Selecting thread, etc.
Dear Leah,
I'm a great believer in experimentation - I think it's pretty impossible to
guess how a thread will perform without giving it a try. Not only will you
know how it feels in your hand, you'll know how it looks against the fabric.
And a thread/fabric/stitch combination in one instance may be not at all
what you're after in another application. When I first started writing for
Threads magazine, the editors were always asking me for specifics when it
came to stitch length, spacing, and so on - and although I've learned to be
more specific with what I recommend, I still go back to one's own
experimentation and assessment. Having said all that, I think this class
will give you a battery of stitches on which to rely - your repertoire will
be expanded, so when it does come time to experiment, you'll be familiar
with and secure about the possibilties. And for the decorative stitch you'd
like to apply to that neckline, I'd buy 3 or 4 different threads and try
them all, single and double, and see which you like best.
by Susan Khalje in response to my questions (see below)
--------------------------------
Susan,
I bought some embroidery thread last weekend to attempt a neckline chain
stitch or buttonhole stitch finish I saw in ready to wear. I had no idea
whether to buy embroidery thread (and which weight) or buttonhole thread or
just double over silk thread. Would this class help me determine such
things?
Additionally, I've become interested in specialty hand stitches combined
with embellishments like sequins and beads. I am thinking that would be a
different class altogether but wonder if knowing hand stitching techniques
would help me figure it out. It would be great to know how to do perfectly
spaced stitches.
Thank you in advance,
Leah
I'm a great believer in experimentation - I think it's pretty impossible to
guess how a thread will perform without giving it a try. Not only will you
know how it feels in your hand, you'll know how it looks against the fabric.
And a thread/fabric/stitch combination in one instance may be not at all
what you're after in another application. When I first started writing for
Threads magazine, the editors were always asking me for specifics when it
came to stitch length, spacing, and so on - and although I've learned to be
more specific with what I recommend, I still go back to one's own
experimentation and assessment. Having said all that, I think this class
will give you a battery of stitches on which to rely - your repertoire will
be expanded, so when it does come time to experiment, you'll be familiar
with and secure about the possibilties. And for the decorative stitch you'd
like to apply to that neckline, I'd buy 3 or 4 different threads and try
them all, single and double, and see which you like best.
by Susan Khalje in response to my questions (see below)
--------------------------------
Susan,
I bought some embroidery thread last weekend to attempt a neckline chain
stitch or buttonhole stitch finish I saw in ready to wear. I had no idea
whether to buy embroidery thread (and which weight) or buttonhole thread or
just double over silk thread. Would this class help me determine such
things?
Additionally, I've become interested in specialty hand stitches combined
with embellishments like sequins and beads. I am thinking that would be a
different class altogether but wonder if knowing hand stitching techniques
would help me figure it out. It would be great to know how to do perfectly
spaced stitches.
Thank you in advance,
Leah
