Krystyna

Lucky you! Aside from a couple of large sets of embroidery thread, virtually all my quilting/sewing thread is from estate sales. If you tug on it and it's good, use it!

JoyjoyMarie

I just read the whole thread, which I usually don't do! I have used old spools of thread, along with other small and misc. memorabilia such as thimbles and old buttons in an antique printer's tray which decorates my quilting room (read basement!) That's the little spools. The big ones are in an old wooden painted coke box. hum- I'll see if I can take a photo to share. Have been having some trouble with that, but mayb DH can help.

I do know that the lady at the LQS says thread should be kept covered, but I decided to ignore her for artistic reasons. If I were a more serious quilter, I would probably put it all in a covered container as recommended!

Jo Mama

Does the thread break easily when you pull on it? If not, it should be good to go. I saw an adorable window treatment. Using the entire spool and large wooden beads, string them together to make "ornaments". Sew the top of each "ornament" to a valence and hang it in your sewing room window. Also, the little bobbins would look great in a glass jar lamp that you can fill with memorabilia. I have one on my kitchen counter but it's filled with kitty shaped pasta.

auntmarie

Tell your grandmother that she is not too old to quilt!!!!!!
Her exsperience is a treasure!!!!!!!!!

mimee4

The paper pre-wound bobbins may have been from a factory. Years ago, when there were factory stores, you could buy the bobbins of thread they no longer needed. What a wonderful gift from your grandmother (?). Keep some of the things displayed. She'll be so delighted that you like her "stuff".
And tell her, I'm 70 and say - get back into the sewing saddle! You aren't old yet.

Iamquilter

Keep the wooden spools , they are a collectors item and will be worth lots some day if not already.

ghostrider

As someone else has mentioned, the silks will last forever (the source is animal, not plant). I use silk buttonhole twist from the 1940's as a hand stitching embellishment on wall quilts and it remains very strong almost 70 years later...just wish I could find more. Assuming yours is thinner, silk thread is almost lint free and most machines handle it well if you decide you'd like to use it.

edit: As for the "value" of wooden spools, it is a myth that they have any great value. They are a collectible in a narrow market and are worth only what someone is willing to pay at the time you are willing to sell. They are just not rare enough to be worth a lot. Check eBay for current prices.

#1piecemaker

That is cute!!!

Annaquilts

Yeah!
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

#1piecemaker

Somebody offered me 50 cents a piece for mine. Didn't sell them though. They used to make little dolls out of them once upon a time. That would be neat!!!