I wrap all my thread on the cardboard DMC bobbins and organize them in the thread boxes (I do both cross stich and embroidery, so I organize by number).  The only thing I do differently than a lot of people is that I have a 5 star type binder for my current project.  I put the floss bobbins I need in it using a coin collector sheet (it's clear plactic with square pockets the perfect size for a bobbin) then I use the binder's other pockets for scissors, needles, etc.  I keep all the things aren't thread or a current project in baskets on a bookshelf.

Good luck!!

I definitely second the recommendation for the A-Z books.  I use mine when I'm looking for some new or creative stitches to work in to a project.    (Had to use a pumpkin smiley!!)

I fly with my embroidery within the US pretty frequently and have never had a problem, I think as long as you watch the scissors you have.  (I didn't read the link, but if I recall there are restrictions on the type or size of those.)

The only problem I will have now is to keep myself from buying at least one of every thread because they're all so pretty!

It's OK to have one of each.  I actually couldn't stop until I had bought one of every DMC color and wound each one on a bobbin and stored them in the little boxes.  Good luck with organizing, I agree that it is a big project at the beginning, but it is goes quickly and it is definitely worth it!

This thread has me so nervous now.  I finished my first major project (a queen size quilt) and to add sentimental value it was the last thing my grandma quilted before passing away this year.  I should be finished binding this week and was going to wash it to remove the quilt marking lines, but I am so scared now!!

Just out of curiousity, what brand of thread were you using?  I never tested DMC flosses, but now I'm wondering if I should be worried about DMC too.   

I love these so much that I am making some this weekend.  I'm curious though, what size glass ornaments did you use?  The Michaels nearest me is down to only have 3.5 inch balls () left when I called, but that sounds kind of big, no?

I believe it is just called "redwork", at least that is what my mom and grandma have always called it.  Based on a quick google here is a site that looks like it has some background.  http://www.prettyimpressivestuff.com/redwork.htm

I had a similar issue when I started embroidery and also took a box of old thread from my mom's house.  DMC makes a folder that summarizes all of their colors that I think would be  a great reference tool.  (Here's a link to what I'm talking about http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/0p0100001b/en_US/Colour-card---Mouline-Special-117.html ).  I wouldn't recommend using the online version since colors can get distorted on your screen, for me this was well worth a few dollars to buy and own and I still use it now to figure out what color I want for certain things.  Anyway, once you've narrowed your search you can take a sample and hold it against the actual threads.  I tried to do some searches for any conversion charts for American Thread Company, but I don't see anything posted online.

I highly, highly recommend an embroidery threader like this one:

http://www.createforless.com/Clover+Needle+Threader+Embroidery/pid135683.aspx?SI=fe5d4e1c-8f08-4927-bbbb-4b011c6a55bb

I just this one even the metallic flosses (3 strands at a time) without any problem at all.  I used to break needle threaders like crazy, but I've had this one for nearly a year.  Good luck!!

PS - I hope this is OK, since it is a link to a selling website, but I couldn't find this anywhere else.  If the link isn't OK please feel free to remove.