd guess that the companies just make the retailers pay so the sample rings can hang. I know we have samples from Wichelt on a ring, and maybe some Zweigert. But, there are big books for the fabric samples.

I just remember we were at a cash & carry show, and I'd spent some time in the Weeks room, and got my rings from her. My friend - the LNS owner - was astounded - we laughed because she had to pay $75 for the set I got for free. But, this is a reason that shops don't replace their sample sets that often - it's expensive.

DMC did have an awesome designer program - reams of stuff, and you can certainly get the Thread cards. I have those on by the drafting table. I know that a lot of the other companies do as you've said, replace what you've used. Personally, when I'm buying for the design business, I either order from a wholesaler, or have arrangements with a couple of LNS to buy from them wholesale. But, I'm very careful not to buy my "personal" stuff that way, and if things migrate - then I pay the sales tax, and fix the accounting.

Wichelt is easy to deal with. Norden, Yarn Tree, all have some kind of deals, as does the Yarn Barn (where I get my canvas). But, Kreinik and a lot of the thread companies have minimum orders. Even Nordic Needle treats their LNS customers differently than just a person - and the customer service for shops used to really stink. Part of the issues with some of the sources is delivery time - what is promised, what really happens. And what the shop needs to replace, what they want to add, - for a smart shop owner - you have to minimize the cost, optimize the order - so that affects which distributor you use. And for getting charts - most shops for XS likely do monthly programs from Hoffman, and others, as well as individual designers. And then there is separate ordering - as you need/want things. The link on Hoffman's site that then directs you to pick up your order from a LNS is really good for the shop.

There is some variance in prices amongst shops. When I was working at the shop regularly, and the local retailers asso. had gotten more active - I encouraged my friend to get closer with the owner of a quite major LNS (especially as I frequented both, and the very active in the needlework community owner of the other shop spoke with me to get my friend to join in, etc) . Anyhow, we learned a bit about some of the differences - some shops just add their shipment costs into the pricing of merchandise. So, if shipping increases, you'll find that some threads are a few cents more, or needles, or whatever. Others just roll it into the cost of doing business.

I don't know - when I started working in the shop (had just stopped working at the "real" job) I spent a lot of time learning to be a real framer. Of course, my primary responsibility was the "front" of the house - needlework stuff. We've entertained the thought of taking on the business when my friend wants out - but I don't know that would ever happen. Needlework, XS vs NP, like knitting, seem to cycle in and out of popularity - and I think businesses have to be able to stay the course through the cycle. Certainly web commerce has forced changes, and owning a real shop means lots of time in the shop, and having help that essentially work there to support their hobby.

Interesting line of chat.

ellice