And Marilyn Jewell adds this important footnote:

"Thread direction is important if you want to avoid knots and tangles. When you pull your thread off a spool, you should always knot the end you cut. But when you wind from a spool to a bobbin, you're reversing the direction of the thread!

"So when I travel and sew from bobbins, I always knot my thread as soon as I've put it through the eye of the needle. Then I pull what I need off the bobbin, and cut. That way, I'm sewing with the thread in the same direction, whether I'm at home or on the road."

So remember: Cut then knot at home; knot then cut when not at home!

Fishing Around For Your Scissors?

Good ahead, laugh! But I think this tip from Robin T. is a great idea…and it's sure to raise some eyebrows…

"The fishing department at your local sporting goods store has lots of interesting bags and containers to help you keep organized while on the move.

"I use a fishing tackle bag called a "Worm Bag" to keep all my applique together. It is easy to take along to hockey games, the orthodontist, on vacation, etc.

"The bag is made of a sturdy fabric like backpacks are made of, with a zipper and removable plastic pockets inside. In one pocket I keep my thimble, scissors, needle threader, etc. Two other pockets have spools of thread. And the other five or six pockets I use for different applique projects."

Fabric Shopping

One reader writes that she uses her Keeper all the time. So what's a Keeper?

It's a small binder with plastic sleeves for organizing fabric swatches. Keep your Keeper with you when you go shopping and you'll always have the swatches you need for matching.

Questions? Comments?

You can discuss this article with other Quilter's Review readers!