Hello. I am technically a newbie to this forum (just joined today) although I have been reading it for a time. I have been both entertained and enlightened with your collective wisdom and wit. I've enjoyed the friendly exchange and decided to jump in and join you. I am not new to the hobby/obession of cross stitch but only recently discovered that people actually use the internet to discuss it, what a joy!
So, I'm going to step to the front of the class and ask my first question. I would appreciate suggestions regarding metallic threads. I've done many L&L Angels and am currently working on L&L's "The Wedding" for my very beloved older sister. The chart calls for DMC 284Z. I've worked with it alot with the previous angels but don't particularly enjoy it, in fact, it really frustrated me. I've heard of Thread Heaven but haven't tried it yet. I'm wondering, is the Kreinik blending filament or braid any easier to work with? As this project is very important I want it to be just right. The border and the wording is all done in metallic. What if I blended the metallic with regular cotton floss? I look forward to your thoughts.
Salutations from sunny California
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Ooooh *makes you a cup of hot cocoa* Welcome to the forum! Glad you eventually decided to stop lurking and join the fun. The internet has something for everyone really doesn't it? I'm just suprised that I've only been able to find one stitching forum (not that I'd migrate to another forum like)..
So onto metalics. I'm a fan of DMC threads, but NOT their metallics. It is SO hard to work with and I'm actually contemplating giving mine away I loathe working with them that much. Thread heaven does make them a lot easier to use, but I found there are other brands out there that turn working metallics from a nightmare into a joy.
I've not used that particular brand myself as I *am* a newbie to stitching, but I use rainbow gallerys petite treasures.
So onto metalics. I'm a fan of DMC threads, but NOT their metallics. It is SO hard to work with and I'm actually contemplating giving mine away I loathe working with them that much. Thread heaven does make them a lot easier to use, but I found there are other brands out there that turn working metallics from a nightmare into a joy.
I've not used that particular brand myself as I *am* a newbie to stitching, but I use rainbow gallerys petite treasures.
Welcome to the forum Carolyn - I'm fairly new but it's a great place to be - everyone is so friendly.
I personally hate metallic threads - I've never tried Thread Heaven but my current project uses blending filament and I've found that less stressful to use - I've used it on it's own and combined with other thread and the effect is lovely, I did find that doing a row of stitches (stitching 'one arm' of the stitch then coming back to do the other arm) was easier, when I did each stitch indivdually the filament did break more easily - but maybe that was just me!
Good luck with the project.
Paula xx
I personally hate metallic threads - I've never tried Thread Heaven but my current project uses blending filament and I've found that less stressful to use - I've used it on it's own and combined with other thread and the effect is lovely, I did find that doing a row of stitches (stitching 'one arm' of the stitch then coming back to do the other arm) was easier, when I did each stitch indivdually the filament did break more easily - but maybe that was just me!
Good luck with the project.
Paula xx
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~threadbear~
- Posts: 16596
- Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:25 am
- Location: Cumbria U.K
Welcome Carolyn!
I recently made a sampler which was almost all metallic threads. I had never used them before but am now converted enough to want to use them somehow in all my projects!
I bought some thread heaven and got my threads out of rainbow gallerys petite treasures. I started off using the thread heaven each time, but soon I got to grips with the feel of sewing with metallic thread and then only used occasionally if I needed to thread my needle again when at the end of my thread where it was a little frayed.
I'd def recommend you trying the range I've used, they are lovely to work with.
Have fun on the forum.
I recently made a sampler which was almost all metallic threads. I had never used them before but am now converted enough to want to use them somehow in all my projects!
I bought some thread heaven and got my threads out of rainbow gallerys petite treasures. I started off using the thread heaven each time, but soon I got to grips with the feel of sewing with metallic thread and then only used occasionally if I needed to thread my needle again when at the end of my thread where it was a little frayed.
I'd def recommend you trying the range I've used, they are lovely to work with.
Have fun on the forum.
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Welcome to the forum Carolyn. A few tips about working with metallic threads:
a. Make the thread you work with no longer than 12 inches.
b. Fasten it to your needle. (This makes such a difference, as the thread can no longer slip.)
c. Use a product like Thread Heaven or beeswax to make the thread easier to work.
d. Work slowly.
Thread Heaven really does make a difference, and I wouldn't stitch metallic threads without it.
I have used Kreinik blending filament and found it fine to work with. I've also blended it with regular thread and, again, had no problem. Hope it goes well. Let us know how you get on.
a. Make the thread you work with no longer than 12 inches.
b. Fasten it to your needle. (This makes such a difference, as the thread can no longer slip.)
c. Use a product like Thread Heaven or beeswax to make the thread easier to work.
d. Work slowly.
Thread Heaven really does make a difference, and I wouldn't stitch metallic threads without it.
I have used Kreinik blending filament and found it fine to work with. I've also blended it with regular thread and, again, had no problem. Hope it goes well. Let us know how you get on.
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wendywombat
- Posts: 13546
- Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2006 12:03 pm
- Location: Scottish Borders
Hello Carolyn and welcome. So pleased that you came in to join us up front!
As for metallic threads, I've used Kreinik threads by themselves and as a blend with cotton floss. As Genevieve says use short lengths and do a lot of 'dangling' to stop the threads getting knotted or tangling up. Some times I just add a few 'highlights' over existing stitches to bring some sparkle. That way you add emphasis with out to much Hassle! It worked brilliantly when I stitched a Kingfisher. Often Less is More with metallics!
As for metallic threads, I've used Kreinik threads by themselves and as a blend with cotton floss. As Genevieve says use short lengths and do a lot of 'dangling' to stop the threads getting knotted or tangling up. Some times I just add a few 'highlights' over existing stitches to bring some sparkle. That way you add emphasis with out to much Hassle! It worked brilliantly when I stitched a Kingfisher. Often Less is More with metallics!
)
Well it is about time you joined in 
Just kidding. Anyway it is so good to have you joining in all of our fun and I am sure you will fit right in.
The angels that are in my gallery and webshots all have one kind of metallic or another and I think the effect is wonderful. The DMC does seem to be a bit more stiff to work with but I like the way the finish looks. Thread heaven will help loads with the stitching. The Krenick has more color choices and it does have a lighter feel but some of them are hard to keep on the needle and tend to break if you get to rambunctious. So as has already been pointed out cut shorter pieces and go so. And I use thread heaven on those also. Blending them with cotton floss can make a difference but some times the cotton can hid the metallic.
Just kidding. Anyway it is so good to have you joining in all of our fun and I am sure you will fit right in. The angels that are in my gallery and webshots all have one kind of metallic or another and I think the effect is wonderful. The DMC does seem to be a bit more stiff to work with but I like the way the finish looks. Thread heaven will help loads with the stitching. The Krenick has more color choices and it does have a lighter feel but some of them are hard to keep on the needle and tend to break if you get to rambunctious. So as has already been pointed out cut shorter pieces and go so. And I use thread heaven on those also. Blending them with cotton floss can make a difference but some times the cotton can hid the metallic.
If you are looking for some one to help change you, look in the mirror
Hello, and welcome to the forum.
I myself haven't used metallic thread so far, but I have a few skeins in my craft box waiting for me to do something with them... so your question helps me, too
Thanks for asking. Enjoy the life of our wonderful forum!
I myself haven't used metallic thread so far, but I have a few skeins in my craft box waiting for me to do something with them... so your question helps me, too
Thanks for asking. Enjoy the life of our wonderful forum!
Agi
"The world, as a colourful knot of threads, has turned into a memory, and now you cannot be sure whether it was real." (Géza Ottlik, Hungarian writer)
My blog
"The world, as a colourful knot of threads, has turned into a memory, and now you cannot be sure whether it was real." (Géza Ottlik, Hungarian writer)
My blog
Thanks for all the suggestions. I look forward to getting to "know" you all better. There is a wealth of information you ladies (and gentlemen) have to offer. I am happy to be a recipient of your experience. I have learned answers to questions I didn't even know I had. LOL
Also, I have looked at many of your galleries and am so impressed! It's funny, but before finding this forum, I never thought to take pictures of my finished pieces. But then I didn't spend much time on the computer. I've given away all but a few of my completed projects (the early, embarrasing learning projects). From now on, I'll get pictures and try learn the ins and outs of posting them. You know, old dogs and new tricks. I'm pretty green on the technical side of internet language and such. Thanks again.
Carolyn
Also, I have looked at many of your galleries and am so impressed! It's funny, but before finding this forum, I never thought to take pictures of my finished pieces. But then I didn't spend much time on the computer. I've given away all but a few of my completed projects (the early, embarrasing learning projects). From now on, I'll get pictures and try learn the ins and outs of posting them. You know, old dogs and new tricks. I'm pretty green on the technical side of internet language and such. Thanks again.
Carolyn
hehe I didn't really think of taking pictures, but I joined this site after like...three days of stitching, so my early learning stitches are in my gallery 
It's good though, you can look back and see what you've done wrong and learn from it. When you finish a piece you get a pride and well I don't see flaws, but then when you look back you can say "Well actually..." and improve on it.
If you need any help putting your pictures in the gallery, just ask. We'll help. We love looking at peoples galleries.
Hope to get to know you better too ^_^
It's good though, you can look back and see what you've done wrong and learn from it. When you finish a piece you get a pride and well I don't see flaws, but then when you look back you can say "Well actually..." and improve on it.If you need any help putting your pictures in the gallery, just ask. We'll help. We love looking at peoples galleries.
Hope to get to know you better too ^_^
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Mabel Figworthy
- Posts: 33603
- Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:05 pm
- Location: Dunchurch, UK
- Contact:
Hello Carolyn, and welcome to the group -- glad you decided to jump in and join us; I did so fairly recently and am enjoying myself greatly 
About metallics, I do find the DMC ones a bit of a bother to work with, haven't tried Kreinik yet, but what I did find works very well for me (see it in action in my gallery, find the angel with the trumpet) is Madeira no. 40. I happened to pick up a spool somewhere years ago in silver and I find it a treat to work with, both on its own (usually doubled) or as a blending thread.
As I am running out I tried to find it again on the internet but it's often tucked away under machine embroidery, don't know why. Anyway, Tandem Cottage do it over here in the UK for about £2 a spool (which will last you for ages), I'm sure there are suppliers in the US as well.
About metallics, I do find the DMC ones a bit of a bother to work with, haven't tried Kreinik yet, but what I did find works very well for me (see it in action in my gallery, find the angel with the trumpet) is Madeira no. 40. I happened to pick up a spool somewhere years ago in silver and I find it a treat to work with, both on its own (usually doubled) or as a blending thread.
As I am running out I tried to find it again on the internet but it's often tucked away under machine embroidery, don't know why. Anyway, Tandem Cottage do it over here in the UK for about £2 a spool (which will last you for ages), I'm sure there are suppliers in the US as well.