Using up your Thread Stash
I got an email from a friend today bemoaning that her stash had gotten out of control because she had gotten many canvases kitted.
If you are like most stitchers I know, you have a huge stash. And these days, I’m sure you are looking for ways to use it.
One great way to use up your stash is to do needlepoint projects where you don’t need to buy any thread. And if you can self-finish them, even better — instant Christmas gift!
Here are some painted canvases I love for using up stash, big and small.
A canvas I just got and simply adore is this mini-egg from Ashley Bradley. Just think how much fun you could have making each square a little jewel.
This luggage tag from Whimsy & grace is a perfect little canvas to finish for a gift. I’ve got a couple of luggage tags in my stash, so I think I will do this.
Or what about using some of those threads to make a charming larger project, like this 12 days of Christmas stocking from Kelly Clark. Use threads for your stash for the smaller areas, giving your stocking lots of texture and interest and tie it all together with consistent background threads.
Lots of designers make canvases which are particularly good for using up stash. My favorites are the Maggie Co geometrics. I’m working on my third of them, every one done completely or almost completely with threads from my stash. Many of these designs have 50 or more colors of thread and by using your stash you get lots of bang for your buck. Since they come in both 13 and 18 mesh, you can purchase the size which works with what you have. My current one is on 13 mesh, taking advantage of a pile of tapestry wool I bought at a thrift store. Another good choice for these is the Susan Roberts quilt designs. I’m working on two of them as stash projects, this one in Amish colors (I need to finish the border). And another one, a Double Wedding Ring, which will look like a Depression quilt I own. For both the only thread I bought was for the background.
Visit your local shop and look for canvases which can use your stash. Although I stitch lots of geometrics (that’s just me), I have also done great projects from stash of Southwestern designs. I did a snake from Sundance Designs using only stash threads. It’s no longer available, but their Tish designs are particularly good for stash projects.
And if you don’t want to do painted canvas, there are so many free designs out there (check out my Needlepoint Patterns Free Directory for links, that you could keep yourself busy with stash, blank canvas, and these designs forever.
Finally, why not do some Scrap Bag Needlepoint. My little book on the subject has a dozen pieces designed to use your stash.
Now you have to excuse me, I need to go search the stash for threads for the SF heart.
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[...] some fab ideas for cleaning up your thread stash while making great gifts and stocking stuffers. See her list. And thanks so much, [...]
I would love to be able to find Janet’s book Scrapbag Needlepoint. I have a stash just waiting. I have looked extensively to no avail for this lovely little book..in Canada, the US and on the web.