Ready to finally get a handle on that Valdani thread collection? Lisa Bongean's logbook from Primitive Gatherings is exactly what those of us with baskets of pearl cottons (and yes, duplicates of many) have been needing. This pocket-size companion helps you track what you have, what you need, and which threads went into which projects from six months or even years ago.

Here's what makes this little book particularly useful: it's designed specifically for Valdani threads, which means Lisa's organized it by the actual weights you work with – 12wt, 8wt, 5wt, and 3-strand. She's also included the kind of practical information that comes from decades of working with wool and embroidery: which needles to use with which thread weights, what those cryptic letters before the color numbers actually mean, and even some detailed stitch diagrams.

What's Inside:

• Introduction & About Valdani Threads: Understanding what makes these threads special
• Learn the Letters and Numbers: Decoding Valdani's numbering system
• Valdani Sizes & Punch Needle Info: Thread weight explanations and punch needle guidance
• Thread Recording Pages: Organized sections for Variegated threads, Solids, and space for New Colors you acquire
• Wool Appliqué Basics: Tips on working with wool, including guidance on fusible web, marking pens, and steaming techniques
• Wool Appliqué Technique: Lisa's approach to creating beautiful wool appliqué
• Needle Selection: Recommendations for different thread weights and stitching needs
• Stitches: Clear embroidery stitch diagrams
• My Projects: Extensive pages (20+ pages) to track which threads you need for specific projects
• Shop Information & Citations: Space for recording where you shop and reference information

Important Note About Thread Color Reference:

This book includes color photos to help you identify which threads you own, but we need to be straightforward about something: the printing colors don't quite match the actual thread colors. If you're looking for a book to precisely match thread colors for purchases, this isn't designed for that purpose. The photos work well for general identification when you're checking your inventory at home, but you should use the color numbers rather than the printed colors when shopping for specific shades. Think of the photos as helpful visual reminders of your collection organization rather than exact color-matching tools.

Perfect for:

• Wool appliqué and punch needle enthusiasts who work primarily with Valdani threads
• Anyone tired of buying duplicate thread colors because they can't remember what they already own
• Stitchers who want to track which threads were used in completed projects
• Those planning to attend quilt shows or shops with a reference for colors to purchase
• Gift-giving to fellow wool and embroidery lovers who collect Valdani

Why You'll Love This Log Book:

There's something genuinely satisfying about having your thread collection organized in a way that actually makes sense. Lisa understands the reality of working with specialty threads – how quickly the collection grows, how easy it is to forget what you have, and how frustrating it is to get home from a shop only to discover you already own that exact color.

What makes this log book particularly thoughtful is how Lisa's included practical wool appliqué guidance alongside the thread tracking. The sections on fusible web techniques, marking tools, and steaming tips are the kind of hard-won knowledge that saves hours of trial and error. These aren't just brief mentions – she explains why steam matters for fusible web, which marking pens work best on different wool colors, and practical needle recommendations.

The stitch diagrams show Lisa's personal approach to each stitch, which is incredibly helpful since there are often multiple ways to execute the same stitch. The needle selection guidance makes clear which needle size works best with which thread weight.

The project tracking pages (over 20 pages dedicated to this!) are especially clever. How many times have you looked at a finished piece and thought, "What thread did I use for that detail?" or stood in front of a thread display trying to remember what you need for the project waiting at home? Having a dedicated space to record threads for specific projects means you can shop with confidence rather than guessing.

The pocket size (5-1/4" x 8") is perfect for tucking into your project bag or purse when you're heading to a quilt show or shop. It's small enough to be portable but large enough to write legibly on the pages.

Product Details:

• Designer: Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
• Pages: 74
• Dimensions: 5-1/4" x 8"
• Binding: Softcover, spiral-bound
• Publish Date: November 15, 2024
• Thread Focus: Valdani pearl cottons and embroidery threads
• Category: Reference & Organization