why does Murphy hate me??

[Auryn]

I have been working on a gorgeous jacket for about a month now.
I haven't had a chance to work on it in about 2 weeks.
Last night I finally had the night all the myself and all the motivation to get it finished.
Guess what, I ran out of thread.

First time thats ever happened to me, I will always be buying two spools from now on.

[LadyShadow]

I hate that.  I had to start buying 2 - 3 spools of thread at a time due to that.  Or the one I hate is breaking your last needle in what ever size and not able to get more until the next day.

[LadySeasan]

Whenever I go to Walmart, JoAnns, etc. I always buy 1-2 threads while I am there, even if I am not there to buy stuff for my project.  Just always pick up 1-2 spools whenever you go out.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I tend NOT to run out of thread...

I keep a good stock of larger reels (1000m) in black, white, ivory, navy, red...  General stock colours.  I usually have two: one in use and one ready to open.  When I open a new reel, I put it on my shopping list and replace as soon as I'm shopping again.  I keep 3000-5000m reels of stock colours in serger cones.

When I need to buy special colours for specific projects, I buy four 1000m cops for the overlocker/serger and 3 smaller reels of whatever thread is needed for the ordinary sewing machine.  If I can use 120's polycore on both machines, I'll buy five 1000m cops.

I'll soon be buying both serger/overlocker and ordinary thread for a wedding project.  Bride in poppy red, bridesmaids in chocolate brown.  Because of the size of the project, I'll buy serger cones of both colours: 5000m of each, plus the silk for the ordinary machines.  Three reels for each dress.

Think in terms of a 1000m reel for each garment for an ordinary machine, and you won't run out.  I'd rather have thread left than run out.

[amy]

hello talented ladies!   Does anyone else buy their threads online.  I have several times bought bundles and lots on ebay and have had both moderate and fantastic success with the quality.  Well worth it when buying 4 spindles at a shot.   Anyone have a back pocket secret source?

Thank you!

[Auryn]

thanks for the tips.
I guess because it had never happened to me before I really had no idea how much thread I would need.
I always have at least 3 rolls each of white and black on hand, but then I generally only buy specific colors of thread for the project I am working on- usually I buy it at the same time I buy the fabric.

This was my first time making something so 'elaborate' that included bias binding the entire trim of the jacket.

I went out and bought more thread last night.

I will definitely be buying several rolls at a time from now on. I only have my sewing machine, no serger.

[sealion]

I haven't had any thread issues becasue I usually have another spool that's "close enough" in color. I have dealt with the needle issue though. My last project I broke three needes sewing one seam because I was sewing over pins that needed to be there to hold the pleating in place!

[Kate XXXXXX]

I also buy needles in bulk: boxes of 100 in sizes 70, 80, and 90, and packs of 10 stretch needles in the same sizes.  I buy others in smaller packs as I don't need them so often.  By the time I get to the bottom quarter of the box, the next one is in place for when it runs out.

Bulk packs like this work out a lot cheaper per needle.

[gypsylakat]

Honestly I remember the first time I broke a needle (I'm still new at sewing, I have lots of book smarts on it but not so much practical " I did this" ) I was re-working my friend's bodice and went to sew more bias tape binding on and "forgot" there was metal boning in the front section.. oops. It scared  me to death because I wasn't quite sure what happened. I need to get working as soon as I get back to school though... Coupons to MDRF just came in and we're definitely going in the first 3 weekends... and all I have is fae garb... need to try something different YAY