Lace collecting and stoage

 

Anyone that follows me or has seen any of my work knows I love lace, buttons, vintage textiles and all the other wonderful bits and pieces in the baskets of leftovers at the thrift shops.

Above is a sample of my finds from this summer.  I thought today I would share a quick post of how I organize everything.  

First a disclaimer, I would love to have everything in archival boxes and bags!!!  But that is not in my budget or workable for my space.  I do have some items stored in archival products.  They are things that are special and I will not be using in any of my projects.  It is also why I don't collect antique quilts or large pieces.  They deserve better than I can give them.  Hopefully they find a home that can give them the respect they are due.  

Most of the things I have are damaged, unfinished, sweet but not unique.  Most I plan on using either in projects, learning the techniques used to make them or used everyday in my home.  It makes me so sad to see all these little beauties made with such care and love abandoned and forgotten.  To me, if I can add a little of them to my work it's like giving them and their creator a second chance at being seen and appreciated.

So the best I can do is give them a clean, organized, dry space out on the light. A quiet place to rest until inspiration hits and I find a way to play with them.

First, if I can't find it then it won't get used.  Or, if I can't find it I'll waste all afternoon looking through everything till I do.  That usually involves a mess!

Boxes:

#1 Vintage hankies (collecting for a quilt). #2 Special pieces ( small pieces I will not cut-up). #3 Vintage fashion (items like collar pieces).  #4 Pillowcases and aprons.

Boxes:  Things with colors and piece I may use around the house.

Boxes:  #1 Black lace of all types. #2 Vintage trims.  #3 Cutters (pieces in very poor shape, great for cutting up and adding to art projects.

And then there is all the other stuff.

New ribbons and trims. These are all sorted by color.

                                   Buttons and beads and all the fun crazy stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the tour and maybe found something helpful.

Have a great day!

MaryEllen