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I don't know if I've set myself an impossible task, but I'm trying to move from an idea to a chart to fabric to floss/thread/beads. I have a pretty clear idea of what I want the design to look like and I've done it well enough in PCStitch. The design has a cross stitched border with spaces for specialty stitches, and a quotation in the middle--kind of like a sampler. The whole border is supposed to look something like lace. The quote is about diamonds, so I'm going after a glittery look with mostly whites/grays/silvers, etc. I just can't seem to get the right combination of fabric and threads. And I'm wondering if I've set myself a challenge that's beyond my knowledge and skill level.

My first try was on 18 ct Aida, and I tried doing the text in cross stitches with a DMC metallic floss. (Hysterical laughter.) Next was 22 ct Hardanger, which I dyed a pale blue-gray. That was getting closer to the look, but I wanted a higher count fabric and the silvery/pearly threads didn't show up. Duh. Now I'm doing sample stitches on 28 ct. Lugana in a pale blue, which I think I'll overdye with dark gray or even black. That should make my pale threads stand out the way I imagine them. BUT. . .

I think my threads are too heavy to do one over one (or two). I've tried all the DMC Light Effects (metallic, pearlescent, antique) in my color range; and am now testing some Petite Treasure Braids, but I'm not a happy camper yet. The closest I've come to "the look" I want has been DMC metallic thread, Kreinik Blending Filament, and Rainbow Blending Thread, all in just a few colors. So I'm wondering if I should order some more KBF and RBT. I've never tried silks before, and don't really have a convenient LNS, so I'm kind of at a loss.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Hi Becky,

First of all, step away from the DMC metallics! They are notorious for being difficult to work with. Kreiniks are better, but the best I've found is the Petite Treasure Braid from Rainbow Gallery.
You might want to try some silks, they have a very nice sheen, and for a little added sparkle add a strand of Rainbow Gallery PTB in White Pearl (PB10). Caron Waterlilies and Thread Gatherer Silk N' Colors are my favorite silks to work with, and they have some colors that may be perfect for what you are describing. For example Caron 218 Ash, 134 Dawn, 119 Harbor Mist, or 044 Ice would work well. Or Silk N Colors 0000 Snow Drift, 0033 Silver Queen, 0035 Mint Frost, 0075 Greystone, or 0162 Winter Moon. You can get these online since you don't have an LNS - 123 Stitch is always a good option. I hope this helps!

Not sure if this will help.. or help to muddle your options..
But on a Facebook group I am on, one of the ladies is stitching part of a design in a French thread... Fil Tonkin
The stitcher said its a nice combination of sparkle and color.. but very different than any other metallic she has worked with.
As far as those on the board can tell, there is not a US distributor. But.. maybe this is available on one of the UK sites? Or someone would be willing to do a thread exchange?

Sounds like an interesting project. And exactly like a thought process I have had. Hope you find the right thread/ fabric combination so your mental image turns into an actual image.

Just an idea... Stitch the the text entirely in clear glass beads?

Have you tried maybe tenting the Petite Treasure Braid, instead of doing a full cross? That's what I do on my HAEDs, as I find a full cross in PTB is too bulky.

Also, if you are going to use metallic threads, arm yourself with some Thread Heaven, you won't believe how much it helps!

The only thing that I can say is get away from the DMC metallic there is no up side to it. I love to use krenik blending and Rainbow Petite treasure they are both wonderful to work with.

Thanks so much to all of you for your suggestions. I really appreciate it. I'll keep you informed of my progress.

Rose wrote:The only thing that I can say is get away from the DMC metallic there is no up side to it. I love to use krenik blending and Rainbow Petite treasure they are both wonderful to work with.

I totally agree!!! Best of luck Becky, I look forward to seeing your progress