Tuesday, June 1, 2010

~*Needle Punch Handy~Helpers*~

Hello Dear Friends! Because I was asked... I would like to share with you a couple of my handy~helpers. These are super simple & easy to come by.

The first is a tool I very roughly, constructed myself...a thread holder... with a few odds & ends found around my hubby's construction area.



Here is what you need ~

scrap 2x4 about 12" or so long... but could be shorter or longer if you wish
about a dozen 10 penny nails
a drill & drill bit slightly wider than your nails
black paint (or color of your choice)
sandpaper

For holding your 6 strand embroidery floss, you will need some leftover thread spools. You can save your own from your sewing projects ~ or hunt for some vintage ones at thrift shops, antique stores, or garage sales. Just wind your floss on the spools & mark your color number with a pen or pencil directly on the spool. Yes, I've thought I should be more 'kind' with my vintage, wooden spools... rather than use a pen on them any longer, I do try to use only pencil so I can erase & change the number when needed.



To make your thread holder ~ mark where your nails will be & drill holes about 3/4" deep into the 2x4. You will notice, I didn't evenly space my holes... I just drilled them in two rows. Then paint your board black (or other color of your choice)... this covers any markings already on the board & makes it more friendly~lookin' too. After the paint is dry, roughly sand it to make it look good n' old. By making the holes slightly larger than the nails, you can easily pull the nail out to remove the spool & replace with another color.



My other handy~helper is something I learned from fellow punches & you may already be familiar with it. If your fridge is like ours, it is loaded with these cheap, advertising magnets. Nab a couple of them off the fridge & sandwich your threaders between them. They really help you keep an eye on 'em! I haven't lost as many since I've been using them.



I've finished punching the box lids... but have yet to finish the boxes. Hmmmm... maybe I'll go do that now!

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

18 comments:

  1. I like your threas holder better then the one I made as I used wool pegs made from a dowel. The nails are quicker and much more prim.
    Great job and good thinking. LenZie

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  2. That is a cute idea and love the idea of using wooden spools. I always keep my eyes open at the thrifts for old threads.

    Debbie

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  3. What a great idea to use the magnets to hold your threaders....I never would have thought of that. I love your Flag needlepunch. Linda

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  4. Looks like your organized in STYLE! Your hand helper looks great. :)

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  5. How cool is that?! Thanks so much for sharing! I was really curious :) Will have to share with my needlepunching sister and sister-in-law.
    Blessings, Patti

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  6. Great tips Betty! I especially like the refrigerator magnet one... very clever!

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  7. Love your little helpers. Great ideas, thanks so much for sharing!

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  8. great tips Bettygirl!!
    LOVE your thread holder!!!

    Blessed be,
    Lori

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  9. What a neat and handy idea! Thanks for sharing! I just might have to adopt that one...I've got lots of spools that I just don't want to get rid of because I know there's a purpose of some sort for them! Now I know what it is! lol

    Love the toppers! I like using punch needle pieces on box tops...I know yours will look awesome!

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  10. Great tips Betty!! Your box tops look yummy!!

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  11. Love that spool holder..what a great way to keep the floss organized!! The needlepunch is way cute!! Have a good evening.
    millstonemercantile

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  12. I adore this idea! Thanks so much! As soon as I can, I am going to do this! Love your needlepunch! hugs

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  13. thanks for sharing your great ideas Betty...no more lost threaders...and your spool holder prim perfection...maybe you should make them to sell for those of us not skilled with a drill...

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  14. My son made me a similar spool holder in boy scouts about 50 yrs ago. Should have kept it, it really works great. I love your magnet on the threader idea. I glue beads onto the end but the magnets would be easier.
    You're always thinkin' Betty. You have great ideas.

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