Shaker Spool Box by Betsy Morgan

As we were writing this week’s article showcasing Betsy Morgan’s project Shaker Spool Box from Inspirations issue #111, we were filled with mixed emotions, both joy and sadness. The joy naturally comes from the project itself.

But the sadness is unavoidable because, as you may know by now, Betsy is retiring and this will most likely be her very last project to feature in Inspirations magazine.

Betsy Morgan has been part of the Inspirations family ever since her debut back in issue #53 of the magazine. Every single project published has been exceptionally popular, thanks in part to her delicate, fine, counted work. But it isn’t just the stitching that sets Betsy apart; her clever construction techniques and intricate finishes are extraordinary, with many projects featuring numerous pieces, each one an exquisite stitching accessory in its own right.

As much as we’re all going to miss Betsy terribly, her decision to finally retire is certainly justified. It seems she has some serious grandmother duties to fulfil! As many of you already appreciate, grandchildren can make for a very busy life and we know Betsy is eagerly throwing herself into her new role.

So, with all of that in mind, we are thrilled to present to you the Shaker Spool Box; Betsy’s swan song for Inspirations magazine.

The box is inspired by historical leather spool boxes that can still be found in antique shops in the USA and is perfectly constructed to fit several spools of thread snugly inside.

It is richly decorated with a colourful cross stitch design and is finished with gold and blue ribbon around the outside.

Betsy always ensures that her projects have a few special surprises and this one is no different. Inside the box is a tiny emery pincushion and, in the lid, fashioned from beautiful vintage fabric, is a place to put your needles. Then, on top of the lid, you’ll find a perfect little pocket designed to fit your embroidery scissors so they are always to hand.

The Shaker Spool Box is constructed with the detail everyone has come to expect from Betsy, with a sparkling button fastener and a neatly hinged lid so that everything inside stays safe.

Betsy’s designs are as much practical stitching accessories as they are mini works of art. Part of the joy of creating one of her pieces is the careful construction and putting together of each piece so that it fits just right.

While on one hand we wish Betsy all the best for her future with her wonderful family, on the other we’ll be shedding a quiet tear for the fact we’ll be missing out on enjoying new pieces from her apparently endless imagination.

There’s only one thing for it then… we’ll just have to go through the back catalogue and start all of them over again!

We know that you’ll be eager to get started on the Shaker Spool Box, but for those interested in our Ready-to-Stitch kits, it seems patience is a virtue as is the case when it comes to our Willing Hands 2 kits as well unfortunately.

As Betsy predominantly uses Gloriana threads in her projects, Gloriana themselves, like many businesses at present, are experiencing significant production output issues during the pandemic due to sourcing and shipping delays.

While they are doing their best to catch up and fulfill all the threads we’re eagerly waiting on, for now we suggest placing your orders even though there is a wait, as due to the fact we are working to a limited allocation, once we’re sold out it may be an even LONGER wait before we are able to re-kit.

In the meantime, now is a great time to revisit all the Betsy Morgan designs published to-date and after you’ve finished creating the Shaker Spool Box, create a list of her projects you are yet to add to your collection.

Make Your Own Shaker Spool Box

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Shaker Spool Box by Betsy Morgan is a handy counted thread box for sewing thread spools with places for scissors, needles and an emery.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Shaker Spool Box includes everything* you need to re-create this charming thread box: Fabrics (unprinted), interfacings, interlining, buttons, bead, emery powder, sewing and nylon thread, embroidery threads, ribbons and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern. Please see note on product page for fabric substitution.