Peggybluebird

I, too, inherited a good bit of old thread from my MIL and have slowly used it as long as it seems to be strong enough for the project. Snap it good to make sure it doesn't break--if it doesn't, it is probably OK to use, at least for hand sewing on bindings and the like. Sometimes even OK for my machine, a Singer. I'm sewing as fast as I can to not leave much old thread left when I'm gone!

Empty spools are great for crafts for kids. Remember making animals with them? Spool is the body, with cardboard front and back legs, yarn or string tails, etc. My First Graders at school have loved making horses that way! Lots of good fine-motor workouts for those little hands, and better than video-game-thumbs!

polly13

I think I have enough thread to sew all of my stash---and that's plenty of both! I, too, have much from many years ago and keep using it with fine results. I get excited when I empty a spool, but often don't have to shop to replace it as I have many shades of many colors. Frugal quilters that we are, keep unwinding those spools with your sewing machine.

illinois

I think the thread people are the ones who came up with the idea of meandering and other close machine quilting, too. Takes a LOT of thread to do a quilt!

I have some thread that I have no idea how old it is. I do keep that separate from what I know about and use the "off" colors to do basting. It serves a purpose before being discarded.

SandyMac

I'm trying to use up all my older thread piecing.

bearrynice

I too have "old" thread, and if it tends to start breaking, this goes for that good machine embroidery thread too, put it in the freezer overnight, in a plastic bag, it brings back the moisture in the thread and it is strong again. Sounds crazy, but it works.

As to the wooden spools left over, I have used mine as pedestals for projects, also, could be used for arms and legs for dolls. Get creative!!!

rilene

I love your idea! Can you post a photo of your lamp?

I have donated some of cheap inherited thread to a local high school's theatre department, but have kept some for basting, etc.

polly13

Would love to see a picture.

Scissor Queen

I don't think I have a picture of that lamp and it's still packed away.

bearrynice

I'll try and get that done next week, they are kinda cute

fireworkslover

I don't think I would use thread that is on a wooden spool = too old. Thread does deteriorate over time.