 |
Organize That Stash!
Do you control your stash or does it control you? I have
become the master of my stash. When my husband found out that his
sock drawer had become yet another place for cross stitch
supplies, it was either get it under control or end up in divorce
court. Being a stay at home mom of four, I quickly realized that
being a single mom would seriously hamper my stash purchasing
power and set off to become as organized as possible. First
stop?
Patterns
When I began my mission to organize my stash, I realized that
there were many different options available. In fact, it was a
little overwhelming, not to mention expensive. I started with my
chartpaks. Nordic Needle has a neat little product called Pattern
Finder. It is a lidded box with a divider so you have two rows in
one box. It includes labels and a master index list to tape to
the outside. While this product is fairly inexpensive, I chose to
make my own out of a cardboard storage box and labels that I
printed off of my computer. I sorted them by designer and
attached a label with a number on it. Then, I printed a master
list of all the charts with the name and number so when I need
find one, I just look on the master list and get the number and
pull it out.
Now, books and leaflets are pretty easy, as well. I have a
small bookcase that I put them all on and just group them by
designer. Then, we get to the tougher stuff. All those magazines!
There are many ways to keep magazines in an organized fashion, so
you need to figure out which method is right for you.
1. The first method is to take the magazine apart and file
each project in a sheet protector and store them in a binder. I
think that this is too much work and too much money, but some
people like to do this so that they can file them into specific
categories.
2. The second method you can use is to purchase, or make your
own, organizer boxes. Again these can be purchased from Nordic
Needle fairly inexpensively. I have heard suggested that you can
make your own out of empty cereal boxes or empty laundry soap
boxes. The nice thing about these boxes is that you can generally
store a couple of year's worth of a magazine in one box and have
them all together in one place.
3. A third way to keep track of your magazines in to put them
in binders. Cross Country Shopping has a spot on their site to
order a free catalog and they offer these binders.
The advantages?
a. They are sturdier than the cardboard boxes.
b. Hold up to two years of a magazine in one binder.
c. They usually come with at least one year's worth of
Bookkeepers. You slide the magazine through the bookkeeper which
is 3-hole punched to go into the binder.
The disadvantages?
a. Cost (You could just get the bookkeepers and use your own
binders. You can purchase the bookkeepers separately at Cross
Country Shopping, The Cross Stitch Zone or Yarn Tree.)
b. They usually come printed with the name of the magazine
printed on them. For instance, the ones that Cross Country
Shopping sell are made to hold Cross Country Stitching Magazine,
therefore, that is what they say on the front of the binder. To
avoid this and to save on the cost of the binders, I would
purchase some plain, inexpensive binders.
So, now you have chosen a way to store them all, how do you
keep track of what you have? While it is great fun to go through
all of those charts and magazines, it isn't very time efficient.
Now, you could just take a notebook and write out every chart
that you have and where it is, but with the power of technology
we have some much better options. There are computer programs
that you can enter your charts into and let the program keep
track of it for you. Here are a couple of them for you to check
out. Both of these programs allow you to download a trial version
to try it out.
1. "CrossMagic - CrossMagic is a database program for
cross-stitch enthusiasts. It allows you to enter and maintain
details on all your threads, charts and projects. It will print
reports on what threads you've run out of and need to buy again,
which charts you can make with your existing stock of floss, what
floss you need to buy to make a particular chart, inventory
lists, which projects you've completed and which are still under
construction, it will even let you enter a search text and will
list all the charts you own that pertain to that subject. Comes
with a complete catalogue of DMC & Anchor Embroidery Floss,
Balger/Krenik Filament, DMC Flower Thread, Balger Ribbon, and you
can add your own material types (i.e. beads) if you want to."
2. "Floss Minder 3.0 for Windows 95/98/NT/2K is a database
program for cross-stitching and embroidery enthusiasts. It allows
you to maintain details on all your threads, charts, and
projects. You can print reports on; the threads you've run out of
and need to buy again, the charts you can make with your existing
stock of floss, and much more. Floss Minder comes with Over 4,900
individual threads/beads from many different manufacturers
including Anchor, Caron Collection, DMC, Kreinik, and Mill Hill
to name a few."
I personally use Cross Magic and love it. It is time consuming
to initially enter all of the information, but if you are an avid
cross stitcher with lots of stash it is worth it. Then, as you
get new stuff you just enter it as you get it and the program
keeps track of what you have.
Floss
Floss can be kept track of in these programs, also, so you
will always know what you have and what you have run out of. As
far as floss storage, again, we have lots of options. I found all
of these systems available from Yarn Tree listed under floss
organizers at very reasonable prices.
1. "The LoRan System - A complete system to organize, store,
and use all your floss. Constructed of vinyl, kit will expand to
hold up to 150 skeins of floss. Contains 2 reusable Project Cards
(one large and one small) with magnetic needleholder, and 5
Master Cards (to make it easy to cut the floss to the right
length)."
2. "Floss Box with Keys(bobbins)System - Each floss key has a
tab that holds the floss number band. All you do is trim the band
and slip it onto the floss holder. The large Floss Box comes with
100 keys. The Lil' Floss Box comes with 25 keys. You can choose
either plastic or chipboard keys. The keys will fit most other
brands of organizers. Keys (holders) measure 1 5/8" tall by 1*"
wide."
3. " Floss Sheets - Made of heavy duty clear vinyl. Each handy
page stores 20 standard size bobbins of floss. They are easily
organized in a notebook and are quickly available for your next
project. Each pocket opens at the top. Five floss sheets per
pack."
Fabric
A word about fabric - when storing your linen make sure you
roll it on a cardboard tube rather than storing it folded up. If
it is stored too long, the threads could break on the fold lines.
I have all of mine stored in separate plastic storage containers
for each thread count.
Projects
So, moving on. What about all the projects you are working on?
You know - your UFO's!
1. Software - The software that was mentioned above would
solve this concern, too. You can keep track of all of the
projects that you have finshed and the current ones that you are
working on.
2. Stitcher's Journal - You could keep track of your projects
in some kind of journal. One that I found online is called The
Stitcher's Journal and I have seen some others in the Nordic
Needle catalogs. Before I had my software to keep track of it, I
had a blank journal that I made myself to keep track of each
project.
Happy Organizing!
eMCee...which stands for Monthly Content Program!
Here at LBJ Web Designs & Consulting, we understand that
one of the most difficult things for website owners to do is to
keep up with finding new content for their website. There are not
a lot of good alternatives out there. This is where we come in!
How would you like four articles for your website or newsletter
mailed right to your inbox once a month? Join our Monthly Content
Program and that is just what you will get! Become a member for
just $9.95 a month and start receiving your monthly content. Four
original, on-topic articles each and every month delivered
directly to your inbox. All you have to do is cut and paste the
text into whatever format you are using. Twenty different
categories to choose from. You will have full editorial rights.
You do NOT have to include any author information to use these
articles. The only thing you can't do is give away or resell the
articles. There will only be 250 members allowed in each
category. As soon as a category fills up it will be marked
unavailable.
http://www.lbjwebdesign.com
 MORE RESOURCES updated Thu. February / 09 / 2012
|
Joan D. Kreider, Oct. 24, 1928 – Feb. 7, 2012Uinta County HeraldHer hobbies included oil painting, knitting, crafts of all kinds, golfing and singing. Joan is survived by her daughter, Jan Pecenka, of Evanston; sons, Jeff (Sandy) Pecenka, of Cheyenne, James (Shaunna) Pecenka, of Evanston, Jay (Sandra) Pecenka, ... |
|
Learn a New HobbyAbout - News & Issueshobbies resources here on About.com, I resisted putting painting first because it would seem biased. The skills from other crafts are always useful for multimedia too... Seriously, most creative people I know have a particular focus but work across ... |
|
Valentine tea to honor membersTimes-Standard... vice president, progression coordinator and is currently parliamentarian. She volunteers for the Sons of Norway, and is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka. Her hobbies are gardening, cake decorating, arts and crafts, and painting.and more » |
|
Farm show resultsReading EagleMary Heffner, Fleetwood: four awards in the canned foods open category; first, baked products open; six awards in the crafts open category; third, hobbies. Julie Yoder, Mohrsville: third, canned foods open; second, baked products open. |
|
When it comes to crafts, think beyond needlepointToronto StarI've dabbled with papermaking and encaustic, but never really took them up as hobbies. Lately, however, I've found great joy in exploring crafts with a rich history if not modern day popularity. Late last year, for example, I took an introductory ...and more » |
|
Moms Talk: What Is Your Favorite Hobby?Patch.comThe other hobby I have is doing crafts with my children. They may not look that good when we are done, but sometimes it is the act of doing it that really makes it fun. Answer from Mom's Councilmember Emily (mother of 2): Some of my favorite hobbies ... |
|
For hobbyists, it's creative playtimeSanta Rosa Press DemocratThe public is also invited to come by and learn more about a range of hobbies, most focused around models, many radio-controlled. The word “hobby” can evoke a limitless range of pastimes, from collecting to scrapbooking, sewing to arts and crafts, ... |
|
Victorian era full of Valentine'sRepublican & HeraldWhile antique hair receivers are worth about $30 to $50 and are available at yard sales and flea markets, the hair crafts made from all of this saved hair are hard to find. Victorian women saved their hair in a small ceramic bowl with a hole in its top ...and more » |
Google News
|
|
|
Related Hobbies - Crafts articles:
Organize That
Stash!
Do you control your stash or does it control you? I have
become the master of my stash. When my husband found out
that his sock drawer had become yet another place for cross
stitch supplies, it was either get it under control or end
up in divorce court.
Preparing For a Leather
Craft Project
Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll
need the right tools and room to do the work. Being
prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable
and give you a sense of satisfation when you're done.
Blown Glass: They Do
Still Make It Like They Used To
Blown art glass is quickly becoming one of the fastest
growing hobbies in North America..
Diet and Fitness - Help
from Your Hobbies
Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's
either too much junk food or not enough exercise.
Tech-Savvy Crafters Can
Go Global
The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene, even
pastoral. It's easy to imagine a potter spinning his wheel
in his barn-turned-studio and then selling his wares at the
little farmer's market down the road.
Russian Nesting Dolls -
The Beginning
According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in
Russia in the late 19th century (believed to be year 1890),
it was figurine of bold headed old man, Buddhist sage by
the name of Fukuruma, on the island of Honshu,
Japan. According Hakone Town Office, Japan, products such as
"Shichifukujin" and "Irokawaridaruma" have been created
from Junitamago.
Gemstone
Collecting
Personally, I have become fascinated with gemstones
(precious and semi-precious stones). I am amazed at the
array of colors and properties of these little treasures
found in the earth.
World Skills &
Learning About Old World Skills
There was once a time when almost everyone acquired, or
knew how to do a practical skill of some kind, they were
special skills, which most people used throughout life.
They just became second nature.
Patterning and Spacing
in Your Scrapbooks
How can you arrange your scrapbook page to best show off
your mementos and embellishments? You can place everything
in the center of your page, place a single focus item in
the center, or divide the page into sections adding items
to each section. You may also choose to lay the items out
in a standard recipe or calendar layout.
The Unusual
Characteristics Of Reverse Painting
By stepping backwards in time one can discover an important
part of art history associated with reverse painting on
glass. It was an era that heralded the use of this art form
'en masse' during which people in communities could
directly express in their own original way what they lived,
perceived and felt in their own daily lives.
What is a Battle Ready
Sword?
You'd think that the term "battle ready sword" would be
pretty much self explanatory wouldn't you? Unfortunately,
many of the swords being described as "battle ready" are
anything but. And to quote Adrian Ko from Sword Forum
International, "a lot of these swords I wouldn't want to
take into battle even if they were strapped to a M-16.
The Power Of Scrapbook
Journaling
By journaling your pages you will transform an ordinary
collection of photographs into a vibrant and visual
storyboard - telling the stories behind the pictures,
revealing hidden memories and emotions.It will give your
scrapbooks a unique and intimate feel, it is this personal
touch that turns your albums into something very special.
Security Advice for Gold
Jewelry, Diamonds, and Gemstones
For you to enjoy your treasures, they need to be somewhere
close and accessible, but NOT in the Bedside Jewelry
Box.Although we DO advise a Jewelry Box on the Dresser and
easily seen, BUT ONE CONTAINING SEVERAL PIECES OF JUNK
JEWELRY.
Decorative Metal Work
Techniques From The Early 1900s
Today's Metal Craft workers should truly appreciate the
artistic skills & techniques used exclusively by the
highly skilled metal artisans from almost one hundred years
ago. Decorative metalworking is undergoing a new renaissance
as more & more people become involved in hobby metal
craft.
Stress-Free Scrapbook
Journaling Ideas
Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal your
scrapbook pages?You are not alone! Many scrapbookers find
it hard to get started when it comes to adding journaling
to their scrapbooking layouts.If you are one of those
people who go blank at the thought of having to journal,
don't worry.
Be Your Own Way, but
Still Use the Safe Tools
It is so often that people are not aware with the tools
they use when doing their home improvement. Sometimes they
use wrong tools just because they want something quick to
be done.
Comic Book Supplies,
Necessities of the Serious Collector
If you want to keep your comic book collection in tiptop
shape, comic book supplies will become part of your
collecting life. As soon as a magazine is printed there are
natural environmental forces going to work to try and
destroy the ink and the paper.
How Could Your Hobby be
the Key to Financial Success?
Virtually everyone has the knowledge they need to make a
fortune. Everyone has an interest, hobby or has knowledge
about a particular subject.
Rainy Day Fun - Crafts
For Kids
Rainy days can be so boring for a child and just as hard on
moms. So we give some ideas to brighten your day and chase
their rainy day blues away! Shadow puppets in a room that is
fairly dark set up a flash light so it is facing a wall.
Woodworking Tools: Right
Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 1
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 1 - A Place To WorkA
civilization's maturity and intelligence is judged, in
part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools.
When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite
advanced.
|
|
