Universal Slimline Storage Box by Sulky

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Reported by Donna Lannerd

Sulky is a company known for beautiful threads and the stabilizers that help to create beautiful sewing and machine embroidery projects. So who would know better on how to keep their threads protected? They have done a fine job with the Universal Slimline Storage BoxTM which stores up to 64 large spools of thread from most major brands. This is their second thread storage box. The original, Slimline Storage BoxTM, stores 104 of the small snap-end spools that Sulky is most famous for.

I have not owned this storage system long, but already need a few more boxes. I knew I had a lot of thread, but I wasn't aware that I would need multiple boxes. Also, I always feel I need to be more organized. I have many different sized boxes and containers I keep my stuff in, but few 'feel' organized. For example, the photos below show you how my thread was stored before I found Sulky's solution. The container is an old DMC floss cabinet that I acquired from a store that didn't need them anymore. It is really nice with the divided drawers but as you can see the thread is thrown in and doesn't quite fit like I wish it would and sometimes it's hard to see the exact colors especially from the front.


Now, in the next photo is how the thread looks with each spool in its own little space and no digging around. I also love how I can really see the different shades of the colors I have, similar to how I would look at it in a store. You may also notice I actually got more than 64 spools in by placing 2 small, short spools into one spot.


The secret to this clever storage gadget is that each spool of thread fits into its spot by placing it onto a spindle. In this next photo I am demonstrating how you push on the adjacent tab to push the spindle out, allowing you to remove and return the spool. Once you release pressure on the tab, the spindle goes back into place and locks the thread in so it won't fall out. Yes, you can knock this over and NOT spill out its contents!



Pros

• See through - very helpful if you have more than one and need a certain color thread
• Easy to see what colors you have compared to similar products where you only see the label end of the spool
• Portable - nice carrying handles
• Holds most standard brands of thread spools
• Slim - only 3 inches deep - makes it easy to store a few on a shelf
• Cannot spill out the contents once thread is in proper place
• Keeps dust bunnies out
  

Cons

• A little pricey at suggested retail of $32.95 US
• Don't buy if all you have are the smaller snap-end spools. The original Slimline is less expensive and can store many more spools
• I have to buy more to store all my thread
  

The Universal Slimline Storage BoxTM has a suggested retail of $32.95 US and can be found at Joann's and Erica's Craft and Sewing Center where you can also find the boxes sold with thread already included for an additional fee.

I honestly cannot think of changing storage systems for my thread ever again. What do you think? Do you have a favorite way of storing thread?