Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: To organize floss from small cross-stitch projects, I use the plastic tops of large yogurt containers.

First, I cut off the lip (it’s very soft plastic and cuts easily). This makes it easier to use a hole punch to make the necessary number of holes. Since the underside of the top has no writing on it, I can use a small-tipped permanent marker to identify each color’s name and number as well as the name of the project.

Then I loop the floss through the holes, put the “palette,” needle, instructions and cloth in a zippered plastic bag and I’m ready to go! - Peg Chagnon, Glens Falls, N.Y.