I tried the folding method that someone posted not long ago, didn't help my fat quarters though. I did buy a small plastic 3-drawer container for my threads. i have a beautiful sewing cabinet but the drawers are long and narrow so makes it hard to find thread. Hopefully this is handier.

Mee too! But I'll have to admit this system does look pretty and would make it easy to see what you have.

Could you simply wrap acid free tissue paper around reclaimed cardboard? (like all those tons of corregated boxes stores throw away every day?)

foam-core is cheap - a poster sized board available at most dollar stores. you can easily cut it with razor blad or craft knife.

Regular straight pins can slip right into it.

ya know, michaels had this on sale not too long ago for $1 for the large piece. i got one, but should have gotten more.

still not sure about acidity, though?

If you mix baking soda and water together, then place on an acidic surface, it will bubble. I have seen archival quality foam core, but not sure whether the cheap stuff is.

Foamboard is a great idea...but...

Michael's sells Elmer's (yup, the glue guys) foamboard. I strongly doubt that it is acid free in any way, but that's just an opinion. Most that is sold as acid free is not entirely safe for archival use. The foam itself actually produces gasses that can damage artwork (major orangish discoloration to photos and prints, not sure about fabrics).

Bainbridge makes one (Artcare Archival) that protects against this "outgassing" and that is what I get from a local art supply store for my prints. A 32x40 sheet sells for 6.25 and the 40x60 sheet is 11.75. If you have to get it on line, any savings will be lost in the fact that you'll have to pay oversized shipping rates.

Thanks for the acid testing tip, Moonpi. I'll have to remember that!

From Presentation products FAQs at Elmers.com


Presentations Products
Is Elmer's foam board acid free?
If your foam board is acid free it will be clearly marked as such.

What's the best way to cut foam board?
An X-Acto Utility Knife will give you a good, clean cut. Change the blade often to avoid ragged edges.

So some are, some aren't

OK - time to think recycle!!! Most of the political signs are just thrown away after the elections. We helped "collect" some and have a DH who cut them to the different sizes and I have "most" of my fabic friends all lined up on shelves just like a quilt store. The cost was minimal and we helped improve the roadsides. Be sure to have DH round the corners of the plastic signs, as they are razor sharp and I have the scars to prove it!

good idea ruthie! are the ones you are using corrugated? i'll have to watch this election year. my neighbor is a city council person. she may still have some in her garage from the last go round (last year).