Fiber Infatuation!

[Mary Corbet]

Ok, as far as discussions go for the main forum, how about a bit on fiber infatuation? What's your favorite thread to work with, what's good about it, what techniques is it good for, and - best yet - where can we find it?

At the same time, have you used any particular threads you don't like, so the rest of us can avoid pitfalls??

I'll admit it - I'm infatuated with embroidery threads.

There. I said it. Whew.

Lately, my favorite thing to play with is Gilt Sylke Twist from Plymoth Plantation (Access Commodities imports it into the US and it's available at a limited number of shops).

Right now, I'm testing DMC's new Satin Floss. They sent me samples to "put through the ringer," so I'll be writing up a series of articles on that. So far, I like it ok. It's a rayon (I usually work with natural fibers), but it isn't as difficult to work with as other rayons I've tried before. The colors are pretty good, and they have some gradual shades in purple, blue, pink, yellow, and green, which makes for good blending techniques. But I haven't formulated my lists of pros and cons yet, and I still need to test it on different fabrics with different numbers of strands and such.

My favorite type of thread to work with is silk... any silk. I love silk. Among the various silks, I like just about all the Au Ver a Soie silks.

I'm always looking for a heads-up on threads: "Have you tried [this thread] or [that thread]?"

So if you've got faves, feel free to share info!!

[Gail Odegaard]

Mary, I have to say my favorite thread at this time is Sassa Lynne hand dyed. It is what I always reach for. I love the the color combos that she puts together and how it moves through my fabrics. Being a single strand I don't have to fight with separating it. I was getting mine from Susan Nixon, but she won't be carrying it anymore, Caroleen at Evening Star Design has it now.

I will be interested in your review of the new Satin Floss. I love the sheen of rayon, but the tangle is frustrating at times.

There are so many threads I have not tried yet, it is a world all unto itself.

[Mary Corbet]

I saw the Sassa Lynne threads on Evening Star Designs - I haven't had a chance to try it, though. I'll definitely put it on my list!

So far, the satin floss doesn't strike me to be as cranky as other rayons. It seems to have a "heavier" feel to it, too, although it's still rather fine - one strand is about the size of regular stranded cotton, maybe slightly thicker. When you pull it through your fingers, it has a firm feel to it, but as you work with it, it does wear a bit, so it requires relatively short lengths. Thing is, as it wears, the plies start to lay next to each other (they become a bit looser in the twist), and I like the look that results.

I hope to have a thorough review of the thread up once I have time to use it on a couple different fabrics, in different stitch applications. I'll try it on regular line stitching, but I'd also like to test it on shading techniques. It takes a bit of time to work up the samples, though! So bear with me!

[MichelleMermaid]

I would be interested in seeing photos if you have a chance to post some.

[Lyn Gaskill]

My all time fav. thread is a cotton thread Weeks Dye Works. I love the colors of the line. I use to get it from Mark mcMillen off of ebay but I have found a shop locally called Gingers Needleworks.

The trip I made to Gingers yeilded all sorts of new to me threads that I am exploring! The first one that I used (as I could not wait to see what it would do) is a velvet thread called Very Velvet. Contents are 100% nylon and is distributed by Rainbow Gallery. I used it on a CQ purse. I am very excited about the possiablities of this thread!

The next one that I am currently working with (embroidering a road on a RR block) is made by Caron the Watercolours line. It is giving the "texture" that is needed for the road. I picked up a blue that I am going to use for the river that is going to be embroidered on the block.
I also picked up more silk thread that is made by Caron that I cannot wait to play with.

I think that we need a group that is all about threads!

[Mary Corbet]

Ahhh. Yes... waterlilies is a great overdyed silk thread!! I've seen the Very Velvet worked on canvas - it looks great. Very.... velvety, for lack of a better word.

I've just been looking at sadi thread, thanks to JoWynn, which led me to looking at Edmar threads. Has anyone used them?!! I'd like to hear what they're like. Looks like they have a terrific color range. I get the impression they're used a lot for Brazilian embroidery.

This is the link JoWynn sent me for sadi threads, where I found heaps of Edmar as well. Looks like they're in North Dakota. I've never shopped with them, so I can't vouch for service, but they "look" friendly enough...

http://www.jdr-be.com/sadi_thread.htm

Cheers!

MC

[Lyn Gaskill]

There is a needle shop in Austin, Tx that has both of those threads. The Needle Works. I had thought about getting them but I bought a bunch of Soie Cristale by Caron to play with. This shop is a dream, it has more fibers than you can stir with a stick.

[JoWynn Johns]

I've shopped with jdr-be for several years and their service has been great. The Edmar threads I've used have given great effects, but I find them springy and difficult to handle.

In silk, I haven't found any value to beat Eterna threads. They come in finest flosses--12 strands, to twists as heavy as #5 cotton pearl, and infinite colors. I find them easier to use than flat Japanese silks, yet they give a similar coverage and sheen. Their #8 twist is great for CQ seam treatments. And they have lovely overdyed threads.

[Marjorie Holme]

I used the Edmar threads for Brazilian embroidery many years ago. They were a revelation because they had such vibrant colors, varied colors and weights and textures in what was then an all DMC world. They take care to use but since I was learning new stitches along with the new threads, I was going quite slowly and didn't have many problems. I've used them off and on over the years as accents. I've found they can be a problem unless you're doing something natural or floral or completely abstract--it's hard to control the color changes.

Right now I've been using some Steph Francis threads I purchased about ten years ago in England. I have no idea what they are but the texture is soft and they're lovely to stitch with and the colors are gorgeous. I've also been dipping into my stash of Needle Necessities overdyed perle. I used to love NN's color choices and will miss them. (I have a huge stash to console me.)

[JoWynn Johns]

More about jdr-be as a source for threads and other supplies. I am just a customer, not otherwise connected with them. They offer sample packages of Edmar threads that include all the different weights plus color-coordinated beads in a variety of colorways. http://www.jdr-be.com/threadpackets1.htm This is a generous, cost-effective sampling that allows you to try out every thread. After several projects, I still have quite a bit of the threads left. The "Z" twist of Edmar threads taking getting used to, but careful instructions are on their website. You'd better buy a packet of their needles (milliners'), too, as the threads are unusual sizes.

Eterna threads come from China and I order direct from their website. They sometimes have great sale offers, too.

[Mary Corbet]

I'm avoiding shopping right now, too.

Sort of.

Heh heh.

[Maureen Bond]

Hi, I use Edmar threads and love them for the colours and look of finished work. Some people find they can be tricky to use but there are tips for overcoming this.

This is the only thread I know of that uses the full length and before I cut it at the knot, I hold the skein over steam to unkink it. I believe it can also be ironed.
You need a holder to keep the threads in good condition.
I can Not work out 'S or Z' twist so I run the thread between thumb and finger to find the smoothest way and thread up so this travels through fabric easily.
I only have about 2" hang from the needle eye and distress the thread here to help it slipping from the eye.
It pays to dangle the needle every so often to untwist the thread.
The thread can twist between working bullions, so turn the needle a couple of times in the opposite direction before making the next one.

Lola, Frost and Glory are the most used threads. I like Glory for very fine foliage.
Nova is quite heavy but this I use in long diagonal bullions for tree trunks.
I too have bought threads through JDR Brazillian and was pleased with the transaction. I have no affiliation to this company.
I hope this may help.

[Mary Corbet]

I haven't seen colourstreams, either. But why do they spell "color" wrong? (Oh, just kidding...!)

I'd love to try 'em, but I hate for you to post all the way to the US. Postage is hellish these days. But if you're really keeeeeeen to. Gosh, I'm such a mooch... drop me an e-mail!

Thanks, Paula!