Bobbins and Spools

While postponing work this morning -- so successfully that it's almost time for lunch -- I got to wondering how many ways there are of keeping track of bobbins.

I have the little clips that hold a bobbin on one side and plug into a spool on the other. Only six are in use, and two are on opposite ends of the same empty spool, holding two little dabs of gray six-ply cotton that I'll probably never use because I keep forgetting that I have it. A zip-lock bag concealed among the clutter of threads holds two full spools, one almost-empty spool, and a bobbin of thread that matches the "oakwood" twill that I've used up and worn out. But I still have yards of the two cotton jerseys that I bought to go with the oakwood slacks, and this thread averages the mixed colors in those, so it's a good thing I did the survey because I was just threading up the machine with ecru Cordonnet to start stitching a T-shirt of the striped jersey. But I think I'll use the ecru until I get to the top-stitching, because Cordonnet 100/6 is stronger than Guetermann's 50/3.

The rest of my bobbins are in the paper drawer under the sewing machine. (a sixties-era typing stand is just the right height for my sewing machine; a shallow drawer filled with open-topped boxes is just right for my various and sundries.)

Bobbins of basting thread are scattered among the two boxes of empty bobbins; four are bobbins that have lost their provenance, a bobbin of two-ply thread is labeled with the word "baste" written on a bit of correction tape stuck to the flange and sheared to shape with an Exacto knife, and the double-wound bobbin is labeled by the knot that keeps the two threads from getting out of sync.

The six bobbins of size A silk are corralled in a bobbin-box lid (all but one of my bobbin boxes are broken, and they appear to have stopped making 12-bobbin boxes, pout. They were so useful for so many things.) at one end of the box of A and D silk threads. Since each bobbin holds an entire spool, there is no spool to keep track of, and it's easy to tell whether I'm looking at A or D. Likewise, the bobbin with a remnant of black 100+ silk is in the box of 100+ threads.

For some reason, in my box of thimbles there's a spool of scarlet Mettler 50/3 tied to a bobbin of the same with a strip of maroon interlock. I wonder where I bought Mettler thread? Perhaps I brought it with me when we moved; it's certainly been a long time since I sewed bright-red cotton. The maroon-interlock shirt (which I happen to be wearing) is sewn with navy thread.

At which point, it *was* time for lunch. But I'd covered all the bobbins, except for a zip-lock bag containing one bobbin of black

50/3, one bobbin, and a threaded needle. I'm going to have to get that threaded needle out today, because a seam I sewed with the black thread has split; I don't think it would have if I'd used 100/6. But even for a patch on ragged slopping-around pants, I don't like to use white thread on black fabric.

Oh, yeah, the remaining unbroken four-compartment bobbin box contains one compartment of copper brads (which I use to hang patterns on the walls), one compartment of white 100/6, one compartment of ecru 100/6, and three odd white bobbins: one plastic bobbin has "60" scratched into it with a needle; that's only for hand sewing, since I've used up the spool and #60 will never be seen again. One has "40" scratched into nail polish on a metal bobbin; that's 80/6. One has "20" rubbed on with Lettraset; that's 40/6, and I wonder *when* I ever sewed anything that heavy.

So I'm using at four ways to label bobbins and four ways to keep bobbins with their spools.

Meanwhile, it's time to clear off the ironing board and press the shoulder seams in my striped T-shirt.

Joy Beeson

Reply to
Joy Beeson
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I don't keep my bobbins with their spools. I keep them in bobbin cases marked: poly sewing, 60 wt bobbin, cotton quilting, rayon, etc. I use three different types of bobbins so I just mix them in the same cases. Oftentimes, a close color will do instead of an exact match and I often use a different thread in the bobbin than on top for certain purposes. So it makes no sense for me to keep a bobbin with the spool from which it was wound.

Phae

Reply to
Phaedrine

Reply to
Pat in Virginia

New bobbin cases have foam inserts on the bottom so the bobbins fit snuggly. Kinda neat :)

Phae

Reply to
Phaedrine

Yeah it's kinda neat, but they charge more money for that foam than I can justify spending. So I stick with clear plastic, fishing lure boxes. Sturdier than anything I've ever found that was designed to hold bobbins (as opposed to holding Guy Stuff like these.) And about 1/2 the price or less.

The only organizing I do is by machine. There is one large box for Singer home machine bobbins. Another for Viking home machine bobbins. And a smaller one for the industrial bobbins.

Sharon

Reply to
Sharon Hays

My bobbins are sorted first by machine, then by threads, embroidery, regular and wooly nylon. I had so many bobbins for the Singer that when I gave each niece a Singer, I included about 2 dozen bobbins with each, in one of the foam-lined bobbin cases. Most of them had thread on them, and I divided it into sections and labeled what each was; after all neither of them has ever owned their own machine before. I did the same with the old White/Husqvarna computer 100-stitch machine, labeled J C Penney's, a Christmas/birthday gift from my sons in 1985, that is living with a friend for a while because I seldom ever use it. She has three DGS, one DGD, the eldest is 19 months old and another DGD is expected any minute today. She wanted to do some fancy stitching on items for the babies and says she is enjoying using it. Emily

Reply to
CypSew

Watch for sales. I got mine from Clotilde IIRC for under $2 each. Each holds 30 bobbins.

I have lots of those for buttons, feet, needles and other stuff. Aren't they great?

Reply to
Phaedrine

Hello Everyone, I am brand new to this group{as of late yesterday afternoon when I stumbled upon this site} and just wanted to thank everyone for your willingness to share. I am also brand new to machine embroidery sewing{just purchased the White 4400} and I am learning tons from you ladies. I do all sorts of crafts, master of none but if it tickles my fancy I am willing to learn, althou I tend to be a slow learner. Wasn't sure where to post a introduction so if I am in the wrong area just let me know. Dee in sunny ca

Reply to
msplantladi

Welcome, Dee. There are all sorts here, from professionals to rank amateurs and everything in between. The common thread is a love (or need) to sew. There is no better place to "pick brains" for anything from a seriously snarly problem to clever ideas to deal with a specific occasion. From time to time, a recipe or a source link will pop up.

This is a place where any question will get a response - it doesn't matter whether it is something unusual or something ordinary. "The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked."

This newsgroup also functions as a mutual support and mutual admiration society.

Reply to
Pogonip

Welcome! You'll find alt.sewing very good for all kinds of sewing hints and tricks, but if you want information specifically on machine embroidery, I recommend that you subscribe to the newsgroup .

Beverly

Reply to
BEI Design

Welcome, Dee. There is also alt.sewing.mach-embroider for more specific help with machine embroidery. Just ask for help here or there, you'll get answers.

Jean

Reply to
Jean D Mahavier

It is always good to have a new member of the group. Please join most of us on the alt.sewing.mach-embroider group as well. Emily

Reply to
CypSew

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