<<<From: Annette Gill [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Can anyone tell me if silk is difficult to work with? I'm a beginner and was
wondering if it's slippery or difficult to control. Which type of silk works
best - spun, floss, filament?<<<

In my opinion, silk is no harder to use than linen and cotton.  Gutermann
silk is the most like cotton in look and feel, so I don't think you want
that if you're trying silk for its difference.

Tire and YLI (and a third brand I can't think of right now) silk come on
spools that look like sewing machine thread, and that's the stuff I'd
recommend.  It comes in size 50 and 100, and I've used both sizes for Bucks
and torchon patterns.  The colors are luscious, and it has that lovely silk
sheen.  The thread is more slippery than cotton or linen, making it easier
to tension.  I haven't tried making leaves with it, but for grounds and
cloth (CTC) stitch it holds its shape beautifully.  I put a "double" hitch
on the bobbin to prevent it from lengthening all the time (the one drawback
to slippery thread).

You do have to watch the rolling bobbins.  The thread is very strong while
it's properly twisted, but when bobbins roll around it can come untwisted
and then it breaks easily.  Before it's untwisted to that point, you can see
the thread looks un-smoothe, and if you lift the bobbin the thread kinks.
Just roll the bobbin the other way to get the proper twist back on the
thread and everything will be fine.

just my opinion,
Robin P.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
http://www.pittsburghlace.8m.com 

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