Originally Posted by
mckwilter
I save all the threads through the autumn and winter, then spread them outside for the birds.
Not a good idea to give too many of them to the birds. They can strangle themselves on long strings and baby birds get pneumonia from wet nests. Natural fibers dry out much faster.
That said, I save everything "pretty" over 3/4 of an inch wide. They make really cute outlines around blocks or quilts before the final border. If they aren't pretty, they make great plant ties, morning glory trellises and package ties. I just used several yards of those ugly strings to tie the insulation around a heat pipe that was a long way from the furnace. Worked slick.