Care and Feeding of Pearl #5-Help!

[Little_Rat]

I started a project that uses skeins of pearl thread #5. Unfortunately, even when I try to be gentle and careful, I end up with a big tangled mess after pulling off just three or four lengths of thread. Then I have to spend 15 minutes untangling it all and winding it into a ball. Any suggestions on how to manage this material and also how to store it so that I can keep track of the color number?
Thanks!

[NeedleAndFork]

Have you looked at how DMC describes to use it? I looked at their site and they had instructions.. (click on 'how to use'

[Little_Rat]

Thank you!

[MaggieM1750]

I cut hanks like the second diagram. When I need shorter lengths, I just cut a strand or two in half. If I cut the first way, the lengths are too short to work with for hardanger projects- you'd be starting and ending threads more than you would be stitching.

I slip the number tag back on and loop tie the whole thing in a big knot when I am done working with it. Haven't really figured out a better way.

[Serinde]

And there's this from Mary Corbett: http://www.needlenthread.com/2009/02/th ... idery.html" target="_blank

[rcperryls]

What a great tip, Serinde. I am going to have to set up a seperate folder in my Bookmarks for Mary Corbett's tutorials. I have so many bookmarked. I have made a lousy attempt at bobbinating my pearls and I know its not the right way to do it. I don't think of checking her website enough, but can often count on you to find the right tip from her. Is this how you store your Pearls? and other threads which come in these loopy skeins?

Carole

[Serinde]

Yes, once I start a skein, I try to do it this way. Keeps everything neat and you really can remove one thread at a time.

[jocellogirl]

That's a lovely way of dealing with perles Serinde. I do the steps up to cutting at the knot so I have pre cut lengths. I then put them onto a small plastic ring and write the brand and shade color on the ring with a fine marker pen. I then put similar colours onto a split metal ring. I'll post pictures later when I get home.