27 March 2022

How To Keep Embroidery Floss Organized

Hello friends!

One of my favorite crafts is embroidery and here are some of the things I've made with it:

TOMS diy embroidery, hand embroidery on shoes

I gave new life to an old pair of shoes...TADA!

embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, sleep mask, bunting, fiesta flags, blah to TADA, crafts, sewing crafts, handmade

I added color to a plain sleep mask...TADA!

embroidery, sewing, embroidery hoop, DMC thread, sewing crafts, pin cushion, needle and thread, blah to TADA, crafts, handmade

I even joined the #stitchthisinyourstyle challenge on Instagram. A prompt was provided each month and participants embroidered their interpretation. The prompt for this piece is "drink" and of course I chose celebratory champagne...TADA! 

embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

With all the embroidery that I do, you'd think I had a smart way to organize my embroidery floss. But all these years I just stuffed them inside this pouch. Even the loose threads and shabby remnants tangled with the new ones. So blah.

embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects, embroidery thread, thrift shop finds, Housing Works thrift store

The amount of embroidery floss grew as I made new purchases. I got this entire bag at the thrift store for only $5.00! 

embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects, embroidery thread, pastel thread, Daiso, Daiso Japan, Daiso haul

These ones I got for $1.99 each at Daiso (a Japanese dollar store). The cute colors made my knees weak.

embroidery floss organizer,embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

I finally got my act together and bought this floss organizer at the craft store. I've seen many crafters use this and I might as well try it out.

plastic bobbins, bobbins, embroidery thread, Daiso, Daiso Japan, Daiso haul,embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

It came with about 50 plastic bobbins on which to wind the embroidery floss on.

plastic bobbins, bread tags, plastic tags, upcycle, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

As an alternative, I would upcycle these bread tags instead of throwing them away.

bobbins, cardboard bobbins, DIY bobbins using cardboard, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects, uses for cardboard

Another option is to use the plastic bobbin as a template and trace it on sturdy cardboard.

embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects, cardboard bobbins, bobbin, scissors, DIY bobbins using cardboard

Then cut them to size. I needed more of these bobbins to accommodate all my embroidery floss.

plastic bobbins, bobbins, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

I transferred the embroidery floss to the bobbins. Winding the floss on the bobbin sure is meditative.

plastic bobbins, bobbins,embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

Then I grouped them by color...TADA!

bobbins, plastic bobbins, needle, threader, scissors, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

I added other embroidery essentials such as scissors, a seam ripper (to undo stitches), needles, and a threader.

embroidery floss organizer, plastic bobbins, scissors, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

Here is my embroidery floss kit all neat and tidy. Now I can tell instantly if I'm running low on a particular color or if there's still a specific color that I need to add to the collection.

embroidery floss organizer, plastic bobbins, scissors, needle and thread, embroidery, sewing, sewing crafts, fabric crafts, pouch, sewing kit, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, DMC thread, embroidery projects

I feel so much satisfaction after completing this task. My embroidery floss has gone from "blah to TADA!" and I can't wait to start a new embroidery project.

If you enjoy my "blah to TADA!" ideas, you may subscribe here to get them in your inbox every week.


20 March 2022

An Extra Special Pin Cushion

What's up guys?

This time of year seems to encourage a bit of spring cleaning. Last week, I organized my sewing corner with a D.I.Y spool holder and today, let's continue the sewing theme.

sewing supplies, needles, thread, tape measure, seam ripper, scissors, pencil, blah to TADA, crafts

In a previous post, I gave you a peek at my sewing kit. It's very spacious. I can keep fabric, embroidery hoops, and also store current sewing projects.  

thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, sewing, blah to TADA, crafts

My issue with this sewing kit is the loose items that just roll around the box, like these spools of thread that I use for hand sewing.

But I turned "blah" to "TADA!":

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I made this handy dandy pin cushion that has a built-in thread holder. There's a little pocket for each spool...TADA!

Would you like to know how I made it?

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I started with some fabric.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I cut two squares, each measuring 6 inches by 6 inches with a 1/2-inch border all around. 

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

Then I cut two strips, the top one measuring 6 inches by 2 inches with a 1/2-inch border all around; and the bottom one measuring 6 inches by 3 inches with a 1/2-inch border all around. 

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

On the sewing machine, I sewed the edges of the cloth strips to keep them from fraying. Then I attached one strip on each side of the square fabrics to make the pockets. 

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I flipped the fabric, right sides facing each other, and sewed the two squares together, leaving a two inch opening on one side.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I turned the fabric inside out, the edges now sewn together...TADA!

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

I stuffed the inside with fiber fill and closed the opening by sewing. 

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

This is one side of the pin cushion with the pockets for thread.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

Just add the spools. I made the pockets a little tight to keep the spools from slipping off.  But you can make them larger and add more pockets to accommodate your collection.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

This is the other side of the pin cushion.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, tape measure, scissors, seam ripper, buttons

There's enough room for other sewing supplies like a tape measure, seam ripper, scissors, and buttons. 

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

Before we forget, this is a pin cushion.

needles, pins, how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

Add some needles on the other side, too.

tape measure, seam ripper, scissors, buttons,how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, needle, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

how to store thread, organize thread spools, pin cushion, thread, needle, sewing kit, sewing supplies, fabric, fabric crafts, fiber fill, crafts, handmade, blah to TADA

A custom-made pin cushion is a crafty solution where I turned "blah" to "TADA!"

If you want more ideas like this delivered to your inbox, please subscribe here. Thank you!


13 March 2022

Do-it-Yourself Spool Rack

Good day everyone!

I have a little sewing corner in my home office. It's just a desk with a sewing machine. That's what my space allows me for now and I'm making the most of it. But I thought it would be nice to have a rack to organize my thread and keep them within arm's reach.

It would be a dream come true to have a whole wall dedicated to sewing paraphernalia. But since I have space limitations and my crafting focus is not just sewing, maybe something like this is a better fit:

spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA
Dandelions and Lace

A spool rack! I've been on the lookout for something similar. I saw one at a thrift store a few years ago selling for $8 and I really regret not buying it. But why buy when we can D.I.Y.?

spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, wood panel, scrap wood, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

I stashed away this piece of wood for future crafting needs. Well, the future has arrived!

spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

One side is made of wood and the back side is made of cork.

acrylic paint, paint, paintbrush, newspaper,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

I painted both sides in several coats of black acrylic paint.

black paint,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

This is what it looks like after drying overnight.

picture hanging hooks, hammer, black paint,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

I attached some picture-hanging hooks at the back.

hammer, nails, tool box, carpentry, black paint,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

And I selected some small nails from our tool box.

ruler, white pencil, measuring, black paint, scrap wood, spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

On the front side, I marked with a white pencil where the nails should go.

nails, hammer, scrap wood, black paint, measuring, hammer,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

I hammered in the nails and erased the pencil lines with a dab of water.

thread, spools of thread, colorful thread, Joanns,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

Then I took out my spools of thread...

thread, spools of thread, Joanns, bobbins, pin cushion, scissors, scrap wood,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

And hung each one on a nail.

thread, spools of thread, Joanns, bobbins, pin cushion, scissors, scrap wood,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

Since I had more thread than slots on the rack, I chose the colors that I use most often.

pins, sewing essentials,thread, spools of thread, Joanns, bobbins, pin cushion, scissors, scrap wood,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

The bottom nails hold bobbins, a pin cushion, and a pair of scissors -- all that I need for my sewing machine projects.

Singer Esteem II sewing machine, sewing nook, home office,thread, spools of thread, Joanns, bobbins, pin cushion, scissors, scrap wood,spool rack, how to make a spool rack, DIY spool rack, thread rack, sewing room, craftroom, sewing machine, how to organize sewing supplies, blah to TADA

Here's my sewing nook and my spool rack made from wood, paint, nails, and lots of wrist action. I used simple materials that I turned from "blah to TADA!"

Thank you for reading and if you want my blog posts delivered straight to your inbox, simply subscribe here.

06 March 2022

Brush Lettering and Uppercase Magazine

Hello everyone!

Lately, as a creative practice, I've been doing a lot of brush lettering. 

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, Creative Retreat Live, Peggy Dean, The Pigeon Letters, Lyssa's Letters, quotes, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

Peggy Dean of The Pigeon Letters has been running online workshops called the Creative Retreat Live. It's been very informative, introducing me to different ways to create art. During one session taught by Alyssa of Lyssa's Letters, I painted along to make this piece...TADA! I learned some new techniques like the importance of planning, making a draft, and adding flourishes.

*****

Lent has also arrived. I practice my faith and one of the Catholic teachings is to abstain from meat every Friday and fast (eat only one full meal) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Doing so allows us to go through and appreciate Jesus's suffering. But man, fasting is difficult. Yo, I was hangry (a combination of hunger + angry, making me irritable as a result of hunger)!

Then I read my devotional and it said:

"Want to try something different this Lent? Instead of denying yourself sweets, deny your false self. The self apart from Christ. The self that still feels unworthy. Shameful. A failure. Ugly. Unwanted. Stupid. Undisciplined. Unloved. Put a rubber band on your wrist and snap it every time the "false self" starts to talk."
Then it prompted me to write this quote:

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

I used brush lettering and painted poppies (they symbolize eternal life). This is currently displayed on my desk and I read it every morning to remind me to deny my false self.

Even if you're not Catholic, I thought it was important to share because many of us carry this false self in the form of insecurity and impostor syndrome. 

*****

A brush lettering project I started last year appears in the latest issue of Uppercase Magazine:

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

Uppercase Magazine is independently published in Canada and it's for "the creative and curious." It's one of my favorite sources of inspiration and I am thrilled to find my work in its pages!

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

It's part of the article "Imagine Something Better" on page 72.

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

This is the brief: to illustrate a solution to a problem.

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

My work appears on page 79.

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

It's entitled "A Prayer Wrapped in Penmanship."

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

When I say, "I'll pray for you," I really do. And this artwork is proof -- every letter, line and stroke is offered in prayer and infused with positive thoughts.

brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor, quotes, prayer, flowers, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts

It's a loving act of friendship and how I turn paper and paint from blah to TADA! 

watercolor painting, brush lettering, watercolor, watercolor painting, pencil, aquabrush, blah to TADA, handmade, art, crafts, Ukraine

I did the same for Ukraine. I think about the people who had to flee their country, the families that had to be separated, the young and old, sick and afraid who are still there and hide in basements, and the brave souls facing the Russian army. Let's pray for peace and give if we are able.  

Like you, I look forward to better days ahead.


If you'd like more blah to TADA! ideas delivered to your inbox, please subscribe here