Spoolie Swaps...The Threads That Tie Us Together!

What to do with an empty spool?

 

The Threads That Tie Us Together...

I really miss the days when sewing thread came on wooden spools.  There is something about the warmth and texture of wood that gladdens my heart.  I just don't feel that love for the lowly plastic things we have now.  My Grandma Patta kept every empty spool for as long as I could remember.  She was a doll collector...I can't recall a time when she wasn't making dolls or dressing them in fancy gowns.  She even sewed doll clothes to order at Christmas time...Barbie, Chatty Cathy, Patty Play Pal,  Madame Alexander...she made wonderful outfits for them all.  Even G.I. Joe!  I often tagged along with her and Grandpa Rich to thrift stores and yard sales looking for trims and pieces of fancy fabrics for her creations.  Don't we all do that now?  The thought makes me smile!

 

Grandma Patta and Grandpa Rich...50th Anniversary

 

My Grandparents were the perfect team.  Grandma dressed the dolls and Grandpa made the doll furniture.  That's where the empty spools came in.  Grandpa made wonderful Barbie-size furniture...pink wardrobes with sliding doors, perfect little upholstered chairs and sofas and the cutest beds you've ever seen.  The spools were stacked to make four-poster beds with wooden beads for finials.  Grandma made the pillows and mattresses...with a quilt and pillow cases of course!  No wonder I believed they worked for Santa. My Christmas Secret.

 

Years later I found a 3 ft. tall cardboard barrel in their attic...it was full of wooden spools!  Grandpa Rich was still alive then and he graciously let me take it home.  I have enjoyed many years of crafting with those spools.  But until recently I had never heard of a "Spoolie" or "Spoolie Swap."  I am still learning the art of making a unique decoration incorporating a wooden spool...but OMGoodness it has sure been fun!

 

Valentine Spoolie Swap!

 

Wooden spools are some of the threads that tie me to my Grandparents...so it makes perfect sense that making and exchanging items created from spools can tie us together as friends.  Valentines Day is the perfect time to show our friends how much they mean to us...and swaps are a way to meet new friends and get to know our current ones better.  I was so happy when Sue of It's a Very Cherry World decide to host a Valentine Spoolie Swap.   My partner was Mariah of designsby2 and it's been a pleasure to get to know her and visit her blog.

 

Mariah's Creation...



Stacked Scrabble Tiles...

So creative!

 

The Key to My Heart!

 

Sweetheart Pin Cushion...sealed with XXX Kisses.

 

 

Just right in my tiny vintage tin kitchen.

Thank you so much, Mariah!

This was her first swap and I hope she will keep on "swapping!" 

 

 A Spoolie for Mariah!

Red, Aqua and Pixie Elves...Happy Favorites!

 

Cute Little Face...

The mischievous twinkle in the eyes reminds me of Granddaughter Marley.

 

Had to make two...you know how it is...lol!

 

Time now to think of Spring...

 

Have the Loveliest of Valentines Days!

 

 

 

 

A Few Sewing Theme Valentines...For Spoolie Lovers!