Just had an idea. What if I used the snack sized baggies for floss and then put about 50 of them inside of a gallon baggie. I've been having nightmares about all of this floss. If I don't get it off the dining room table my husband will solve the problem for me by putting them in the trash!!! LOL - Just kidding. But he does want it off the table!

I keep all my floss in zip lock bags . All 100's then then 200's. Etc....If I do a project I keep each floss in a floss away bag. When finished I put back into the appropriate numbered ziplock bag. This works for me.

Nancye, many stitchers keep their floss in baggies. Just separate the colors, like Mary suggested, place them in bags and then slowly as time permits you can work at breaking it down into a more manageable system. I wouldn't buy more boxes. Bags are easier to store and less costly. As you stitch and use floss, you'll reduce the volume and then you'll have all these empty boxes sitting around. Ask your husband to help! :) Mine picked about three boxes worth of bobbins off the floor for me once. I was totally frustrated and accidently spilled them. I thought that was kind as he is not usually helpful unless asked, prodded, you get the picture. That's as much as he got involved. Oh, and he picked up floss for me once at a Hobby Lobby in Iowa while I waited in the car. Amazing what sticks out after almost 50 years of marriage!!! :)

If you want to organize the patterns then I would break them down by designer and then list the patterns in alphabetical order. You can then file them in crates and when you need a pattern it will be readily available.

I've used the 3x5 baggies available from ECS supplies or many local craft stores. They are usually punched to be stored on ring(s) which I also do. As mentioned in another post--much easier to store, I remove the needed color(s) for a project to another set of rings. The rings are also available from ECS supplies. Best thing I've done since taking up cross stitching.

I've used the 3x5 baggies available from ECS supplies or many local craft stores. They are usually punched to be stored on ring(s) which I also do. As mentioned in another post--much easier to store, I remove the needed color(s) for a project to another set of rings. The rings are also available from ECS supplies. Best thing I've done since taking up cross stitching.

I use the larger size sandwich bags...i find the commercial 3x5's annoyingly small for my fumble-fingers and multiple skeins--just try getting 12 skeins in a 3x5!!! Yes, that's for one project... :) Also, I still don't understand the practice of winding the floss on small cards...bags are cheaper, neater, keep additional pre-threaded needles...I just don't get it! :) But I scratch my head about a LOT of things that are none of my business! :)

Tex, I refuse to watch ANY of the regular channels...I stream or I don't watch. I leave the room on the demand occasions I'm required to sit through...the Olympics, or super bowl 651...but RX and particularly Viagra, i REFUSE to tolerate! Most people think I'm ridiculous...I think THEY are ridiculous...remember Summer Rain? THAT started it! :)

Awfully opinionated old cow in our midst warning!!!!

I've always used baggies for my current projects. I currently have 20 quarts size bags of full skeins. Fifteen boxes of floss on bobbins.

I found a heavy duty baggie like item in my drawer. It has the zip lock closure and a heavier duty margin (?) with two holes so that the bag can be put into a binder. Kind of like a sheet protector. I put 10 skeins and three bobbins into it. All DMC #996. It is sturdier than a regular snack baggie.

Has anyone seen something like this? What is it called? This system might be like my disaster with the DMC Bow System. If only, I had invested with more floss instead of the Bow System I would have a few hundred more skeins of floss!

I have got to stop going to yard sales and going on Pattern Rescue Missions.

But you obviously LOVE them!!! Don't do anything drastic! You could develop a rash...or something. :)

VCESS -- Thanks for the diagnosis. I have developed a rash on my lower abdomen. It is red and oozing and smells funny. I will be seeing a medical professional on Wednesday.

Oh, NancyeG, you don't need a professional...curing your rash is as easy as driving down the street! LOL