The Stand
	One of the challenges was finding a frame sturdy enough to hold up to the weight of the fabric. This was custom built for the job.

Preparing the Thread

I pre-cut all my DMC thread to make it easier for me to store it, retrieve it, and work with it. This is especially helpful when blending threads in a needle since the lengths are the same for the different colors. Here's my methodology: Take a brand new skein of DMC thread and remove the paper holding it. Discard the piece without any useful information on it. Cut the piece with the barcode and color # on it, just retaining the piece with the color #. Unravel the entire thread. It works well to do this standing near a bed or couch so that you can toss (or lay) the single thread in long strips on the bed without worrying about it getting tangle. Take the two ends of the full strand and fold it in half, fold it in half again, and finally fold it in thirds. Slip the piece of paper with the color # on it, onto the bundle and slide it to about the center of the bundle. Then, cut the loops on either end of this bundle. The result is the entire skein cut into about 18” lengths. A length I like working with. This also results in all your threads being the same length. Very convenient with combining threads in the needle. Finally, holding either end of this bundle of 18” lengths, twist it so that you can then fold it in half and have it twist upon itself keeping it neat.

Storing the Thread
	I then store the threads in a 6", 3-ring binder in plastic sheets that are used to hold film slide negatives. The skeins are organized in by color in an order we deemed appropriate.

A Sample Page
	For each color, I cut a piece of paper with the color number and inserted it into the plastic. Then, I would take one of these processed skeins, roll it up, and insert it. I have not had any trouble with the cotton floss retaining any memory of being coiled up. As soon as I pull out the skein and shake it out it lays flat.